McDonald’s Dollar Menu with Prices: Every 1,2 & $3 Item in 2026
McDonald’s still has a dollar menu in 2026 — it just goes by a different name now. The old “Dollar Menu” branding is gone, but the value section never left. Today it lives under the McValue platform, covering the 1 Menu, the Under 3 Menu, the 4 Breakfast Meal Deals, and the 5 Meal Deal. Below is a full breakdown of every item and its current national price, so you know exactly what to order before you even walk in.
Is There Still a Dollar Menu at McDonald’s?
Yes, but the name has changed. Here is a quick timeline so the confusion finally makes sense.
The original Dollar Menu launched in 2002, offering a handful of items for exactly one dollar. By 2014 rising food costs forced McDonald’s to rebrand it as the “Dollar Menu & More.” In 2018 the chain introduced the $1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu, splitting items into three price tiers. Starting in 2025, McDonald’s folded everything into the McValue platform, which now includes an Under $3 Menu, $4 Breakfast Meal Deals, $5 Meal Deals, and rotating app exclusive offers.
So when people search for the “dollar menu” or the “value menu,” they are really looking at the same family of budget friendly options just packaged under a newer umbrella.
Complete McDonald’s Dollar Menu With Prices (2026)
$1 Tier
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Any Size Soft Drink | $1.00 | 0 – 280 |
| Any Size Sweet Tea | $1.00 | 90 – 280 |
| Apple Slices | $1.00 | 15 |
$2 Tier
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Small Fries | $2.00 | 230 |
| Vanilla Cone | $2.00 | 200 |
| Hash Brown (breakfast) | $2.00 | 140 |
| Sausage Biscuit | $2.19 | 460 |
$3 Tier (Under $3 Menu)
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| McChicken | $2.79 | 400 |
| McDouble | $2.99 | 400 |
| 4pc Chicken McNuggets | $2.99 | 170 |
| Sausage McMuffin | $2.49 | 400 |
Prices listed are national averages verified against McDonald’s official McValue/Deals page, September 2026. Your local franchise may vary — see the “Does Price Vary?” section below.
All of these items appear on the regular mcdonalds menu as well, but ordering from the value tiers saves you anywhere from 20% to 40% compared to buying the same items outside the deal structure.
The McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal Explained
The $5 Meal Deal is the centerpiece of McValue in 2026 and it is genuinely hard to beat for a fast food lunch or dinner.
What you get for $5:
- One entrée (choose a McDouble, McChicken, 4pc McNuggets, or Sausage McMuffin during breakfast hours)
- One small fries
- One small soft drink
- One 4pc Chicken McNuggets as a bonus side
Buying these items separately would cost roughly $8 to $10 at most locations, so the bundle saves you nearly half. If you are feeding a family on a budget, two $5 Meal Deals plus a couple of extra sandwiches from the Under $3 Menu can cover four people for under $20.
$4 Breakfast Meal Deals
Early risers get their own tier. The $4 Breakfast Meal pairs a breakfast sandwich with a small hot coffee or other small beverage. Typical combos include a Sausage McMuffin meal or a Sausage Biscuit meal. Compared to ordering a full big mac meal later in the day, these morning bundles deliver strong value for lighter appetites.
Best Value Picks on the Dollar Menu
Not every cheap item is a great deal once you factor in satisfaction and nutrition. Here are a few personal favorites after spending way too much time studying these menus.
Best overall value:
McDouble at roughly $2.99. Two beef patties, cheese, and 400 calories. It is hard to find that much protein for under three dollars anywhere in fast food.
Best snack:
4pc McNuggets for $2.99. Light, shareable, and pairs well with a $1 drink for a $4 mini meal.
Best breakfast steal:
Sausage McMuffin at $2.49. Filling, classic, and under 400 calories.
Skip if you are hungry:
Apple slices. Great for kids, but not a standalone snack for adults hoping to feel full.
How to Save Even More With the McDonald’s App
The McValue menu is just the starting point. The McDonald’s app regularly drops deals that stack on top of the value pricing.
- Free items with minimum purchase: The app often offers a free mcchicken or free fries with a $1 purchase.
- Rotating weekly deals: Look for $1.50 Sausage McMuffin specials or $2.50 McDouble limited offers.
- Reward points: Every dollar spent earns points toward free menu items. A free McDouble usually costs around 1,500 points.
- Exclusive bundles: Some $5 Meal Deal variations appear only in the app.
Checking the app before every visit takes about 10 seconds and can easily cut another $2 to $3 off your total.
FAQs
Conclusion
The McDonald’s dollar menu may have a new name in 2026, but the mission is the same: fill up without emptying your wallet. Bookmark this page, check back for seasonal updates, and do not forget to scan the app before you pull up to the drive thru. Your wallet will thank you.
