Fast food enthusiasts, hold on to your seats McDonald’s is turning heads in 2025 with an eye-popping roster, beginning with a shocking swipe from Burger King’s playbook: onion rings. Not just a side item; it’s a risk in a year full of 15 new items, from stack burgers to plant-based treasures. With $3.7 billion in U.S. sales growth in 2024, per a Fast Food Trends Report, McDonald’s is doubling down on innovation to keep its edge. X users are buzzing, but with a limited onion ring test in Chicago, will these changes hit your local drive-thru? Let’s dive into the 15 new offerings and what they mean for fast-food lovers, spiced with social media reactions and industry insights.
1. Onion Rings
McDonald’s is finally offering onion rings, but only at its Chicago “Headquarters” restaurant thus far, where global menu items are featured on a rotating basis. These crunchy, Australian-style onion rings, seen on X with the 1955 Burger, have enthusiasts excited. “Onion rings at McD’s? Game-changer” wrote @FryFanatic. A 2025 Menu Innovation Study reports that 65% of customers yearn for side variety. But fryer logistics shared with Filet-O-Fish are allergy-conducive, hindering national rollout. Will hefty Chicago sales propel these rings to all of McDonald’s?
Here’s hoping.
2. Big Arch Burger
The Big Arch Burger is a monster: two quarter-pound beef patties, three slices of cheese, crispy onions, and zesty Big Arch sauce. Unleashed internationally, it landed at select U.S. locations in 2025. “It’s a flavor explosion” gushed X user @BurgerBoss22. A 2024 Consumer Taste Report indicates top-shelf burgers account for 20% of fast-food sales. The pickle-to-meat ratio captures that unmistakable McDonald’s feel, but with gourmet flair. It’s a must-try burger indulgence for enthusiasts.
3. McCrispy Strips
Chicken lovers, say hello to McCrispy Strips tender, crunchy, and spicy, in 3- or 4-piece servings. Rolled out April 2025, they’re crafted from McCrispy fillets that were refined for two years. “These strips are on another level” @ChickenChamp tweeted. Chicken items increased 15% in popularity, according to a 2025 Fast Food Insights Report. Perfect for sharing (or not), they’re portable but filling, elevating McDonald’s chicken game.
4. Creamy Chili McCrispy Strip Dip
This dip, introduced with McCrispy Strips in May 2025, combines savory, tangy, and sweet with a kick of sesame-chili. “I hoard these packets” X user @SauceLover99 admitted. Its cult following, according to a 2024 Condiment Trends Study, has 30% of consumers pairing it with fries. Its nutty finish is what distinguishes it, and it’s a game-changer for McDonald’s menu with its versatility.
5. The McValue Meal Deal
For $5, the McValue Meal Deal (introduced January 2025) includes a McDouble or McChicken, mini fries, 4-piece McNuggets, and a mini drink. “Best bang for your buck” commented X user @BudgetBites. A 2025 Value Dining Report indicates 70% of eaters prioritize affordability. This deal’s diversity fulfills several cravings, ideal for limited budgets during hard times.
6. Snack Wrap
The Snack Wrap’s July 2025 comeback, fueled by TikTok promotions, is a fan win. Chicken, lettuce, cheese, and ranch or honey mustard in a tortilla portable perfection. “Worth the wait” said @WrapWarrior. A 2024 Social Media Impact Study reports fan pressure drove 40% of menu comebacks. Refreshed with fresh chicken, it’s a nostalgic hit.
7. Maple Bacon McGriddle Stacker
This breakfast monster, now a permanent menu item since March 2025, piles bacon, egg, and cheese between maple-flavored McGriddle cakes. “Syrup in every bite” exclaimed X user @MorningMuncher. A 2025 Breakfast Trends Report states sweet-savory combinations are on the rise by 25%. Double maples make it a morning changer, particularly with added bacon.
8. Plant-Based McChicken
Released February 2025 with Beyond Meat, this plant-based McChicken replicates the original’s flavor using vegan mayo and lettuce. “Fooled my meat-eating dad” wrote X user @VeggieVibes. According to a 2025 Plant-Based Food Report, 20% of fast food consumers desire meatless alternatives. With 99% less water usage, it’s a taste and planet win.
9. Birthday Cake McFlurry
Commemorating McDonald’s playgrounds turning 50, this April 2025 McFlurry combines vanilla soft serve, cake bits, and sprinkles. “Pure joy in a cup” @DessertDreamer posted. A 2024 Dessert Trends Study reports that 30% of consumers are yearning for nostalgic treats. Its not-soggy cake chunks and buttercream spirals made it a permanent fixture in no time.
10. Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
At 420 calories, this January 2025 bowl quinoa, rice, grilled chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, and lemon herb dressing is a healthy hit. “Tastes like Greece” posted X user @HealthyEater44. A 2025 Nutrition Trends Report states 35% of diners crave lighter fast-food meals. Its intelligent bowl design maintains flavors fresh, ideal for health-conscious fans.
11. Spicy Jalapeño Double
Launched March 2025, this fiery burger packs two patties, pepper jack cheese, jalapeño coins, spicy sauce, and crispy strips. “Eyes watering, but I’m hooked” tweeted @SpiceSeeker. A 2024 Flavor Trends Study says 40% of 18-34-year-olds love bold flavors. Cooling ranch sauce helps newbies, making it a young-adult favorite.
12. McBrisket Sandwich
May 2025 saw the McBrisket Sandwich: brisket smoked, BBQ sauce, and onion strings on brioche. “Tastes like a BBQ joint” exclaimed X user @BrisketBro. A 2025 Menu Innovation Report states that high-end sandwiches increase sales by 15%. Regional variations of sauce spicy South, sweet Northeast add regional pizzazz after 18 months of development.
13. Cookies & Cream Pie
Conceived through a 2024 customer contest, this June 2025 pie combines chocolate cookie crust, vanilla cream, and cookie bits within a crispy shell. “I buy two every time” said X user @PiePal. A 2025 Dessert Popularity Study reports that pies are top drivers of sales with 10%. Its warm-cool contrast makes it a fan-favorite treat.
14. Breakfast Burrito Bowl
February 2025’s Breakfast Burrito Bowl combines eggs, sausage, cheese, pico de gallo, and hash browns topped with spicy sauce. “Crunchy and perfect” wrote @BreakfastBoss. A 2024 Breakfast Trends Report indicates bowls are 20% more popular. Its tray-lid shape makes it convenient to eat on-the-go, transforming mornings.
15. Matcha Green Tea McFrappé
This April 2025 beverage combines Uji-sourced matcha, vanilla soft serve, and milk to make a rich, caffeine-jolted dessert. “My savior for the summer” commented X user @MatchaMania. According to a 2025 Beverage Trends Report, matcha sales increased 30%. Its well-balanced taste and whipped cream topping make it a health-aware success.
The Bigger Picture
McDonald’s 2025 menu, with $3.7 billion in sales increase, according to a 2024 Fast Food Analytics Report, beats out Burger King’s 8.7% sales increase. X users strongly argue, and #McDsVsBK is trending. Burger King’s “Fries ‘n Rings” and Oreo Blast copycat McDonald’s actions, but McDonald’s 15 new offerings reflect bolder aspiration. According to a 2025 Consumer Preferences Study, 75% of eaters crave variety McDonald’s provides, from onion rings to matcha.
Tips for Fans and McDonald’s
Fans: Hit the Chicago HQ for onion rings, and get the McValue Meal for bargain bites. X recommends dipping fries and dips together.
McDonald’s: Roll out onion rings nationally if Chicago sales take off, and continue listening to social media for fan-led resurgences.
A Tasty Future McDonald’s 2025 menu is not about food it’s about a flavor revolution. From onion rings to veggie victories, these 15 new items satisfy every craving, topping Burger King’s imitation gambits. With X abuzz and customers clamoring for more, McDonald’s is revolutionizing fast food. Go for a Big Arch or Matcha McFrappé 2025’s menu is a tasty new age.
