McDonald’s Plans New Value Bundles for 2027 After U.S. Sales and Traffic Weaken

McDonald’s plans to introduce a new nationwide value-meal program in early 2027 after its U.S. business showed renewed signs of strain in the third quarter. The company reported on November 4 that comparable sales at U.S. restaurants fell 0.2% from a year earlier, the first quarterly decline since early 2025. It has started testing two new types of affordable meal bundles at about 1,900 U.S. restaurants, while franchisees operating roughly 4,000 additional locations have introduced similar offers on their own.

The effort is not simply a broad price cut. McDonald’s is testing two ways to make entry-level meals easier to understand and buy: mix-and-match combinations that give customers a choice of items, and fixed-price bundles with a set combination. CEO Chris Kempczinski said the company’s earlier value efforts had not offered compelling enough low-priced options, particularly for customers with tighter budgets.

U.S. sales weaken as customers focus on affordability

The 0.2% decline in U.S. comparable sales marked a reversal after several quarters of growth. Reuters, citing Placer.ai data, reported that visits to McDonald’s restaurants in the United States fell 4.6% year over year in the third quarter. The Associated Press said traffic across the U.S. fast-food sector fell 2.6% as consumers faced higher living costs and gasoline prices, while competitors such as Taco Bell continued to promote low-priced menu choices.

McDonald’s said sales trends improved as the quarter progressed. The company restored some regional and national app offers and shifted more marketing support toward value meals and entry-level items. Management said comparable sales turned positive in September and October, although it did not promise that the improvement would continue throughout the fourth quarter.

The company’s challenge is to persuade customers that its prices offer enough value while maintaining a model that works for franchisees. A low advertised price can attract attention, but the bundle must also be easy for restaurants to prepare and financially sustainable for operators.

Two formats are being tested at about 1,900 restaurants

McDonald’s began an eight-week test of two everyday value formats at approximately 1,900 U.S. restaurants. The first format is mix-and-match, allowing customers to select from designated items. The second is a fixed bundle that combines specific products at a set price, making the offer more straightforward to order.

The Associated Press gave a McChicken sandwich with small fries for $3.50 as an example of the kind of offer that might be included. That example should not be read as a confirmed nationwide price or a final menu item. The company has not announced the complete list of products or the final pricing for a national rollout.

In addition to the test locations, franchisees representing about 4,000 restaurants have already chosen to introduce similar entry-level bundles before the formal test results are available. Management said the test restaurants and franchisee-led locations together represent more than 40% of the U.S. system. The company will use the results to determine which format resonates with customers, works best operationally and can deliver sustainable incremental traffic and sales for franchisees.

Global results remain positive despite U.S. pressure

The U.S. decline did not translate into a fall in global comparable sales. McDonald’s reported that worldwide comparable sales increased 1.5% in the third quarter. Comparable sales rose 1.4% in its International Operated Markets segment and 4.2% in its International Developmental Licensed Markets segment. The company said strength in Germany and Australia helped offset weakness in France.

Quarterly revenue increased 1% to $7.157 billion, while net income rose 9% to $2.486 billion. Diluted earnings per share were $3.51. Excluding specified charges, adjusted diluted earnings per share were $3.57. The Associated Press reported that adjusted earnings exceeded analyst expectations, although revenue was slightly below Wall Street forecasts.

The results show a company with continued global growth but a more difficult environment in its largest market. Management has also pointed to digital promotions, beverages and improvements in restaurant operations as parts of its effort to strengthen performance.

A national rollout depends on test results

McDonald’s goal is to settle on a format and launch a national value program in early 2027. Before then, it must assess customer response and coordinate pricing and execution with franchisees. Earlier value initiatives faced uneven participation and inconsistent execution across the franchise system. The new test is intended to determine not only whether customers buy the bundles, but also whether restaurants can deliver them consistently and maintain acceptable economics.

The confirmed facts are that U.S. comparable sales fell 0.2% in the third quarter, an eight-week test is underway at about 1,900 restaurants, and franchisees at roughly 4,000 additional locations have introduced similar offers. McDonald’s has not yet announced the final nationwide prices, exact menu combinations, participating locations or launch date. Whether the strategy can produce a sustained recovery in customer visits will depend on the test results and consumers’ response to the company’s overall prices.