Home / McDonald’s News: Revenue Falls, New Menu Items, CosMc’s & Sustainability Plans

McDonald’s News: Revenue Falls, New Menu Items, CosMc’s & Sustainability Plans

By: Jasmin Espinas
May 2, 2025

McDonald’s is one of the most recognized names in the fast food industry. In recent McDonald’s news, it’s been in the spotlight for its sales results, new menu launches, and growth plans.

On May 1, the company reported a drop in revenue but is staying active on several fronts. It’s adding new chicken items, expanding its CosMc’s spinoff, and rolling out updates tied to sustainability, including changes to packaging and Happy Meal toys.

Latest McDonald’s News: Q1 Earnings Drop

The start of the year brought some tough numbers for McDonald’s. Sales dipped again, especially in the U.S., where store traffic dropped more than expected.

Same-store sales in the U.S. fell by 3.6%, the biggest drop since early 2020 when pandemic lockdowns were in full swing. Globally, sales also took a small hit, down by 1% in the first quarter. The impact was felt most among lower- and middle-income customers, who seem to be pulling back the most.

Even with the dip in traffic, the company still brought in over $3.3 billion in restaurant margins. Earnings per share ticked up slightly too, hitting $2.67 after adjustments. So while the overall numbers were mixed, the brand is still holding onto some financial stability.

Menu Addition and Awaited Comeback

Starting May 5, McDonald’s is adding McCrispy Strips to menus across the country. These white-meat chicken strips are served with a creamy chili dip that’s sweet, tangy, and has a little kick. It’s the first time in years the chain has made a permanent change to its menu, which makes this launch feel like a bigger deal.

The Snack Wrap is also making a comeback. McDonald’s dropped a tweet on X hinting at the return. The post shared just one line, “0x.14.2025,” but that was enough to get fans talking. This follows a promise made back in December by McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger, who said the Snack Wrap would return this year.

snack wraps 0x.14.2025

— McDonald’s (@McDonalds) April 15, 2025

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Beverage-Led Spinoff: CosMc’s Continuous Development

McDonald’s is still testing its new spinoff, CosMc’s. This spinoff is the company’s small-format, beverage-led concept offering specialty drinks and snacks. It started with one location in Illinois and has since expanded to a few more in Texas.

So far, McDonald’s says it has learned a lot from the early tests. Later this year, it plans to try out some CosMc’s-inspired items inside regular McDonald’s locations. This new round of testing will happen in partnership with franchise owners.

There’s also been a shift in how McDonald’s is thinking about its store layout. Instead of putting more money into larger spaces, the company is leaning toward smaller, more efficient builds. It’s closing three of the bigger remodeled stores and opening two smaller ones in Texas.

Although CosMc’s might still be in the trial phase, the company is clearly trying to figure out how it fits into the bigger picture.

McDonald’s Sustainability Initiatives for Happy Meal Toys

McDonald’s announced in 2021 that it would reduce the use of plastic in its Happy Meal toys, and it’s been slowly working toward that goal ever since. The plan is to shift to more sustainable materials by the end of 2025, and the numbers show they’re getting close.

By the end of 2023, the company had already cut nearly 64% of virgin fossil fuel-based plastic from its toys. At the same time, almost 87% of the packaging used in restaurants came from renewable, recycled, or certified sources.

McDonald’s is also making it easier for people to recycle or compost packaging. In places with the right setup, more than 88% of restaurants now offer that option.

Moving Forward: What to Expect From McDonald’s

As McDonald’s continues to navigate challenges in earnings, there’s more to anticipate from the company. New tests, updated store formats, and changing consumer habits are all part of the story.

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