McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal – Is It Still Available in 2026?

Key Takeaways:

• The original £5 Meal Deal is mostly discontinued across the UK
• Meal Deal Plus now costs around £5.59 at participating locations
• Customers can choose extra sides and dessert options
• Availability varies between franchises and delivery platforms
• McDonald’s app deals may still offer cheaper meal bundles

The original £5 Meal Deal became hugely popular because it offered affordable fast food during rising UK living costs. However, increasing ingredient prices and demand for more menu flexibility encouraged McDonald’s to replace the deal with a newer value meal option in 2026.

What Was Included in the Original McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal?

Before it was replaced, the £5 Meal Deal was a favorite choice among UK customers.

It offered incredible value and a satisfying meal, consisting of:

• Main Item: Choose between a Cheeseburger or a Mayo Chicken.
• Fries: Medium fries.
• Drink: A medium soft drink.
• Bonus Side: Four Chicken McNuggets.

This deal was designed to give customers a quick meal option with a variety of items at an affordable price point. Many customers viewed it as a great bargain, particularly considering the cost of purchasing each item separately.

Customer Experience:

One regular customer shared their experience:

“I was a frequent customer of the £5 Meal Deal. It felt like I was getting so much for so little – it was the perfect quick lunch when I was on the go. I’m genuinely going to miss it.”

This kind of feedback was common among loyal customers, who expressed disappointment when they noticed the deal’s disappearance.

Why Did McDonald’s Replace the £5 Meal Deal with a New Offer?

McDonald’s transition to the Meal Deal Plus for £5.59 was influenced by several factors. The cost of ingredients has increased over the past few years, and the £5 Meal Deal was no longer sustainable for many locations.

Instead of eliminating the meal deal entirely, McDonald’s introduced a new version that would allow for greater flexibility and customer choice.

In the words of a McDonald’s spokesperson:

“Our new Meal Deal Plus offers more choice than ever before, with new options like four Chicken McNuggets, Apple Pie, Mini McFlurry, or even an extra Cheeseburger to add to your meal.”

This shift also catered to evolving customer expectations, who increasingly seek meals that offer customisation and value, even with a slight price increase.

What Has Replaced the McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal?

The Meal Deal Plus, which replaced the £5 Meal Deal, offers additional flexibility and extra choices compared to its predecessor.

For just £5.59, customers can enjoy:

• Main Meal Options: Cheeseburger or Mayo Chicken (same as the previous offer)
• Sides: Medium fries and a medium soft drink (still included)
• Bonus Side: A choice of:
  • 4-piece Chicken McNuggets
  • Mini McFlurry
  • Apple Pie
  • An additional Cheeseburger or Mayo Chicken

The increase in price, though modest at 59p, provides greater flexibility and more options for customers to customise their meal according to their preferences.

McDonald’s has positioned this as an upgrade designed to meet customer demands for more variety.

According to McDonald’s spokesperson:

“Our new Meal Deal Plus offers more choice than ever before with new options to add four Chicken McNuggets, an Apple Pie, Mini McFlurry, Mayo Chicken or a Cheeseburger to your meal. It’s what our customers told us they want: more choice while still delivering exceptional value.”

Though the deal still provides a solid meal for a relatively low cost, many customers have voiced their frustration over the price hike and loss of the original £5 price tag.

What Are the Current Rules for the McDonald’s Meal Deal Plus?

Although the McDonald’s Meal Deal Plus is now available at many UK restaurants, customers should know that availability and pricing can still vary depending on location and franchise participation.

The Meal Deal Plus is usually available after 11am as part of McDonald’s daytime menu. In many cases, the offer may not appear on Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or Just Eat because some branches only allow the promotion for in-store, takeaway, kiosk, or app orders.

Customers should also be aware that upgrades to larger drinks or premium menu items can increase the final meal price.

Important conditions customers should know include:

• Participating restaurants only
• Usually available after breakfast hours
• Delivery availability varies by location
• Upgrade charges may apply
• Franchise pricing may differ slightly
• Menu choices can vary between branches

Checking the McDonald’s app before ordering is often the easiest way to confirm local availability and current pricing.

How Does the £5 Meal Deal Compare with the New £5.59 Meal Deal Plus?

To better understand the shift, let’s compare the Meal Deal Plus with the original £5 Meal Deal. Here’s a breakdown:

The Meal Deal Plus offers more choice for just an additional 59p. The inclusion of new options such as the Mini McFlurry and the possibility of adding an extra burger has received mixed feedback from customers, with some praising the flexibility and others expressing disappointment over the price increase.

Why Are Customers Divided Over the End of the McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal?

The change from the £5 Meal Deal to the Meal Deal Plus has stirred mixed feelings among McDonald’s customers.

On the one hand, the extra options available in the Meal Deal Plus provide more customisation and the ability to personalise the meal. This has been well received by some, who appreciate the wider selection of sides and bonus items.

Customer Quote:

“I don’t mind paying a little more if I can choose a McFlurry or a second burger. I think the new Meal Deal Plus is actually better value, especially if you’re hungry!” – Sophie, a McDonald’s regular in London.

On the other hand, many customers feel disappointed by the removal of the £5 price point, seeing the new offer as a price hike rather than a true value upgrade.

Some have even expressed frustration on social media platforms such as Reddit, with one user stating:

“RIP £5 meal deal. It was perfect for quick lunches, and now it’s just another expensive fast food option. Not happy about this 59p increase!” – Reddit user, u/SirWobblyOfSausage.

The price increase has been labelled by some as “criminal” or an “absolute liberty”, with customers feeling that McDonald’s is capitalising on the popularity of the £5 Meal Deal.

Despite the backlash, McDonald’s UK remains firm that the Meal Deal Plus reflects what customers want in terms of variety. This response is part of their ongoing effort to adapt to changing consumer preferences while maintaining value for money.

How Does the Price Compare to Other Fast-Food Chains?

While some McDonald’s customers may be disappointed by the recent price increase, the Meal Deal Plus remains an attractive option when compared to similar meal deals at other fast-food chains.

Here’s a detailed comparison of McDonald’s Meal Deal Plus with other popular fast-food chains like KFC and Burger King:

As shown in the table, KFC and Burger King meal deals generally start at £6 or higher, with some options costing even more.

While McDonald’s has increased its price by 59p with the Meal Deal Plus, it still provides more value compared to many competitors.

The flexibility to choose from a variety of bonus sides, including desserts like the Mini McFlurry and the option for an extra Cheeseburger, gives McDonald’s a competitive edge.

Can Some McDonald’s Restaurants Still Offer the £5 Meal Deal?

Though the £5 Meal Deal is no longer available nationwide, certain McDonald’s locations may still offer the deal for a limited time or for special promotions. These can vary, so it’s important to check directly with the restaurant or app for availability.

For instance, while some locations like Warwick Tesco ran the original £5 promotion late into September 2025, the vast majority have now fully transitioned to the new pricing structure as of 2026.

Some locations might also offer the £5 deal if it’s still running locally, even if it’s no longer visible on the national McDonald’s app or website.

Why Are Some McDonald’s Customers Unhappy About the Change?

The change from the £5 Meal Deal to the Meal Deal Plus has sparked mixed reactions. Many customers feel that the price hike is unjustified, especially considering the modest increase in value.

On Reddit, some users called the price jump “criminal,” and others expressed their frustration at losing the deal that they had come to rely on.

However, others appreciate the added options and the extra variety available in the Meal Deal Plus. It’s clear that while the price increase is a sticking point for many, the increased choice is seen as a positive by others.

How Can Customers Check If the McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal Is Available Near Them?

If you’re wondering whether the £5 Meal Deal is still available near you, there are a few methods you can use to check.

As McDonald’s continues to transition to Meal Deal Plus, it’s possible that the £5 Meal Deal could still be available at some locations, albeit for a limited time.

• McDonald’s App: The McDonald’s app is regularly updated with the latest meal deals. Customers can easily check for local offers under the “Offers” section of the app. If the £5 Meal Deal is still available, it will be listed here.
• In-store Menu: Even if the £5 Meal Deal is no longer visible on the app, some locations may still have it available in-store, especially in restaurants that are continuing the deal for a limited period or have local promotions running.
• Ask Staff: If you’re unsure whether the £5 Meal Deal is available at your local McDonald’s, it’s always a good idea to ask a staff member. They’ll be able to confirm if the deal is still running, or if there are any other temporary promotions in place.

By following these steps, you can easily find out whether the McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal is available at your preferred location or if you should opt for the Meal Deal Plus instead.

What Other McDonald’s Value Deals Are Available in the UK in 2026?

Although the £5 Meal Deal has largely disappeared, McDonald’s still offers a range of value deals that customers can take advantage of in 2026. These deals allow customers to enjoy affordable meals without breaking the bank.

Here are some of the top value options McDonald’s is currently offering:

• McDonald’s App Deals: Exclusive discounts and offers available only to app users.
• McDonald’s Rewards: Earn points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for free items or discounts.
• Delivery Deals: McDelivery orders via the app often include spend-and-save offers, such as £5 off orders over £20.

While the £5 Meal Deal is no longer around, McDonald’s continues to provide customers with ways to enjoy delicious meals at great value.

Can You Get a Cheaper McDonald’s Meal Deal Through the App?

Many McDonald’s customers in the UK now use the McDonald’s app to access exclusive discounts and meal offers that can sometimes provide better value than the standard Meal Deal Plus pricing.

The app regularly features limited-time promotions such as discounted burgers, free fries, bonus Chicken McNuggets, and percentage discounts on larger orders. Customers also collect points through the MyMcDonald’s Rewards programme, which can later be exchanged for free food items.

Some restaurants occasionally run app-only promotions that temporarily reduce meal prices below the standard £5.59 Meal Deal Plus cost.

Popular app benefits in 2026 include:

• Weekly personalized meal offers
• Reward points for eligible purchases
• Free fries and burger promotions
• Limited-time saver meal bundles
• Exclusive app-only discounts
• Local restaurant promotional offers
• Seasonal meal promotions and coupons

Because McDonald’s changes app promotions regularly, many customers now check the app before ordering rather than relying only on standard menu pricing.

Is the McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal Likely to Return in the Future?

Currently, there is no official indication that McDonald’s will bring back the £5 Meal Deal. However, McDonald’s has a history of running periodic promotions to respond to customer demand, so it’s entirely possible that a similar deal could return in the future.

McDonald’s often adjusts its meal deals based on customer feedback and market conditions. As such, promotions like the £5 Meal Deal might reappear during special occasions or seasonal offers.

If you’re hoping for the return of the old £5 deal, it’s worth keeping an eye on the McDonald’s app and official McDonald’s UK announcements for updates.

In the meantime, if you’re after great value, the Meal Deal Plus offers a more flexible option with additional bonus sides, making it a solid choice in 2026.

Conclusion

The iconic McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal has mostly disappeared, replaced by the Meal Deal Plus. While some customers miss the original deal, the new Meal Deal Plus offers more variety and flexibility, though with a slight price increase.

It’s still possible to find local franchises that offer the £5 deal for a limited time, but for most, the Meal Deal Plus is now the go-to option for great value at McDonald’s.

FAQs

Was the McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal available nationwide in the UK?

The original £5 Meal Deal was available at most UK locations, although some franchise-operated restaurants continued offering it longer than others depending on local promotions.

How much does the McDonald’s Meal Deal Plus cost in 2026?

As of May 2026, the McDonald’s Meal Deal Plus usually costs around £5.59 at participating UK restaurants, although prices can vary slightly by location.

Can you customise items in the McDonald’s Meal Deal Plus?

Yes, customers can choose different bonus items such as Chicken McNuggets, Apple Pie, Mini McFlurry, or an extra Cheeseburger depending on availability.

Is the McDonald’s Meal Deal Plus available on Uber Eats or Deliveroo?

In many UK locations, the Meal Deal Plus is not available through Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or Just Eat because some restaurants restrict the offer to in-store or app orders only.

Why did McDonald’s remove the original £5 Meal Deal?

McDonald’s replaced the original £5 Meal Deal mainly because of rising ingredient and operating costs while also introducing more flexible menu choices for customers.

Does the McDonald’s app offer cheaper meal deals?

Sometimes the McDonald’s app includes exclusive discounts, saver bundles, and reward offers that provide better value than the standard Meal Deal Plus pricing.

Are there still cheaper menu options at McDonald’s in 2026?

Yes, McDonald’s still offers various affordable menu items through the Saver Menu, app-exclusive discounts, rewards offers, and limited-time promotional bundles.