McDonald’s to Launch Secret Menu, Pokémon Happy Meal and CosMc’s-Inspired Drinks in 2026

Key facts

• McDonald’s will introduce an official secret menu in 2026, starting in international locations including the UK.
• The secret menu includes a Surf N’ Turf burger (double cheeseburger with Filet-O-Fish pollock square), Big Mac sauce as a dipping option, and a Chicken Cheeseburger.
• A Pokémon-themed Happy Meal is rumored for 2026 to mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary, featuring trading cards and other toys.
• McDonald’s plans to roll out new beverages inspired by its CosMc’s spin-off, including Dirty Doctor Pepper, Red Bull-based drinks, and fruity energy beverages.
• The company is investing in equipment to streamline drink-mixing as it aims to compete with Starbucks’ Refreshers and cold drinks from Dunkin’ and Taco Bell.
• McDonald’s experienced major sales drops in 2020 and 2024 but saw strong global and US sales in 2025.
• CEO Chris Kempczinski went viral while attempting to eat the new Big Arch Burger, partly prompting the brand to regain control of its online image.

A New Secret Menu Born from Viral Hacks

McDonald’s has long resisted calls for an official secret menu, leaving customers to rely on ordering hacks to create off-menu items like cotton candy Sprite or the so-called land, sea, and air burger. That changes in 2026, when the company will roll out a secret menu based on viral customer hacks, initially available only in international locations. In the United Kingdom, the menu reportedly includes a Surf N’ Turf burger — a double cheeseburger topped with the pollock square from a Filet-O-Fish — along with Big Mac sauce as a dipping sauce option and a Chicken Cheeseburger. The items appear designed for social-media sharing, suggesting McDonald’s is trying to reclaim its online narrative after its CEO, Chris Kempczinski, went viral in an awkward video while eating the new Big Arch Burger. When American customers will get access to the secret menu remains unclear.

Pokémon Happy Meal Marks 30 Years of the Franchise

In what may be a nostalgic play for millennial customers, McDonald’s is rumored to be planning a Pokémon-themed Happy Meal in 2026 to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Pokémon began in 1996 with the launch of two Game Boy games and a trading card game, and the Happy Meal is expected to include trading cards and other Pokémon-themed toys. The rumored collaboration follows other recent nostalgic Happy Meals, including a Mario-themed promotion and McDonald’s own trading card game. While the Pokémon Happy Meal has not yet appeared, observers see it as part of a broader strategy to leverage nostalgia and collectible toys to drive traffic.

CosMc’s-Inspired Beverages Target Gen Z and Competitors

McDonald’s is making a major push into beverages in 2026, drawing on drinks tested at its spin-off location CosMc’s. Although CosMc’s itself has seen many closures, the chain served as a proving ground for items like flavored cold brews and dirty sodas. Now McDonald’s will roll out similar drinks on its standard menu, including Dirty Doctor Pepper, Red Bull-based beverages, and fruity energy drinks. The company is investing in equipment to simplify drink-mixing, signaling a serious commitment to the beverage category. The new offerings are designed to appeal to Gen Z customers and to compete directly with Starbucks’ Refreshers, as well as cold, caffeinated drinks from Dunkin’ and Taco Bell.

Sales Recovery After Two Major Drops

McDonald’s enters 2026 on a stronger footing after two significant sales declines in 2020 and 2024 shook the company’s confidence. Global and US sales rebounded in 2025, but the brand remains wary of an increasingly tough economic environment. Several major fast-food competitors have been closing locations: Pizza Hut is shuttering over 250 outlets in 2026, and Wendy’s closed dozens in 2024. To stay ahead, McDonald’s is relying on a three-pronged strategy of novelty, nostalgia, and value. The new secret menu, Pokémon Happy Meal, and expanded beverage lineup are all part of that effort, alongside a new signature burger called the Golden Arches and a revamped value menu.

Tighter Rules on Dipping Sauces and Other Changes

Among the less heralded changes, McDonald’s is expected to implement tighter rules around dipping sauces, though details remain sparse. The company has not commented on whether this relates to portion control, cost management, or customer complaints. The move aligns with broader belt-tightening across the industry as fast-food chains navigate rising ingredient costs and shifting consumer habits. Other changes for 2026 include the continued rollout of the Golden Arches burger and additional Happy Meal tie-ins, though specific dates and markets have not been announced. McDonald’s is also exploring new drink combinations developed at CosMc’s, aiming to capture a larger share of the beverage market.

Outlook: Can Nostalgia and Novelty Sustain Momentum?

McDonald’s is betting that a blend of nostalgia, viral-worthy menu items, and a beverage expansion will keep customers coming back in a competitive landscape. The secret menu and Pokémon Happy Meal tap into millennial and Gen Z nostalgia, while the new drinks target younger consumers who increasingly seek customizable, caffeinated options. However, the company faces risks: the secret menu is initially limited to international markets, and the Pokémon Happy Meal remains unconfirmed. CosMc’s itself was not a runaway success, raising questions about whether its drinks will resonate on a larger scale. McDonald’s must also contend with broader economic pressures that have forced rivals to shrink. For now, the Golden Arches are betting that innovation — and a little nostalgia — will keep the brand ahead of the pack.

The bottom line

• McDonald’s will introduce an official secret menu in 2026, starting in the UK, featuring items like Surf N’ Turf burger and Big Mac sauce as a dip.
• A Pokémon-themed Happy Meal is rumored for 2026 to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, with trading cards and toys.
• New beverages inspired by CosMc’s, including Dirty Doctor Pepper and Red Bull drinks, aim to compete with Starbucks and Dunkin’.
• The company saw strong sales in 2025 after drops in 2020 and 2024, but faces a tough economic environment with competitors closing locations.
• McDonald’s is investing in drink-mixing equipment and tighter sauce rules as part of broader operational changes.
• The strategy relies on novelty, nostalgia, and value to maintain momentum amid industry headwinds.