McDonald’s is gearing up for a major reset in 2025. And no, it’s not just a new sauce or a seasonal menu shakeup.
The changes on the horizon span everything from pricing and sustainability to global partnerships and long-awaited customer fixes.
Some changes are obvious. Others might catch you off guard. What do they all mean for U.S. customers? Let’s unpack the big plans McDonald’s has been quietly cooking behind the scenes.
Why McDonald’s Is Changing
McDonald’s isn’t changing just for fun. Consumer habits are shifting. Competition is fierce. Environmental expectations are growing.
So in 2025, the company is taking on some of its biggest challenges head-on. From pricing pressure to sustainability concerns, McDonald’s is making strategic decisions to stay relevant… and profitable. It’s a balancing act between what’s best for the brand and what works for everyday customers.
One Menu, Many Missions
The changes don’t center on a single goal. Instead, McDonald’s is addressing several areas at once: affordability, growth, sustainability, customer experience, and product variety. Some of these updates are long overdue.
Others are experimental. But together, they show McDonald’s is trying to do more than just serve fast food: it’s trying to future-proof its business. So what will this look like in practice?
The Return of Value (Sort Of)
Remember the good old days of simple, affordable combos? In 2025, McDonald’s is expanding its “value” offerings with a new McValue Menu.
But there’s a catch. Instead of a flat low price, it’s based on a “Buy One, Add One” model: you buy one item, and add a second for just $1. It’s a clever way to look affordable without giving everything away. The new menu rolls out for both breakfast and main meals.
The Big Arch Burger May Be Coming
One of the boldest changes may come from the Big Arch Burger. Think two quarter-pound patties, a brand-new sauce, and all the extras.
This oversized burger is already being tested overseas, and early signs suggest it could hit U.S. menus soon. It’s a response to a growing appetite (literally) for larger portions. Whether it will replace or rival the Big Mac is still unclear, but it’s something to watch.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Are Going Nationwide
Krispy Kreme fans, take note. A partnership formed in 2024 is expanding. McDonald’s aims to roll out Krispy Kreme doughnuts across its U.S. locations by the end of 2026, with many seeing them added in 2025.
That means your coffee run might soon include an iconic glazed ring or a chocolate-sprinkled treat, no detour necessary. It’s a smart move to capture more morning and dessert traffic.
Soft Serve Machines Will Finally Work
It’s not a meme anymore. In 2025, McDonald’s locations will finally be allowed to fix their ice cream machines, a major change made possible by updated repair regulations.
Previously, machines could only be serviced by the manufacturer. But now, local technicians can legally step in. Fewer “machine broken” signs, more working McFlurries. It’s a practical fix that addresses one of the chain’s most persistent customer frustrations.
New Chicken Items Are on the Way
Chicken is getting serious attention in 2025. The McCrispy is expanding to more markets, and other chicken-based items like Snack Wraps and possibly even Chicken Big Macs may follow.
Why? Chicken is cheaper to produce than beef and remains in high demand. CEO Chris Kempczinski has said it’s easier to build the menu with chicken, and that’s exactly what we’ll likely see this year.
Cage-Free Eggs, Nationwide
By 2025, all U.S. McDonald’s locations will officially use only cage-free eggs. This goal was originally set for 2027, so it’s happening two years early.
It’s part of the brand’s push toward better animal welfare standards. It also shows how supply chains have evolved: large-scale suppliers can now meet ethical standards at scale. For customers, it’s one more step toward more mindful eating.
New Uniforms, But Only in the U.K.
In 2025, McDonald’s workers in the U.K. will get upgraded uniforms. While it may seem minor, it’s part of a broader sustainability effort.
The new designs use recycled materials and can be more easily updated instead of replaced. None of the U.K. uniforms are made from sustainable fabrics, so this is a big step forward. It also shows how deep the company’s sustainability goals go.
A Happy Meal for the Planet
Happy Meals are also evolving. In 2025, McDonald’s plans to complete its global rollout of eco-friendlier toys. That means toys made from renewable, recycled, or certified materials, not petroleum-based plastic.
In Japan, old toys are being recycled into restaurant trays. In the U.K., plastic reduction started as early as 2021. The effort is modest but significant, especially given how many toys are distributed each year.
Sustainable Packaging and Utensils
McDonald’s is also swapping out packaging materials. By the end of 2025, all packaging and utensils should come from renewable or certified sources.
Some markets are already ahead: Hong Kong uses wooden utensils, while Canada has been turning straws into trays.
Europe has already seen redesigned McFlurry cups to cut down on waste. The U.S. is expected to follow suit as these changes roll out globally.
McCrispy Goes Global
In addition to new chicken formats, McDonald’s is taking the McCrispy sandwich worldwide. After successful launches in places like Canada, Germany, and Australia, the chain now plans to expand McCrispy to nearly every international market.
This rollout is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. It’s a sign that McDonald’s is betting big on this chicken formula to be a long-term hit across cultures.
Expansion Plans: 50,000 Locations
McDonald’s plans to operate 50,000 locations worldwide by 2027 — and 2025 is a key year in that push. About 900 of the new restaurants will be in the U.S., with even more opening in China, Europe, and elsewhere.
To support this growth, the company is testing AI-based ordering systems and other tech upgrades. It’s the biggest growth period in McDonald’s history and is already underway.
What This All Means for You
McDonald’s 2025 overhaul isn’t just about novelty; it’s about staying competitive, appealing to younger generations, and responding to long-time customer demands.
U.S. diners can expect better deals, a more varied menu, fewer machine breakdowns, and a stronger focus on sustainability.
Some of these shifts may feel small, but together, they signal the start of a new era: one that’s smarter, more responsive, and more in tune with today’s world.