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The Worst New McDonald’s Items of 2026 (So Far)

The fast food giant's customers aren't lovin' it.

By Erica Loop , Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Oct. 11, 2026

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The Big Mac and Filet-O-Fish are classics that never seem to disappoint. But the same can't be said for some of McDonald's newer additions.

While you don't expect a Michelin-starred meal from the fast-food giant, you are looking for a way to keep more cash in your wallet without sacrificing quality for the sake of cost. And when McDonald's announces a new product, you jump at the chance to try it out. But what happens when the highly anticipated item falls flat?

From fruity Refreshers that missed the mark to a new burger that barely tasted different from the eatery's older options, here are the worst McDonald's menu items of 2026 according to the restaurant's customers.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Refreshers

In May of 2026, McDonald's dropped six new drinks, including three fruit-filled Refreshers. The Strawberry Watermelon, Mango Pineapple, and Blackberry Passion Fruit blends could have brought a whole new dimension to the fast-food eatery's beverage menu.

Before the drinks debuted, McDonald's USA's Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Alyssa Buetikofer, said in a press release, "Our beverages won't just be a reason you come to McDonald's, they'll be the reason."

While some customers initially called the bright beverages "heavenly" and "amazing" on Reddit, others had a different take. McDonald's subreddit user TomTalks2U complained about the taste and price: "Tried the Watermelon Strawberry Refresher. Taste was very weak, had four bits of strawberry. Could barely taste watermelon. $4.99. Nope. Never again."

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Big Arch Burger

The Big Arch Burger hit McDonald's menu in March of 2026 for a limited time, and the fast food eatery billed the new addition as the "most McDonald's, McDonald's burger yet."

Two quarter-pound beef patties, three slices of melted white cheddar cheese, crispy and slivered onions, lettuce, pickles, a poppy-seed bun, and tangy "Big Arch" sauce supposedly gave this pick something special.

What did customers think? One Redditor gave it a 7/10, writing, "Seriously…who is this for? It basically feels like what a Big Mac should've been all along, just with crispy onions added. Don't get me wrong, it tastes good…At $9.21 after tax with the app, it's hard to justify when I can get a Double Quarter Pounder for a few bucks less."

Caramel Apple Pie Coffee

This seasonal selection is McDonald's fall alternative to pumpkin spice everything. Topped with salted caramel-flavored whipped cream and crumbled apple pie bits, the apple caramel coffee drink sounds like a winner. But customers don't see it that way.

Redditor Smooth_Ad_303 wrote, "McDonald's caramel apple pie coffee is literally the worst thing I've ever tasted. Can anyone else commiserate?"

User ThePorotalsOfFrenzy responded, pointing out an obvious flaw with this drink's design: "Do you know anyone who has ever chosen to add apples to their coffee? Or have you ever wondered how apples would taste in coffee?"

Others called the autumn-inspired item "bitter," and complained, "It had nothing good going for it."

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Bacon Caesar McCrispy Sandwich

Last summer McDonald's launched a creamy, garlicky parmesan Caesar Sauce. In addition to a cup filled with the zesty dip, customers could also get a Caesar Snack Wrap (a McCrispy Strip, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, and the Sauce in a soft tortilla) and a Bacon Caesar McCrispy Sandwich (a McCrispy filet with applewood smoked bacon, shredded lettuce, Roma tomatoes, pickle-cut pickles, crispy onions, and the Caesar Sauce on a potato roll).

Yes, the McCrispy sammie had promise. But customers panned this pick. Reddit user CreepyNewspaper8103 shared, "I give this sandwich a 4/10. It's boring."

Even though diners didn't get on board with the item, they did praise the plain sauce. User Seohnstaob wrote, "Sandwich sucks, but the sauce cups are 10/10 for me."

Dirty Sodas

The dirty soda trend is everywhere. Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, or other types of soda mixed with flavored syrup and cream (yes, like the cream you put in your coffee) have been around for years. But the cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives put the beverage on the map recently, popularizing the drink and turning it into a viral sensation.

Last April, McDonald's jumped on the bandwagon and debuted a Dirty Dr Pepper, an electric-blue, cold-foam-topped Sprite Berry Blast, and a cold-foam-finished Hi-C Lavaburst Orange Dream.

While customers didn't slam the taste, they did have an issue with the price. Redditor VendettaKarma called it a "cash grab." Another McDonald's subreddit user/employee offered an economical alternative: "Long before this promotion, customers started asking for sides of creamer to make their own dirty sodas."

Spicy Chicken McNuggets

Spicy Chicken McNuggets are exactly what they sound like. The new limited-time menu item launched on September 1, and features breaded tempura batter with a curious kick. And if that's not enough heat for you, mouth surfers can dip the chicken into McDonald's Mighty Hot Sauce (a crushed red pepper, chili, and garlic blend).

The reviews are in on this new item, and diners are divided. Redditor sum_r4nd0m_gurl wrote, "To my surprise it actually made my mouth burn, and the new hot sauce is pretty good too," but user Hairy-Bench8728 felt differently: "I'd give them a 2/10 and they only get that because they're still McNuggets. I had some yesterday, and the spice level was a -2/10, they were not even slightly spicy."

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Bottom line

When it comes down to it, if you want to stretch your fast food budget, you need to know what to try and what to skip before you order. That's why it's important to read the reviews (or watch them on TikTok) and stick to your tried-and-true favorites.

We're not saying that an occasional splurge on a new item isn't worth the extra cash. But if the overwhelming majority of customers already have complaints, consider other options. With the rising cost of food, you may need to take a more cautious approach to spending.

What items combine affordable prices and fan-favorite flavors? McDonald's most loyal diners recently revealed some of their top picks on Reddit. The Filet-O-Fish, McGriddles, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, and Big Mac all made the list.

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