McDonald’s Big Arch Review: Is the Viral Burger Worth It?

McDonald’s recently debuted a new burger called the Big Arch, and it’s already generating buzz online.

The burger has even gone viral thanks to a clip of McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski taking a very careful bite during a promotional appearance.

But internet fame aside, the real question is simple:

Is the McDonald’s Big Arch actually worth the price—or the calories?

What Is the McDonald’s Big Arch?

The Big Arch is essentially a supercharged version of a Big Mac-style burger.

Imagine the heft of a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, but topped with:

three slices of white cheddar
crispy fried onions
shredded lettuce
pickles
the new Big Arch sauce (which feels very similar to Big Mac sauce)

The result is a massive fast food burger that pushes well over 1,000 calories.

That’s a lot of burger.

But does it deliver value?

The Price of the Big Arch

At my local McDonald’s in Austin, Texas, the Big Arch costs $8.99 by itself.

I skipped fries and a drink, but a combo meal would easily push the total past $13.

Welcome to fast food in 2026.

The Big Arch Is a Big Burger

One thing is certain: you will not leave hungry.

While spending almost $10 on a burger at McDonald’s might feel strange, credit where it’s due—the Big Arch might be the best burger McDonald’s has ever made.

That’s largely thanks to the improved quarter-pound patties, the same fresh beef used in the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese.

If you have the appetite, the Big Arch delivers a satisfying burger experience.

A Burger With Internet Fame

By now you may have seen the viral video of McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski eating the Big Arch.

He was widely mocked online for taking a very delicate bite and referring to the burger as a “product.”

But the CEO did get one thing right.

The Big Arch delivers that unmistakable McDonald’s flavor—the taste that built one of the biggest fast food empires in the world.

The Vitals:
the spot: McDonald’s locations worldwide
the eats: Big Arch
the bucks: $8.99
the full nelson: delicious but dangerous

Is the McDonald’s Big Arch Worth It?

My verdict: worth the money, not worth the calories.

The Big Arch is undeniably delicious. If you’re a fan of Big Mac sauce, this burger will feel like a dream.

In many ways, it’s essentially a Big Mac on steroids.

But that’s also the problem.

The burger is almost an overdose of McDonald’s flavor.

Sure, it’s fun as an occasional indulgence. But considering how easy it is to find a McDonald’s almost anywhere, the Big Arch could be dangerous territory for anyone trying to keep fast food in moderation.

In short:

The Big Arch might be McDonald’s best burger yet.

Just eat with caution.