McDonald’s Canada is freezing the price of a small coffee at $1 and lowering the cost of its McValue meals to $5 for at least one year, as the fast-food chain responds to rising consumer concerns over affordability.
The move was announced Tuesday by McDonald’s Canada president and CEO Annemarie Swijtink, who took the helm in September amid pressure on the industry from higher beef and coffee costs, climate-related supply challenges and economic uncertainty.
The McValue meals, introduced in 2024 at about $6, include a Junior Chicken, McDouble or chicken snack wrap with small fries and a fountain drink. A McValue breakfast option includes items such as a sausage McMuffin, breakfast burrito, bagel with cream cheese or a sausage McGriddle, paired with a small coffee and hash brown.
“Canadians are facing challenges and are insecure financially,” Swijtink said. “We’re listening and giving them what they want.”
Swijtink said the company can hold prices due to long-standing relationships with farmers and suppliers—some spanning more than 50 years—and the scale of its 1,500 Canadian restaurants, which allows for cost efficiencies.
The announcement comes as fast-food chains face growing criticism over rising menu prices. Global McDonald’s CEO Christopher Kempczinski acknowledged last year that combo meals priced above $10 were hurting customer perceptions of value.
Swijtink said restoring value is her top priority for 2026, followed by innovation. Other chains, including Tim Hortons, Wendy’s and Burger King, have also rolled out discounted meal deals in recent months.
“The market is really competitive, and from a customer perspective, that’s a good thing,” Swijtink said. “It keeps raising the bar.”