McDonald’s announces breakfast menu change

McDonald’s has announced a limited-time addition to its U.S. breakfast menu, launching a Spicy McMuffin lineup set to debut on Tuesday at participating restaurants nationwide.

The new menu items include the Spicy McMuffin, Spicy Sausage McMuffin, and Spicy Sausage McMuffin with Egg — all featuring the restaurant’s new Spicy Pepper Sauce, the company said in a press release.

The nationwide offering coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Egg McMuffin, the sandwich credited with ushering in the chain’s now-famed breakfast service.

Why It Matters

Breakfast menus have become a crucial battleground for fast food brands, with U.S. consumers increasingly seeking novel flavors and limited-time options.

The new sandwich highlights McDonald’s efforts to capitalize on the “spicy” food trend, which has seen increased popularity across American fast food menus.

Industry analysts have noted that menu additions can drive short-term sales and boost brand engagement during seasonal promotions.

What To Know

The new sandwiches maintain the core elements of a McMuffin — cheddar cheese, a freshly cracked egg, Canadian bacon or sausage, and a toasted English muffin — but incorporate McDonald’s signature Spicy Pepper Sauce. This blend offers “a fiery, delicious twist,” the company said.

McDonald’s also said that its U.S. eggs are now “100% cage-free,” which is part of its broader ingredients update that aims to align with consumer demand for animal welfare.

The menu change marks the 50th anniversary of the Egg McMuffin’s nationwide rollout. Herb Peterson, a former McDonald’s franchisee in Santa Barbara, California, created the sandwich in 1971 with the aim to produce a portable version of eggs benedict.

The innovation eventually gained national attention, notably through the efforts of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, and played a pivotal role in establishing breakfast as a major sales segment for the chain.

Spicy flavors have become a focal point for fast food innovation, with multiple chains introducing heat-centric menu items to appeal to evolving consumer palates. McDonald’s expansion into spicier breakfast options reflects a broader industry movement and an effort to differentiate its morning menu.

What People Are Saying

McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger said in a press release earlier this year: “At McDonald’s, breakfast isn’t just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition and cornerstone of our brand… Every morning when we open our doors, we are a breakfast restaurant. Whether it’s my personal favorite, the Egg McMuffin, or our crispy Hash Browns, fluffy hotcakes, or sweet and savory McGriddles, we’re all about giving our customers the best start to their day. Our fans know they can always count on us for a one-of-a-kind breakfast experience, anchored in great value and high-quality ingredients.”

David Peterson, son of Herb and a McDonald’s owner/operator, said: “When I watched my father introduce this idea to Ray Kroc, we could not have anticipated it would become the foundation for the renowned McDonald’s breakfast menu… It’s been remarkable to see people embrace this innovation over the last five decades, and now we get to share that heritage with a new generation of breakfast fans.”

What Happens Next

Availability of the new breakfast sandwich may vary by location depending on franchise participation.

McDonald’s urged customers not to delay, saying: “The Spicy McMuffin won’t last forever.”