New McDonald’s Menu Items: What’s New and Limited-Time (October 2026)
This tracker lists what’s new at McDonald’s USA right now, which limited-time items have already ended this year, and what’s expected next. We check McDonald’s own announcements and menu, and we date every entry so you know exactly how current it is.
What’s New at McDonald’s Right Now
The newest things at US McDonald’s are the Disney Villains Boo Buckets Happy Meal, which arrived on October 20, and the 2026 MONOPOLY game, running through November 1. The newest permanent menu items are the Refreshers, crafted sodas and the Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer.
| Item | Started | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney Villains Boo Buckets Happy Meal | Oct. 20, 2026 | Happy Meal | Limited, while supplies last |
| McDonald’s MONOPOLY | Oct. 6, 2026 | Promotion | Ends Nov. 1, 2026 |
| Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer and Vanilla Swirl sodas | Aug. 17, 2026 | Drinks | On the national menu |
| Refreshers and crafted sodas | May 6, 2026 | Drinks | Permanent |
Boo Buckets
Five villain designs: Jafar, Ursula, Scar, Cruella and Maleficent, each with a themed lid and stickers.
Happy Meal price
Boo Buckets come with a Happy Meal; see our Happy Meal prices.
While supplies last
Buckets often sell out before Halloween at busy restaurants.
McDonald’s MONOPOLY 2026: Dates and Eligible Items
McDonald’s MONOPOLY 2026 runs from October 6 to November 1. You peel game pieces from eligible menu items, scan them in the McDonald’s app, and collect properties or win instant prizes; a top Chance prize is $1 million.
| Daypart | Eligible items with game pieces |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Hash Browns, McMuffins, biscuit sandwiches, large drinks and McCafé drinks |
| Rest of day | Large Fries, 10 pc Chicken McNuggets, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Big Mac, 4 pc McCrispy Strips, large drinks |
- How to play: download the app, opt in to MyMcDonald’s Rewards and register for the game.
- Going large: large sizes of eligible items carry extra game pieces.
- Chance cards: scan your Rewards code at the counter, kiosk or drive-thru.
- No purchase necessary: a free method of entry is described in the official rules.
Eligible items as reported for the 2026 game; check the official rules in the app for the full list and odds.
New Permanent McDonald’s Drinks in 2026
McDonald’s biggest permanent menu change of 2026 is its new drinks lineup: three Refreshers and several crafted sodas topped with cold foam in May, followed in August by a Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer and Vanilla Swirl sodas.
| Drink (Small unless noted) | Calories | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Watermelon Refresher | 160 | 45 mg |
| Mango Pineapple Refresher | 180 | 45 mg |
| Blackberry Passion Fruit Refresher | 170 | 45 mg |
| Sprite Berry Blast | 240 | 0 mg |
| Dirty Dr Pepper | 250 | 25 mg |
| Orange Dream with Fanta | 250 | 0 mg |
| Vanilla Swirl with Coca-Cola | 260 | 0 mg |
| Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer (22 oz) | 200 | 80 mg |
Full flavors, prices and sugar are in our Refreshers guide and drinks menu.
What’s Coming Next at McDonald’s
The next big return is the McRib. Reports point to a regional comeback at participating restaurants around November 1 to 2, 2026, though McDonald’s hadn’t confirmed national dates when we checked.
| Item | Expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| McRib | Around Nov. 1 to 2, 2026 | Reported, not confirmed nationally |
| Holiday Pie | Mid-November in past years | Returned Nov. 2025; 2026 not yet announced |
| Shamrock Shake | Mid-February in past years | Annual return, dates announced each year |
We update this table as McDonald’s confirms dates.
Limited-Time McDonald’s Items That Ended in 2026
These items launched in 2026 and are no longer on McDonald’s national menu.
| Item | Launched | What it was |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Honey menu | Jan. 27 | Hot Honey Sauce on McCrispy sandwiches, a biscuit, a Snack Wrap and a dip cup |
| Shamrock Shake and OREO Shamrock McFlurry | Feb. 17 | Seasonal mint shake and McFlurry |
| BIG ARCH burger | March 3 | McDonald’s largest burger, sold for a limited time |
| Caesar menu | July 21 | Bacon Caesar McCrispy, Caesar Snack Wrap and Caesar Dip Cup |
| Honey Brown Butter Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit | July 21 | Limited-time breakfast biscuit |
| Caramel Apple Pie coffees | Aug. 17 | Frappé, lattes and iced coffee |
| Spicy Chicken McNuggets | Sept. 1 | Returning spicy McNuggets with Mighty Hot Sauce |
“Ended” means no longer listed on McDonald’s national menu when we checked; a few restaurants may still have stock.
McDonald’s 2026 Launch Timeline
Every major US launch this year in order, including Happy Meal promotions.
| Date | Launch |
|---|---|
| Jan. 27 | Hot Honey Sauce menu |
| Feb. 17 | Shamrock Shake and OREO Shamrock McFlurry return |
| March 3 | BIG ARCH burger |
| March 10 | McDAAG x Crocs Happy Meal |
| March 26 | Super Mario Galaxy Movie Happy Meal |
| May 6 | Refreshers and crafted sodas (permanent) |
| July 14 | BT21 Happy Meal |
| July 21 | Caesar menu, Honey Brown Butter BEC Biscuit, panko-coated McCrispy Strips |
| Aug. 17 | Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer, Vanilla Swirl sodas, Caramel Apple Pie coffees |
| Aug. 18 | Hello Kitty & Friends x Godzilla Happy Meal |
| Sept. 1 | Spicy Chicken McNuggets return |
| Sept. 15 | SpongeBob x One Piece Happy Meal |
| Oct. 6 | MONOPOLY game begins |
| Oct. 20 | Disney Villains Boo Buckets |
How to Spot New McDonald’s Items First
New items often appear in the app before menu boards change.
- Check the app’s home screen. New and limited items are promoted there first, often with app-only offers.
- Watch launch days. McDonald’s US launches usually land on a Monday or Tuesday.
- Bookmark this page. We re-check McDonald’s announcements and menu and date every update.
- Use Rewards points to try a new item cheaply; see our rewards guide.
New McDonald’s Items FAQ
What is new at McDonald's this month?
The Disney Villains Boo Buckets Happy Meal (from Oct. 20, 2026) and the MONOPOLY game (Oct. 6 to Nov. 1, 2026).
When does McDonald's MONOPOLY 2026 end?
November 1, 2026.
Is the BIG ARCH still at McDonald's?
No. It launched as a limited-time burger on March 3, 2026 and is no longer on the national menu.
Are McDonald's Refreshers permanent?
Yes. McDonald's launched them as permanent menu items on May 6, 2026.
Is the McRib coming back in 2026?
Reports point to a regional return around November 1 to 2, 2026; see our McRib page for updates.
How We Track New Items
- Launch dates: McDonald’s USA menu announcements and its US menu item spotter
- MONOPOLY details: McDonald’s game information and national coverage of the 2026 game
- Current menu: McDonald’s USA online menu
Menu Facts USA is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by McDonald’s Corporation. MONOPOLY (a Hasbro trademark), Boo Buckets, McRib and related names are trademarks of McDonald’s. If you have a food allergy, confirm ingredients with your restaurant before ordering.
