5 Big Changes Coming To McDonald's In 2026
The Takeout • • business
Key Points:
- McDonald's is focusing on novelty, nostalgia, and value to recover from sales drops in 2020 and 2024, with strong sales expected in 2025 amid increasing competition and economic challenges in the fast food industry.
- In 2026, McDonald's is introducing an official "secret menu" internationally, featuring viral customer hacks like the Surf N' Turf burger, while American availability remains uncertain.
- A new Pokémon Happy Meal celebrating 30 years of the franchise is planned for 2026, continuing McDonald's trend of nostalgic and interactive Happy Meal collaborations.
- McDonald's plans to expand its beverage offerings by rolling out new drinks from its CosMc's spin-off, including dirty sodas and Red Bull-based energy beverages, aiming to attract Gen Z and compete with Starbucks, Dunkin', and Taco Bell.
- Some locations are limiting free dipping sauces with nuggets due to rising food costs, requiring customers to pay for extra sauces, reflecting broader cost-cutting measures amid McDonald's efforts to innovate and maintain growth through a new "Restaurant Experience Team."
