McDonald’s Lunch Menu: Prices, Calories, and Options

If you want the latest McDonald’s Lunch Menu prices and calories, this guide helps you order with confidence in the United States.

This introduction explains what we mean by “lunch” here: core lunch items, combos (Extra Value Meals), sides, drinks, desserts, and kids’ meals. Availability and exact offerings can vary by restaurant and location.

Expect typical examples for pricing only. Costs change by state, city, franchise, and ordering channel like the app, drive-thru, pickup, or delivery.

Use the article navigation to jump fast to burgers, Chicken McNuggets, crispy chicken, fries, McCafé coffee, soft drinks, sweets & treats, and Happy Meal sections.

Later, a consolidated dietary and allergen table will make it easy to scan vegan, keto, and gluten-free fit, plus common allergens at a glance.

Quick preview: we rank best value, lowest calories, and most filling picks so you can choose what fits your meal goals.

Check the official website or app for local pricing and availability before you order to avoid surprises.

When McDonald’s Starts Serving Lunch in the United States

Wondering when the chain flips from breakfast to regular service? Here’s the usual timing so you can plan your meal without guessing.

Weekday switch: around 10:30 a.m.

Most locations make the weekday switch at around 10:30. If demand or staffing changes, some stores flip earlier or later.

Weekend start: 11:00 a.m.

On weekends the typical start is 11:00 a.m. In busy areas, breakfast items sometimes stay available longer into the day.

What “switch time” means and why lunch isn’t all day

Switch time is when grills and prep lines change from breakfast to midday items. Staff swap equipment setups and ingredient stations to speed orders.

• Why lunch isn’t served all day: limited equipment, prep workflows, and drive-thru speed goals.
• If you arrive early: check the app for availability or pick a breakfast item until the switch occurs.

What’s on the McDonald’s Lunch Menu Today

Here’s a quick map of what’s available right now: burgers, chicken, fish, sides, desserts, drinks, and Happy Meal choices. Use this guide to narrow options before you check prices or calories.

• Burgers: classic and premium sandwiches, single to double patties, and deluxe builds.
• Chicken & Fish: nuggets, crispy or spicy chicken sandwiches, and a fish sandwich option.
• Sides & Beverages: fries, salads, McCafé coffees, soft drinks, and shakes.
• Sweets & Treats: cones, sundaes, pies, and blended desserts for a quick finish.
• Kids: Happy Meal combos with smaller portions and a toy.

Items can differ by restaurant because of franchise pricing, regional promos, and limited-time offerings. Some deals appear only in the app or at select locations. Always check availability and price locally before you order.

Example: a combo may cost more downtown than in a suburb. Knowing category and local price helps you order with confidence.

McDonald’s Lunch Menu Price Range and What It Usually Covers

Knowing how much a typical midday order costs helps you pick smarter options.

Typical spend bands: Budget picks often land around $5 to $8 for many items. These include a single sandwich plus a small side or a value bundle. Full meals—combos that add fries and a drink—usually push toward the higher end of that range or above.

Combo value vs. à la carte

Extra Value Meals bundle an entrée with World Famous Fries and a drink. They simplify ordering and often cost less than buying the parts separately.

Ordering à la carte can raise your total if you add fries and a drink. Meal deal logic like McValue bundles keeps totals predictable when you watch your budget. The app can also change what you pay through location-specific offers and app-only discounts.

Quick guide: Choose a combo for simplicity. Pick à la carte if you want lower calories and custom control over your meal.

McDonald’s Lunch Menu

Follow a simple step-by-step approach to compare combo prices, calorie counts, and sandwich options.

How to use this guide to compare prices, calories, and options

Start with the categories in order: combos first, then burgers, then nuggets and shareables, then sandwiches. Next check budget deals, sides, desserts, coffee, and soft drinks.

Prices shown are typical examples and can vary by location or app offers. Calories use U.S. nutrition listings where available.

Quick shortcuts for “best value,” “lowest calories,” and “most filling”

Compare value by checking bundle savings versus à la carte prices. For lowest calories pick lighter sides and zero-calorie drinks. For most filling choose larger sandwiches or a combo meal with fries.

Simple ordering method: pick your main item first, add a side, then a drink, and add sweets only if it fits your plan. Taste cues—crispy, creamy, freshly grilled—are noted to help choose beyond numbers.

Promise: a consolidated dietary and allergen breakdown (15–30 rows) follows later so you can scan vegan, keto, and gluten-free fit and common allergens at a glance.

Top Lunch Combos and Extra Value Meals: Prices and Calories

Pick a combo when you want a fast, complete meal with fries and a drink in one order.

Big Mac Meal: $9.29 | 1170 Cal

Big Mac Meal delivers that classic stacked-burger flavor. It ranks high in calories and filling power.

Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal: $11.29 | 1110 Cal

The quarter pounder cheese meal offers a hearty beef bite with rich cheese notes.

10 Piece Chicken McNuggets Meal: $11.00 | 1000 Cal

Chicken McNuggets meals are shareable and crispy, with a moderate calorie load for the portion size.

McCrispy Meal: $12.59 | 1040 Cal

The crispy chicken sandwich meal delivers a crunchy, savory profile and substantial calories.

Filet-O-Fish Meal: $12.59 | 950 Cal

The Filet-O-Fish meal is often the lowest-calorie option among these core combos.

• What boosts calories: large fries and regular soda add significant sugar and fat.
• How to cut calories: choose a small fry and water or a diet drink.
• Value note: combos usually cost less than buying items separately, especially at peak hours.

Use these prices and calorie figures as typical benchmarks; local pricing can shift, so check your store for exact totals.

Burger Favorites for Lunch: Big Mac and Quarter Pounder Options

For a steady, satisfying plate, burgers lead the list—here’s how the favorites compare.

Big Mac: $8.39 | 590 Cal

Big Mac uses layered buns, two beef patties, special sauce, and crisp pickles for a stacked, filling bite.

That layered build often feels more substantial than single-patty sandwiches despite similar calorie counts to some larger options.

Quarter Pounder with Cheese: $6.39 | 520 Cal

The quarter pounder with cheese showcases a simpler, freshly grilled beef flavor. It’s easy to customize and tends to highlight the beef and cheese profile.

Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese: $6.99 | 740 Cal

Choose the double when you want extra protein and heft. Compared to a single quarter, calories rise notably but so does satiety.

• Single vs double: pick double for more protein; single for fewer calories.
• Toppings like pickles and extra cheese shift flavor more than they change calories.
• Cheeseburger and Double Cheeseburger are smaller, budget-friendly burger options when you want less size.

Chicken McNuggets and Shareable Picks for Groups

Nuggets make for one of the most flexible fast-food choices—quick solo bites or a crowd-pleasing shareable. They fit a solo snack, an add-on to a sandwich, or a full group order for an office run.

Portions and what to expect

6 Piece Chicken McNuggets: $4.39 | 250 Cal — a compact choice for one person or a light side.

10-piece orders can come as a meal (adds fries and a drink) or à la carte. Meals raise calories but simplify ordering.

20-piece and 40-piece bundles are ideal for families or groups and often offer better per-piece value depending on location and current deal.

• Flexible pick: solo snack, shareable platter, or catering-style tray.
• Sauce matters: Sweet ’N Sour (sweet-tang), BBQ (smoky), Ranch (creamy), Buffalo (spicy). Sauces change taste and can add notable calories.
• Best pick: nuggets + apple slices or small side for lower calories; nuggets + fries for a more filling combo.

Crispy Chicken and Fish Sandwiches for Lunch

Crunchy fillet sandwiches and a classic fish option offer quick, satisfying choices for midday cravings. These picks deliver texture and easy flavor swaps so you can tailor your order fast.

McCrispy™: $4.99 | 470 Cal

McCrispy is the go-to when you want a true fillet-style bite with crunchy coating. Add pickles or cheese for extra tang and creaminess.

Spicy McCrispy™: $5.49 | 531 Cal

Choose the Spicy McCrispy for heat and bold seasoning. Calories rise slightly, but the spicy crust gives a punchier flavor than the classic version.

Deluxe McCrispy™: $6.59 | 530 Cal

“Deluxe” usually signals more toppings—lettuce, tomato, and extra cheese—so expect a fuller taste and more mess in the car.

Filet-O-Fish®: $4.99 | 390 Cal

The Filet-O-Fish is a lighter alternative to many chicken sandwiches. Pair with a small side for a lower-calorie combo.

McChicken®: $3.10 | 400 Cal

McChicken is the budget-friendly chicken sandwich that’s easy to customize. Swap pickles or add cheese to change texture and flavor without complicating the order.

• Quick picks: choose crispy chicken for crunch cravings, fish for a different flavor lane, or the McChicken for speed and value.
• Taste tips: cheese adds richness; pickles add bright acidity; avoid extra sauces to cut calories.

McValue and $5 Meal Deal Options to Keep Lunch Under Budget

Smart $5 options keep your meal predictable and your wallet happy during busy workdays. These value bundles often start at about $5 where available and bundle an entrée with a small side and drink.

The typical $5 deal features sandwiches like a McChicken-style chicken option or a double-style burger. Buying a bundle usually costs less than ordering each item separately.

• Use the app to see which deals are live at your local restaurant right now.
• Everyday picks: McChicken ($3.10 | 400 Cal) and Double Cheeseburger ($4.19 | 450 Cal).
• Add a Small World Famous Fries for $2.49 | 230 Cal only if you need the extra fullness.

Budget build: pick a value sandwich, add small fries only if hungry, then choose a zero-calorie drink to keep calories down and the total predictable.

Fries, Sides, and Sauces That Round Out Your Meal

Picking the right side and dip helps you control portion, flavor, and calories without sacrificing taste. Small choices—like swapping a large fry for apple slices—can cut calories and keep the meal satisfying.

World Famous Fries® sizes and calories

Small: $3.49 | 230 Cal. Medium: $4.19 | 320 Cal. Large: $5.39 | 480 Cal.

Calories climb quickly as portion size grows. Order the size that fits your sandwich and hunger level to avoid overeating.

Apple Slices as a lighter side

Apple Slices: $1.50 | 15 Cal. This is a smart swap for a lighter lunch or for kids’ meals. It adds freshness and fiber without many calories.

Popular sauces and their impact

Common sauces include Sweet ’N Sour, BBQ, Ranch, and Buffalo. Sauces are small items with big flavor and can add noticeable calories—creamy dips like Ranch pack more than tangy options.

• Pairing tip: Choose a large fry with a smaller sandwich, or a small fry with a big burger to balance fullness.
• Sauce note: Availability varies by restaurant; check the app for current stocked sauces.
• Flavor tip: Sweet-tang dips brighten salty fries; creamy sauces boost richness—pick based on your main item.

Happy Meal Choices for Lunch: What Kids Get and What It Costs

A Happy Meal bundles a main, a side, and a drink into a compact, kid-friendly meal. It’s built for portion control and simple choices, which is why many parents pick it for school days or short outings.

Hamburger Happy Meal®: $6.32 | 475 Cal

What’s included: hamburger, small side (fries or apple slices), and a drink. This option gives classic flavor and familiar texture.

4 Piece Chicken McNuggets® Happy Meal®: $6.93 | 395 Cal

What’s included: four chicken pieces, small side, and a drink. It’s a lighter-calorie pick that still hits the kid-friendly crispy note.

6 Piece Chicken McNuggets® Happy Meal®: $7.19 | 475 Cal

What’s included: six chicken pieces, small side, and a drink. Choose this if you need a more filling option without jumping to an adult-sized meal.

• Filling vs lighter: 4-piece nuggets are a lighter pick; the 6-piece adds protein and calories for bigger kids or hungrier adults.
• Quick selection tip: hamburger for classic flavor, 4-piece nuggets for lower calories, 6-piece nuggets for extra satiety.
• Drink matters: picking water or a low-sugar drink cuts added sugar and calories for the whole meal.
• Toys & availability: toys, side choices, and pricing can vary by location and promotion, so check the app or in-store offerings.

Sweets and Treats After Lunch: Desserts, Shakes, and Soft Serve

Dessert choices can turn a regular order into a treat—here’s how to pick one that fits your appetite. Think of desserts as optional add-ons that finish the meal. They vary by location in both prices and portions, so small swaps make a big difference for calories.

McFlurry® with OREO® Cookies

$2.29–$2.99 | 410 Cal. Creamy texture with cookie mix-ins. Split one if you want a shared sweet without extra calories.

Vanilla Cone & Hot Fudge Sundae

Vanilla Cone: $1.29–$2.43 | 200 Cal — classic soft-serve taste and a light finish.

Hot Fudge Sundae: $3.65–$4.29 | 330 Cal — rich chocolate topping and warmer texture.

Baked Apple Pie & Shakes

Baked Apple Pie: $1.89 | 230 Cal — warm, flaky, and a tidy sweet option.

Shakes: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry vary by size and often add more calories and fullness than a cone. Treat a shake like a drink plus dessert.

• Pairing tip: choose a small dessert after a combo, or split a McFlurry when sharing.
• Calories note: desserts can change your meal total quickly—opt for smaller portions to cut impact.
• Allergens: most items contain dairy; cookies add wheat and soy. Always check local ingredient info.

McCafé Coffees for Lunch: Iced Coffee, Caramel, and French Vanilla Options

Coffee companions range from low-calorie black brews to dessert-like iced drinks that double as a sweet finish. Pick based on flavor or calories to match your meal.

How these drinks fit your midday order: choose a creamy iced caramel or French vanilla when you want a treat. Opt for an Americano as a low-calorie pick to cut sugar and boost focus.

McCafé® Iced Coffee

Small $1.89 — 150 Cal. Medium $2.19 — 190 Cal. Large $3.19 — 270 Cal.

McCafé® Iced Caramel Coffee

Small $3.89 — 150 Cal. Medium $4.19 — 200 Cal. Large $5.19 — 270 Cal.

McCafé® Iced French Vanilla Coffee

Small $3.89 — 150 Cal. Medium $4.19 — 200 Cal. Large $5.19 — 280 Cal.

Americano

Small $2.39 — 0 Cal. Medium $3.19 — 5 Cal. Large $4.29 — 5 Cal.

Ordering tips: size up for more creaminess, or size down to save calories. Ask about reduced sweetener or fewer pumps if you want flavor with less sugar. Availability of syrups and custom options varies by location; the app shows what’s live at your store.

Soft Drinks and Refreshers: Best Lunch Pairings by Calories

Choose your beverage carefully—what seems small can add big calories to a midday order. A simple swap keeps flavor but trims energy intake.

Coca-Cola® sizes and calorie impact

Small $1.19 — 150 Cal. Medium $2.59 — 210 Cal. Large $3.19 — 290 Cal. Stepping up a size adds calories fast, especially when paired with a combo.

Sprite® and Dr Pepper® follow the same pattern

These sodas mirror Coca‑Cola by size and calorie growth. Use the same sizing logic to predict totals for any fountain soda.

Zero‑calorie options and iced choices

Diet Coke and other zero‑calorie selections keep classic flavor without added calories. An iced Americano or water is another low‑calorie pick.

Frozen drinks and smoothies

Frozen and smoothie items act like a dessert. They are colder and more satisfying, but often contain many more calories than a regular soda.

• Easy swap: choose water or a diet soda when you plan to add a sweet treat.
• Check the app to see which beverages are available at your local restaurant right now.

How to Order Lunch Faster: App, Drive-Thru, Pickup, and McDelivery

Skip the line and shave minutes off your break by choosing the best ordering path. Pick drive‑thru for speed, pickup for control, and delivery when convenience beats cost. Below are quick steps to get in, get fed, and get back to your day.

Using the app for Mobile Order & Pay

The app lets you order ahead, pay, and skip the counter. Select your local pickup window, add customization, and get an estimated wait time before you leave. This reduces line time during peak lunch hours.

Checking the official website for availability and pricing

Use the official website or the in‑app menu to see which items a nearby restaurant stocks. Local availability and prices change by location, so always confirm your zip code before you order.

When delivery may cost more than in‑restaurant

Delivery services add fees and platform markups. That raises the total beyond in‑restaurant pricing. If speed matters, compare the app pickup ETA versus delivery time before you confirm.

• Quick tips: confirm location, review substitutions, and check drink/side sizes before submitting.
• Mind the lunch switch time in the app—some items appear only after the switch.

How to Choose Your Best Lunch: Budget, Taste, and Calorie Targets

Match your appetite to a clear plan—budget, taste, or calorie goals—to order with confidence. Use these quick calls to reach the right plate for your day.

If you want the classic “burger” experience

Pick a stacked burger when you want hearty flavor and easy satisfaction. Choose a smaller fry and a low‑calorie drink to balance the meal.

If you prefer chicken options

Go nuggets for sharing or a crispy chicken sandwich for a more filling handheld. Ask for sauce on the side to control added calories and taste.

If you’re aiming for lighter sides and smarter drinks

Swap fries for Apple Slices and pick an Americano or diet soda. These swaps cut calories while keeping flavor intact.

• Decision tree: Budget → value sandwich; Taste → burger or crispy sandwich; Calories → small side + zero‑calorie drink.
• Diet lens: Vegan picks are limited; keto/gluten‑free need bun or sauce changes and cross‑contact caution—verify ingredients on the official site.
• Customize: skip sugary drinks, choose smaller fries, and request sauces on the side.

Buyer’s note: the best meal fits your day and leaves you satisfied—pick what matters now and tweak portions to match your goals.

Conclusion

This short conclusion shows how to choose a satisfying midday meal without second-guessing.

Start with a main (burger, chicken, or fish), then control portions with sides and drinks to match budget and calories. Combos give simplicity and value; ordering à la carte gives tighter calorie control.

Watch for hidden calories from fries, cheese, and sauces—small swaps make a big difference. If you arrive before the switch from breakfast, check the app or official site for availability and pricing at your location.

Next step: decide your budget, pick your flavor lane, choose a fitting drink or coffee, then confirm nutrition and allergens in the app. An on‑page FAQ will follow with top ordering questions to help final choices.