McDonald’s used to be the place to go when you were broke. Now, going there is a risky financial decision, especially if you want to try the new McDonald’s burger hotness: the Big Arch.
This big, meaty new burger is massive, sure — but it’s still just Mickey D’s. People don’t want to pay sit-down-restaurant prices at the drive-thru, no matter how good they think the burger is. Here’s everything you need to know about the Big Arch — including what people think of the expensive burger — so you can decide whether it’s worth it for you to try it yourself.
The Big Arch Is McDonald’s Biggest Burger
The Big Arch burger is McDonald’s latest foray into the limited-time-offer specials. It’s the biggest burger they’ve ever offered, and it’s been a permanent menu item in other countries for a while already, including the UK.
It’s got two quarter pound beef patties, three slices of white cheddar cheese, both crispy and slivered onions (that’s what they call their regular burger onions), lettuce, pickles, and Big Arch sauce, which the company says is a “tangy, creamy sauce with a perfect balance of mustard, pickle and sweet tomato flavors.” It’s all on a bigger, toasted bun topped with sesame and poppy seeds.
It’s got over 1,000 calories, but with a half pound of beef, three slices of cheese, and a creamy sauce, that’s not really surprising. McDonald’s seems to be aiming for the market that wants all beef all the time, but with beef prices as high as they are, this burger is going to cost a lot.
‘A $9 Burger Is Insane’
The Big Arch burger is already appearing in the McDonald’s mobile app menu for many people, and the price is outrageous. In screenshots of the app posted to social media (and checking our own local McD’s), the price ranges from $7.59 to over $9 for just the burger alone. A combo with fries and soda will run you at least $11, and some locations have it over $13. (Keep in mind that McDonald’s franchise owners set their own prices, which is why they vary so much.)
The pushback on the price has been fierce on Reddit. “Almost 10 dollars for a McDs burger is an absolute no no,” said one Redditor in a thread about the Big Arch. “Anything above 5 and I’m taking my money to an actual burger spot for the same price.”
Other people sounded off with a similar “those are sit-down restaurant prices” sentiment.
“Red Robin has a $10 burger meal, Chili’s its $11 and Five Guys does their burger for $10 near me,” said another Redditor. “McDonald’s is losing my interest with every new thing.”
“At this point these fast food places are more expensive than any sit down restaurant,” chimed in another commenter. “But until everyone speaks with their wallet, they will keep pushing. That’s why they came up with the $5/6 meal deals because we stopped buying.”
Other people kept their feelings succinct, and we feel that. “A $9 burger is insane.”
“$9.29 for a single McItem? They’re dreaming.”
‘It’s Way Better Than a Big Mac’
Interestingly, even with all the price bashing, the consensus from people who’ve tried the Big Arch seems to be that it’s pretty good.
“I tried it last year. Probably had it 10 times. Painful to say but it’s better than the Big Mac,” said one Redditor.
“I just ate it. Well what I could of it,” said another fan. “This thing is massive, it’s like the size of a double Whopper. All in all it’s way better than a Big Mac imo. But it’s a one and done, it’s just simply too big and too expensive. Some will find the value in it.”
Other people who have had it particularly enjoy the sauce, which they say isn’t the same as Big Mac sauce. “It’s definitely mustard based, a little bit peppery but not too much, overall really good!” said one Redditor. “Would be interesting to try it on a snack wrap.”
Another described it as “like big mac sauce on steroids.“
If all of that is enough to convince you to spend the ~$9 to try the new Big Arch, you can do it starting March 3, 2026 at McDonald’s nationwide, but only for a limited time.
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