Which McDonald's slogan preceded “I'm lovin' it” and included the phrase “break today”?

“You Deserve a Break Today” was the McDonald's slogan that preceded “I'm lovin' it” and included the phrase “break today.”

McDonald's introduced the line in 1971 as part of a major advertising campaign. It presented a visit to the restaurant as a small reward or pause in a busy day, giving the brand an emotional message beyond the food itself.

The slogan became closely associated with a memorable jingle and remained one of the best-known lines in fast-food advertising. It is sometimes shortened in casual references to “You Deserve a Break,” but the canonical slogan includes “Today.”

McDonald's later moved toward different campaign themes, eventually introducing “I'm lovin' it” in 2003. Comparing the two lines shows how the brand shifted from promising a deserved pause to expressing personal enjoyment.