McDonald’s sales got a lift from Snack Wraps and other value-oriented products in the third quarter.

But McDonald’s Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski warned Wednesday that consumers in the U.S. and other top international markets remain under economic pressure, a problem he thinks will persist well into 2026. Concern about SNAP food aid benefits and whether the U.S. government will pay them during the shutdown is exacerbating those worries, he said.

Kempczinski said visits to its restaurants by lower-income consumers fell again in the July-September period, a trend that has persisted for nearly two years. And while higher-income customers are continuing to dine out, they're also looking for deals.

“I think sometimes there’s this idea that value only matters to low-income (customers

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