The fast-food giant is testing new affordable meal deals at nearly 1,900 restaurants as it looks to attract budget-conscious customers and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive market.

November 2026 — McDonald's is preparing to introduce a new nationwide value menu program in early 2027 as the fast-food giant works to reverse sluggish customer traffic and respond to growing demand for affordable dining options.

The company has launched an eight-week trial of new budget-friendly menu offerings at approximately 1,900 restaurants across several U.S. markets.

The initiative comes after McDonald's reported a 0.2% decline in comparable U.S. sales during the third quarter, highlighting the challenges facing restaurant chains as consumers become more selective about spending.

CEO Chris Kempczinski outlined the strategy during the company's latest earnings call, explaining that McDonald's wants to make its restaurants a more attractive choice for customers seeking affordable meals.

McDonald's Tests New Budget-Friendly Meal Deals

The company's latest initiative focuses on two different approaches to everyday value.

The first involves mix-and-match offers, allowing customers to combine selected menu items at a reduced price.

These promotions are similar to previous McDonald's deals that allowed customers to purchase one item and add another for a discounted amount.

The second approach features fixed-price meal bundles containing predetermined combinations of food and beverages.

Both options are being tested across different parts of the day, giving McDonald's an opportunity to evaluate customer preferences for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The company began testing the new menu structures during the final week of October.

Results will help executives determine which offers deliver the strongest combination of customer satisfaction, operational efficiency and sustainable sales growth.

More Than 40% of U.S. Restaurants Are Already Involved

McDonald's franchise operators are showing significant interest in the company's renewed emphasis on affordability.

According to Kempczinski, franchisees representing approximately 4,000 restaurants have already begun introducing similar entry-level meal bundles ahead of the formal test results.

Combined with the restaurants participating in the official trial, these locations represent more than 40% of McDonald's U.S. system.

The early participation suggests broad support among franchise operators for a stronger national value strategy.

However, the company still needs to determine which pricing structures will generate additional customer visits without putting excessive pressure on restaurant profitability.

McDonald's expects to use the findings to finalize its nationwide program.

Why McDonald's Is Focusing on Affordability

The renewed value menu push reflects changing consumer behavior across the fast-food industry.

Many customers are paying closer attention to restaurant prices and looking for meals that provide greater value for their money.

For McDonald's, the challenge is maintaining its reputation as an affordable dining destination while managing operating costs and protecting franchisee margins.

The company's recent U.S. sales decline has added urgency to that effort.

Executives believe clearer and more consistent pricing options could help encourage customers to return more frequently.

The planned program will focus on making affordable choices easier to identify, whether customers want a single menu item, a complete meal or a promotional offer through the McDonald's mobile app.

Digital discounts are expected to remain an important part of the company's broader approach to attracting price-conscious consumers.

New Value Menu Expected to Launch in Early 2027

McDonald's plans to complete its current testing phase before selecting the structure for its next national value program.

The company is evaluating how customers respond to different offers and whether the deals can be implemented efficiently across its large restaurant network.

Executives are also examining whether the promotions can generate lasting increases in customer traffic and sales.

A successful rollout could help McDonald's strengthen its competitive position against other fast-food chains offering discounted meals and promotional bundles.

Specific nationwide prices and menu combinations have not yet been announced.

McDonald's Announces $8.5 Billion Modernization Strategy

The value menu initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the company's restaurants and improve the customer experience.

In September, McDonald's announced a multiyear investment program called NEXT, which focuses on restaurant upgrades, employee training and new technology.

The company plans to spend approximately $8.5 billion on the initiative through 2036.

Around $5 billion of that investment is expected to be allocated by 2030.

The program also includes financial support for franchise operators through a combination of capital assistance and rent relief.

McDonald's believes these investments will help restaurants operate more efficiently while preparing for future menu innovations.

Restaurant Remodels and New Technology

McDonald's plans to begin remodeling hundreds of U.S. restaurants in 2027.

The upgrades will include changes to kitchen layouts and equipment designed to support new products and improve restaurant operations.

The company also intends to accelerate its global remodeling program, targeting a pace of more than 5,000 restaurants annually by 2028.

Some elements of the NEXT strategy are already underway.

Global Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden said McDonald's has begun implementing several initiatives, including a new beverage platform and the Make It Golden employee training program.

The company is also conducting operational trials involving hand-breaded chicken products.

Internationally, McDonald's has started opening restaurants featuring the updated NEXT design, including a location in Poland.

These changes are intended to support long-term growth while improving the consistency and efficiency of restaurant operations.

What Customers Can Expect in 2027

For McDonald's customers, the upcoming changes could mean more affordable choices and a wider variety of meal combinations.

The company has identified several priorities for the coming year:

• New value bundles: Additional meal combinations designed to appeal to customers seeking lower-priced options.

• Flexible menu choices: Mix-and-match deals that allow customers to select from eligible items.

• Digital promotions: Continued use of the McDonald's app to deliver targeted discounts.

• Restaurant improvements: Updated kitchens, equipment and operational systems.

• Potential menu innovations: New beverage options and products being evaluated through restaurant trials.

The final details will depend on the results of the company's current testing program.

Can McDonald's Win Back Budget-Conscious Customers?

McDonald's has long relied on affordable menu options to attract a broad customer base.

However, changing consumer expectations and growing competition have made value an increasingly important part of the company's strategy.

The latest initiative reflects an effort to provide customers with more predictable and appealing prices.

At the same time, McDonald's must ensure that its promotions remain financially sustainable for franchisees.

The company's investment in technology, training and restaurant modernization could also help support its long-term growth plans.

Whether the strategy succeeds will depend on customer response, execution across thousands of locations and the ability to translate promotional offers into sustained traffic growth.

Final Thoughts

McDonald's is preparing for a significant shift in its U.S. value menu strategy as it seeks to address slowing sales and changing consumer spending habits.

With approximately 1,900 restaurants participating in formal tests and franchisees operating thousands of additional locations introducing similar deals, the company is laying the groundwork for a potential nationwide launch in early 2027.

The initiative will be supported by McDonald's broader $8.5 billion modernization program, which aims to upgrade restaurants, strengthen employee training and introduce new technology.

For customers, the biggest potential benefit is a wider selection of affordable meal options. For McDonald's, the challenge is turning those offers into stronger customer traffic and sustainable sales growth.

Editor's note: This article is a rewritten English-language adaptation of Eric Revell's FOX Business report. Sales figures, investment plans and company statements reflect the supplied source. The final pricing and details of McDonald's planned 2027 value menu have not yet been announced.