McDonald’s Bigger Burger, The Big Arch Burger, Is Coming In March
McDonald’s has something big coming to its menu in March: the Big Arch.
The Big Arch burger, which is already available in some international markets, is available in the United States for a limited time from Tuesday, March 3. The burger has received a lot of attention for its size – it has quarter pound beef patties, surrounded by three slices of white cheddar cheese.
Called McDonald’s “biggest and boldest burger” yet, the Big Arch also differs from other McDonald’s burgers with its toppings: in addition to lettuce and pickles, the burger has sour cream and pickled onions, and is dressed with Big Arch Sauce, described by McDonald’s on its Menu Spotter website, a sweet tomato paste complete with “delicious tomato cream” flavors.”
The burger comes on a toasted sesame and poppy seed bun. “It’s definitely very ‘McDonald’s, McDonald’s burger’ at the moment,” the company said.
The Big Arch is big on calories, too
McDonald’s new burger, the Big Arch, also weighs in as the cheapest burger at 1,057 calories, according to McDonald’s menu in the UK, where the burger has become a permanent menu item.
If you do the math that’s almost double the calories in two Big Macs (580 calories each).
The fast-food giant developed the sandwich — which was also on the menu in Canada, Germany, Portugal, France and Switzerland — in response to consumer demand for a larger beef offering that satisfies appetites while representing value, the company said in a statement.
“We started piloting Big Arch about a year and a half ago, and it’s shown strong traction in many markets,” said Jill McDonald, the company’s chief restaurant experience officer, during the fourth quarter call. “Customers are responding to this more satisfying burger that meets the need for something exciting while still having a unique McDonald’s feel. Its performance has helped it earn a permanent place on the UK menu, and we see the potential to continue to scale this platform as we strengthen our position at this level of the beef category.”
McDonald’s did not release the price of the burger, instead saying that restaurants alone will determine prices and that they may vary by location. However, compared to its price in international markets, it can cost $10-$11 per burger, based on McDonald’s prices in the UK and Ireland.
McDonald’s isn’t the only restaurant that sells big burgers. Burger King has its Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper currently returning to its menu. In November 2025, Shake Shack added the Big Shack burger to its menu for a limited time, while Carl’s Jr. starting with its Cali XL Burger.
The Big Arch could be a big enough hit to join McDonald’s permanent menu, too, fast food analyst Mark Kalinowski told MarketWatch earlier this month. “This should work very well for them,” he said.
Mike Snider is a national trends reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & [email protected].
This article first appeared in USA TODAY: McDonald’s biggest burger, the Big Arch burger, is coming in March.
Mike Snider, USA TODAY / USA TODAY reports
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
