Duane Beckett
McDonald’s is looking at several changes in 2026, including a new fast-food secret menu, more drink options, a possible Pokémon Happy Meal, and tighter dipping sauce rules (which we covered previously).
Some changes appear to be happening first outside the U.S., while others may roll out more widely through the year.
The Takeout reported that McDonald’s is leaning on novelty, nostalgia, and value after traffic and cost pressures have pushed the chain to keep changing its menu strategy.
The company has also created a new Restaurant Experience Team, which is expected to look at menu ideas, delivery, design, and ways to deal with higher costs.
I grew up in the era when a Happy Meal toy could make your whole week, so it’s strange to see McDonald’s now chasing viral food hacks and drink trends.
The secret menu
One of the biggest potential changes is a new “secret menu” based on online ordering hacks. This menu is starting in international locations, with the United Kingdom mentioned as the first clear example.
That matters for U.S. customers because it does not mean every American McDonald’s will have these items right away. For now, the secret menu appears to be more of a test, or at least a slower rollout, rather than a full launch.
One change we might see soon is that CosMc’s-style drinks may also move into regular McDonald’s restaurants. The Takeout states that McDonald’s tested drinks such as dirty sodas and flavored cold brews through CosMc’s, its drink-focused spin-off concept. Now, some of those ideas could show up on standard menus in 2026.
Other reported items on the secret menu include:
- Surf N’ Turf Burger, a double cheeseburger with the pollock patty from a Filet-O-Fish
- Chicken Cheeseburger
- Big Mac sauce as a dipping sauce
The Surf N’ Turf is the one that will probably get the most attention. It sounds like it’ll be built for photos. Which is very 2026.
Pokémon Happy Meal rumors
A rumored Pokémon Happy Meal is also allegedly being discussed for 2026. This information is also in The Takeout report, and it may tie into the 30th anniversary of Pokémon. The Happy Meal could include toys and trading cards.
When Might These Things Be Happening?
Most of these changes are expected during 2026, but the timing is not the same for everything.
The secret menu is starting internationally, with the UK first. The Pokémon Happy Meal is still described as rumored, and the drink rollout sounds more likely to build through the year.