McDonald’s Canada will freeze prices on select menu items for a year
McDonald’s Canada is locking the price of $5 McValue Meals and $1 small McCafé coffee for 12 months. The move aims to ease some pressure as food costs rise.
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By Torontoer Staff
McDonald’s Canada announced it will freeze prices on selected menu items for one year, keeping $5 McValue Meals and the $1 small McCafé coffee at current rates. The company says the move is intended to shield customers from rising food costs.
Annmarie Swijtink, president and CEO of McDonald’s Canada, said the company will leverage its Canadian supply chain and franchise network to maintain the price lock despite inflation and higher operating costs.
What the price freeze covers
The freeze applies to lunch and dinner McValue Meals and select breakfast items offered at the $5 price point. Specific included meals are the McDouble McValue Meal, the Junior Chicken McValue Meal, and the Chicken Snack Wrap McValue Meal. Each comes with small fries and a small fountain drink.
Separately, a small McCafé coffee will remain priced at $1 with no minimum purchase. McDonald’s introduced the $1 small McCafé coffee in July 2024 and reduced the cost of other coffee sizes by roughly 30 per cent.
How customers can use the change
The price commitment offers a straightforward way to lower some everyday food costs for people who buy these items. It will not replace broader grocery savings, but it provides a predictable, low-cost option when eating out.
- Check local restaurant availability before you go, since product offerings vary by location.
- Keep in mind the $5 meals include small fries and a small fountain drink, which may be cheaper than ordering items separately.
- Use the McDonald’s app for additional offers or to locate participating restaurants.
- Remember the $1 small McCafé coffee is eligible without a minimum purchase, but delivery prices may differ.
Limits and fine print
Prices are listed before tax and the frozen rates are not guaranteed for delivery orders. Availability of items and the exact menu selection will vary by restaurant because local franchisees operate most locations.
McDonald’s says local franchisees own and operate 90 per cent of its Canadian restaurants. The company framed the price freeze as a coordinated effort between corporate and franchise partners to absorb some cost pressure.
Context: grocery inflation and consumer pressure
The announcement comes as Canadians continue to face higher living costs. An Angus Reid survey found that three in five Canadians consider the cost of living a major concern heading into 2026.
A report from the Dalhousie Agri-Food Analytics Lab projects food prices will rise by four to six per cent this year. The lab estimates an average family of four could spend about $17,571.79 on food, an increase of as much as $994.63 from the previous year.
To our guests, I want you to know that we are listening. We hear you. That’s why we are making this commitment to you — because you have shown us your loyalty over the past 60 years.
Annmarie Swijtink, president and CEO, McDonald’s Canada
For households balancing grocery bills and rising household costs, the McDonald’s price lock offers a modest but concrete saving option. It is limited in scope, but predictable pricing on a small set of menu items can make planning lunches and quick coffees slightly easier.
If you plan to take advantage of the deal, confirm availability at your local restaurant and remember that the price freeze applies for one year from the announcement.
McDonald's Canadafood pricescost of livingfast foodMcCafé
