McDonald’s big announcement

1. Snack Wrap Return (July 10, 2025 – U.S.)

• What’s announced: McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger has confirmed the Snack Wrap, discontinued in 2016, will officially return on July 10 in all ~13,600 U.S. locations.

• The new version includes:

  • Crispy McCrispy chicken strip (no grilled)

  • Shredded lettuce and cheese blend

  • Choice of Ranch or new Spicy Pepper Sauce

  • Wrapped in a flour tortilla

• Why it matters: Fans petitioned for it for years—and with McCrispy chicken now mainstream, it aligns with McDonald’s push on chicken items.

Why It's a Big Deal:

• The Snack Wrap, removed in 2016 due to operational challenges, has been one of McDonald's most requested menu returns.

• It appeals to millennials and Gen Z, who grew up with the item and now demand quick, handheld, healthier-feeling options.

• McDonald’s is leveraging its expanded McCrispy platform to support the wrap format efficiently (improved kitchen flow).

Marketing & Social Media Buzz:

• The return has trended across platforms like TikTok and Instagram with hashtags like #SnackWrapIsBack.

• Influencers and nostalgic fans are fueling a viral resurgence ahead of launch.

2. Spicy McMuffin Lineup (From July 8, 2025)

• What’s new: A spicy twist on the classic Egg McMuffin—available in three options:

  • Spicy Egg McMuffin

  • Spicy Sausage McMuffin

  • Spicy Sausage McMuffin with Egg
    All feature McDonald’s signature Spicy Pepper Sauce in the sandwich.

• Significance: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Egg McMuffin, this caters to rising demand for bold breakfast flavors—74% of Americans use hot sauce regularly, with Gen Z leading the trend.

Why McDonald's Is Going Spicy:

• According to internal research, 74% of U.S. consumers use hot sauce regularly; Gen Z and Millennials especially crave spice at breakfast.

• Other brands (like Wendy’s and Dunkin’) have introduced spicy breakfast items, and McDonald’s is entering to stay ahead in flavor innovation.

Product Innovation:

• Spicy Pepper Sauce, now a staple in multiple menu items, may expand into McChicken sandwiches, nuggets, and dipping cups.

• If successful, McDonald’s could launch limited-edition global sauces and McSpicy variants across formats.

3. Blueberry & Crème Pie (Mid‐Summer, Limited Time)

• Details: A warm pastry filled with blueberry and vanilla cream, debuting around the July 4 holiday.

• Market aim: Adds sweetness and variety to the summer dessert lineup, following the success of seasonal pies like the Blueberry & Crème.

Summer LTO (Limited-Time Offer):

• Brings a fresh, fruity flavor to a dessert menu typically dominated by apple or holiday pies.

• McDonald’s is using this LTO model to test regional pies (e.g., peach, guava, and s’mores) across U.S. markets.

• Success metrics will determine future pie rotation every season.

4. Daily Double Burger (Nationwide July 22, McValue Meal)

• New entrée: The Daily Double—two beef patties, cheese, lettuce, onion, mayo, tomato—joining the McValue Meal bundle for $6–7 depending on location.

• Strategy: Drives value-focused menu innovation while diversifying meal deal options.

Why This Move Matters:

• As inflation affects dining habits, McDonald’s is reinforcing its value proposition with items like:

  • $5 Meal Deals

  • Add-ons (small fries or nuggets for $1.50)

  • The Daily Double as a new value flagship sandwich

• The sandwich was previously a secret menu fan favorite, and its revival gives price-sensitive customers a premium feel at lower cost.

Value War with Rivals:

• Competing directly with:

  • Wendy’s $5 Biggie Bag

  • Burger King’s $6 Your Way Deal

  • Taco Bell’s Cravings Box

• McDonald’s aims to offer a slightly better taste-to-cost ratio, especially with customizable bundles.

5. Expansion & Hiring Push

Infrastructure Goals:

• 900 new U.S. locations by 2027

• 50,000 global restaurants by 2027

Job Creation:

• Hiring over 375,000 workers across company-owned and franchise locations in 2025 alone.

• Workforce will support new product rollouts, increased demand, and enhanced service models.

Strategic & Operational 

• Focus on Chicken & Specials: The Snack Wrap ties to an expanding chicken strategy that includes McCrispy and the Chicken Big Mac (planned for later in 2025).

• Value platform & affordability: Builds on the McValue deal (like the enduring $5 Meal Deal and add‑on offers).

• Digital & expansion goals: McDonald’s aims for 900 new U.S. stores by 2027 and 50,000 globally, supported by hiring 375,000 workers this year and digital automation efforts via Google partnership.

A. Product Nostalgia + Modern Taste

• Bringing back classics (Snack Wrap, Daily Double) paired with new sauces and textures (Spicy McMuffin, Blueberry Pie).

• Combines brand familiarity with trend-forward execution.

B. Global Integration

• Using global best-sellers (e.g., McSpicy, Chicken Big Mac) to influence U.S. markets.

• Ongoing testing of international faves like:

  • McAloo Tikki (India)

  • McChicken Mozzarella (South Korea)

  • Samurai Burger (Japan)

C. Digital & Operational Optimization

• Partnering with Google Cloud AI to improve drive-thru speed, inventory, and order accuracy.

• Accelerating automated order taking in 1000+ stores by end of 2025.

• Expanding loyalty program rewards through the McDonald’s App, including:

  • Early access to new items

  • Exclusive pie flavors

  • Personalized meal deals