McDonald’s Plans to Boost Sales with New Menu Trends in 2026
McDonald’s is looking to attract more customers in 2026 by introducing larger burgers, menu hacks that are currently trending, and a sprinkle of nostalgia.
This year, the fast food chain is making some high-profile menu adjustments, including adding a huge burger called the Big Arch, which is now a permanent item in the UK and Ireland. They’ve also hinted at an official “secret menu” and a partnership with Pokémon, though it seems not all these changes will be rolled out in the U.S.
The Big Arch features two beef patties, three slices of cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, and a tangy sauce, all nestled in a poppy and sesame seed bun, according to a recent announcement.
There’s buzz that McDonald’s might bring the Big Arch to the U.S., but, as of now, there’s no official word on when or if it will become available here. The company wasn’t available for comment on this to media inquiries.
So far, the response to the burger’s pricing has been less than enthusiastic. When it became a regular item overseas, its price jumped from £7.99 to £8.79 (around $10 to $11), with a medium meal now costing over £10, or about $13.
Some customers have made their displeasure known on social media. One user expressed, “It’s all a rip-off,” while others have offered mixed reviews about the new Big Arch sauce. Some comparisons have been made to the classic Big Mac, noting that it doesn’t quite measure up.
Another user described their experience, saying, “This was the dirtiest burger I’ve ever eaten,” though they concluded it was just “okay.”
McDonald’s is also planning a “secret menu” to cater to international customers, which aims to transform popular viral food hacks from social media into limited-time offerings. However, details about a U.S. rollout remain scarce.
The proposed lineup includes combinations like the Surf and Turf Burger and Chicken Big Mac, along with novelty drinks and snacks like espresso milkshakes, mini McFlurries, and Big Mac sauce for dipping.
“Some of these mashups shouldn’t work, but they’re so magically good that you have to try them to believe it,” said Ben Fox, the chief marketing officer for McDonald’s UK and Ireland.
This limited-time menu appears to be a celebration of customer creativity often showcased on social media.
Additionally, there’s talk of a Pokémon-themed Happy Meal to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, though nothing has been confirmed yet. Reports suggest that this could include themed packaging and Pokémon trading cards.
Overall, McDonald’s seems to be banking on nostalgia and popular trends to keep customers coming back, especially as consumers are becoming more selective with their spending.
