McDonald's has ushered in the new year with a significant change to one of its most popular value offers, replacing the long-standing £5 Meal Deal with a new, slightly pricier alternative.
What's in the new Meal Deal Plus?
Spotted by sharp-eyed customers on the McDonald's app, the new Meal Deal Plus effectively supersedes the classic £5 deal that launched in 2024. The updated package starts at £5.59, representing a 59p increase.
The original deal, which has now been removed from the app, included a Chicken Mayo or Cheeseburger, Medium Fries, a soft drink, and four Chicken McNuggets for a flat fiver. The new 'Plus' version introduces greater flexibility.
Customers can now swap the standard fries for a side salad, pineapple sticks, or carrot sticks. The core appeal, however, lies in the expanded 'bonus side' options.
More choice for your bonus item
Instead of automatically receiving four Chicken McNuggets, diners can now choose their bonus item. Those with a sweet tooth can opt for a Hot Apple Pie, a Mini Oreo McFlurry, or a Smarties Mini McFlurry.
Alternatively, for a savoury finish, the bonus can be an extra Cheeseburger or an additional Chicken Mayo burger. Add-ons like bacon or extra cheese slices are available for an additional £1 and 60p respectively.
For bigger appetites, a Large Meal Deal Plus option is also available, though the exact pricing for this upgrade was not detailed in the initial app listing.
A divided reaction from fans
The change has sparked a mixed response from McDonald's enthusiasts online. Many have expressed nostalgia for the old £5 deal. On Reddit, one user lamented its passing, suggesting the new deal should be labelled '£5 Meal Deal Plus 59p'. Others criticised the move as a sign of the chain being 'greedy'.
However, not all feedback has been negative. Several customers have welcomed the increased choice. One social media user pointed out the upgrade, stating: 'But now instead of automatically getting 4 nuggets as the bonus, you can choose a Cheeseburger or Mayo Chicken. Great deal!'
On TikTok, commenters told those complaining about the 60p hike to 'get a grip', with another adding, 'It's not just Chicken McNuggets, you can get other things instead, so it's much better in my opinion.'
Part of a wider menu shake-up
This meal deal revision arrives alongside other additions to the McDonald's UK menu for January 2026. The chain has made several fan-requested 'hacks' official, including a new Surf N’ Turf burger, a Chicken Cheeseburger, an Espresso Milkshake, and an Apple Pie Mini McFlurry.
In a move sure to delight sauce lovers, the iconic Big Mac Sauce will be available in a 20p dipping pot. Furthermore, several returning favourites have been confirmed, such as the Chicken Big Mac, the Big Arch burger, Chilli Cheese Bites, The Fajita Chicken One, and the Galaxy Caramel McFlurry.
Metro has contacted McDonald's UK for an official comment on the new Meal Deal Plus and the retirement of the £5 offer.
