You’ve seen the headlines about fast-food prices lately. It’s gotten a little out of hand, hasn’t it? Honestly, there was a point last year where grabbing a quick burger felt like a luxury expense. But as we kick off 2026, the Golden Arches seems to have finally gotten the memo. They’re pivoting back to value in a big way, and if you know where to look, you can still eat for a price that doesn't make your wallet cry.
The big news right now is the official rollout of the McValue platform. This isn't just a single deal; it's basically a whole structural shift. McDonald's USA President Joe Erlinger has been pretty vocal about this, essentially admitting they needed to win back folks who felt "inflation-scorned."
So, what’s actually on the menu today? Let's get into the specifics of the current specials at McDonald's that are actually worth your time.
The Return of the $5 Meal Deal (And the $8 Upgrade)
The $5 Meal Deal was supposed to be a temporary summer thing back in 2024, but it’s still hanging around in early 2026 because, well, it works. People love it. You get a four-piece Chicken McNugget, small fries, and a small drink. For the main event, you pick between a McDouble or a McChicken. It’s solid. It's predictable.
But there is a new heavy hitter in town: the $8 Extra Value Meal.
If the $5 deal feels like a "snack" to you, this is the one you want. It’s a full-sized Big Mac meal with medium fries and a medium drink for eight bucks. Given that some standalone Big Macs were creeping toward seven dollars in certain cities last year, this is a massive win. They've also applied this logic to breakfast. You can snag a $5 Sausage McMuffin with Egg meal that includes a hash brown and a small coffee.
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Wait. There is a catch.
These "national" deals are often up to the franchise owner. I’ve noticed some spots in high-rent areas (looking at you, New York and LA) might bump that $5 deal to $6. It’s annoying, but still better than paying twelve bucks for a combo.
The "Buy One, Add One for $1" Strategy
This is the sleeper hit of the current specials at McDonald's. It’s a flexible promo that lets you customize. Basically, you buy one qualifying item at regular price—think a Quarter Pounder or a 10-piece nugget—and you can add a second one for just a dollar.
It's perfect for when you're "sorta" hungry but know you'll want more in twenty minutes. Or, you know, if you're feeding two people on a budget.
The list of "add-on" items usually includes:
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- McDouble
- McChicken
- 6-piece Chicken McNuggets
- Hot 'n Spicy McChicken (regional)
- Small Fries
App-Only Secrets: Free Fries Friday and BOGO Hacks
If you aren't using the app, you’re basically paying a "laziness tax." I’m serious.
Free Fries Friday is still a thing in 2026. You just need to spend at least $1 in the app on any Friday, and you get a medium fry for free. It’s the easiest win in fast food.
But the real gold is in the "Deals" tab, which changes based on your location. Right now, many users are seeing a 25% off any order of $10 or more. If you’re buying for a group, that’s a way better deal than the $5 combos. I’ve also seen a BOGO $0.99 deal for Big Macs and Quarter Pounders lately.
One thing to watch out for: The MyMcDonald's Rewards program recently changed its rules. As of January 1, 2026, your points now expire after six months instead of twelve. If you’ve been hoarding 20,000 points like a dragon, use them now before they vanish into the digital ether.
The Big Arch and the 2026 "Secret Menu"
Let's talk about the Big Arch. It’s been teased for ages, and it’s finally making its way into more US markets this January. It’s a beast. Two Quarter Pounder patties, three slices of cheese, and a "tangy" sauce that isn't quite Big Mac sauce but hits similar notes. It’s definitely not a "value" item—it'll run you about $12 for a meal—but it’s the current "limited time" hype item.
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Then there's the "Secret Menu" rollout.
McDonald's is officially leaning into the hacks people post on TikTok. In select markets, you can now actually order a Surf N’ Turf (a double cheeseburger with a Filet-O-Fish patty inside) or a Chicken Cheeseburger without having to assemble it yourself at the table like a DIY project. They even have an Apple Pie Mini McFlurry on the official "secret" list right now.
Is AI Actually Making Things Better?
You might notice some new tech at the drive-thru this year. McDonald's is rolling out AI-driven computer vision systems. Basically, a camera checks your bag before the worker hands it to you to make sure the computer’s order matches the physical food.
They’re also using sensors to predict when the ice cream machines are about to break. It sounds like sci-fi, but it’s aimed at fixing the "the machine is down" meme that has plagued the brand for a decade. Whether it actually works in the real world remains to be seen, but early reports from the 2026 pilot programs are actually pretty promising.
How to Win at McDonald's Right Now
To wrap this up, don't just walk in and order off the big glowing board. That's how you spend $15 on a meal that should cost $8.
- Stack the App: Check your local deals first. If you have the 25% off coupon, use that on regular items. If not, stick to the $5 or $8 value meals.
- Friday is Fry Day: Never pay for fries on a Friday. Ever.
- The Receipt Hack: Look at the back of your receipt. There is almost always a "Buy One Get One Free" Quarter Pounder or Egg McMuffin offer if you fill out a 2-minute survey.
- Check Your Points: Since the expiration window just shrunk to six months, make it a habit to redeem your 1,500 points for a free cheeseburger or hash brown before they expire.
The "Value Wars" of 2026 are definitely in full swing. Between the price freeze in Canada and the aggressive McValue expansion in the US, it's a good time to be a bargain hunter. Just stay smart, use the tech, and maybe skip the Big Arch if you're actually trying to save a buck.