McDonald's most popular item globally is its French Fries, selling millions of pounds daily, though the Big Mac is the iconic signature burger, while regional favorites include the McChicken (Midwest), Quarter Pounder (South), and Hash Browns in Australia. Fries consistently top lists due to their addictive taste and scent, making them a universal staple alongside burgers and nuggets.
While the chain is famous for its diverse burger lineup, its bestselling menu item is, somewhat surprisingly, its irresistibly addictive French fries. McDonald's sells over nine million pounds of fries every single day; they've been an enduring favorite since they first appeared on the menu in 1949."
McDonald's sells more french fries than any other menu item
No matter how you feel about other items at McDonald's, it's hard to argue against the way it has perfected the art of the french fry on such a massive scale.
One Of The Least Popular McDonald's Items Is Probably One You Never Order. Some McDonald's food items are so popular that they've become a core part of fast food culture. But, the chain's menu also includes some duds, and the item that's reportedly ordered the least of all is hot tea.
Few things are as universally iconic as McDonald's golden arches.
The Most Popular Thing at McDonald's Is…
Ever since the first McDonald's menu from when the chained opened in the 1950s, french fries have been a star. The famous Golden Arches sell upward of 9 million pounds of fries per day!
There isn't one single "rarest" McDonald's item, as rarity depends on region, limited-time offers, or discontinuation, but top contenders include unique international items like the McCurry Pan (India), Bulgogi Burger (South Korea), Panseri (Italy), and regional favorites like Japan's Shrimp Filet-O, alongside discontinued US items like the McRib, Mighty Wings, or unique McFlurry flavors.
The unhealthiest item at McDonald's is often cited as the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes, packing over 1,300 calories, nearly a full day's sodium, and significant saturated fat, making it a calorie and nutrient bomb, with other contenders including large shakes, certain Angus burgers, and large fries.
McDonald's cheapest meal is typically a Value Menu or Loose Change Meal Deal, with Australia's "McSmart Meal" being a prime example at around $6.95 AUD, offering two burgers, small fries, and a drink, while the US has options like the McDouble Meal Deal (around $5.50-$6 USD) or similar limited-time offers. Prices and specific items vary by country, so checking the MyMacca's app (Australia) or the official McDonald's app/website (US) for local deals is best.
Featuring the brand-new Surf N' Turf and Chicken Cheeseburger, PLUS the return of the OG secret menu item: the Chicken Big Mac®! Plus, get your hands on the secretly iconic Espresso Milkshake and the mythical Apple Pie Mini McFlurry®.
McDonald's generates profit by leasing properties to franchisees with significant markups, leveraging its real estate holdings. Around 95% of McDonald's restaurants are operated by independent franchisees, contributing to lower operating costs and stable revenue streams.
14 Discontinued McDonald's Menu Items That Are Gone But Never Forgotten
Big Macs are a big deal. You can't deny the iconic burger's popularity, with McDonald's selling around 550 million per year in the U.S. alone. But just because something is popular doesn't mean it can't be improved upon.
1. Porto, Portugal. Porto's 1930s-built Imperial Café is now home to a McDonald's – but it retains many of its beautiful original features, including Art Deco–style stained glass windows, crystal chandeliers, grand mirrors and ornate ceilings.
The healthiest options at McDonald's focus on grilled chicken, lean beef, and strategic modifications like skipping sauces, with good choices including the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich, a 6-piece Chicken McNuggets (with lighter sauce), a Plain Hamburger, or the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, often paired with sides like apple slices and water instead of fries and soda, says Healthline and myorthrive.com.
Big Mac® 580 Cal.580 Cal. When a craving hits for those two all-beef patties it's time to stop thinking about what's on a Big Mac® and take a bite. The McDonald's Big Mac is a 100% beef burger with a taste like no other.
McDonald's has offered various "5 Meal Deals," often temporary promotions like the $5 McDouble Meal (with nuggets, fries, drink) or $5 Breakfast Deal (McMuffin, hash brown, coffee) in the US, focusing on value, though availability and price vary by location and time. Australia has the McSmart Meal (around $6.95 AUD) with choices like cheeseburger or nuggets, sundae, fries, and drink, plus other budget options. Check the McDonald's app or local restaurant for current deals, as prices and promotions change.
The price of a cheeseburger has increased from 99p to £1.19.
Starting at ₹69, you can now enjoy your favourite OG classics from our menu in a Korean avatar – Korean McAloo Tikki Burger®, Korean Chicken Surprise Burger, Korean McSpicy™ Chicken Burger, Korean McSpicy™ Paneer Burger, Korean McSpicy Premium Burger (Veg), Korean McSpicy Premium (Chicken) Burger and Korean McEgg® ...
Here are the seven healthiest snacks on McDonald's menu, according to our trusty nutritionist.
Here are the facts: All of our burger patties in the U.S. are always made with 100% USDA-inspected beef. That's the only ingredient: 100% real beef. Our patties contain no preservatives or fillers, and the only thing we ever add is a touch of salt and pepper when the patties are sizzling hot on the grill.
1. Processed Meats Like Bacon, Hot Dogs, and Cold Cuts. Processed meats like bologna, ham, and bacon are high in calories and salt and are linked to increased risk of heart disease due to their impact on cholesterol and blood pressure, says Julia Zumpano, RD, registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
Investing $1,000 in McDonald's (MCD) stock 10 years ago (around early 2016) would have grown significantly, likely to around $3,000 to over $4,000, depending on the exact date and accounting for share price appreciation and dividends, roughly tripling your investment by early 2024/2025, outperforming the general S&P 500 during that decade.
Ronald McDonald Puzzle Lock, one of the very first McDonald's Happy Meal toys released in 1979 alongside the current 2025 promotion, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Hello Kitty & Friends collaboration. Hi, Sir Angelo!
Many people believe it's an astounding $18 after a post on X of McDonald's menu prices at a rest stop in Connecticut went viral and made national headlines.