I’m an Ex-McDonald’s Manager: 5 Money-Saving Menu Hacks
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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Fast food isn’t the cheap meal it once was. While McDonald’s does have a value menu, there are ways to save even more.
Erik Wright, founder and CEO of New Horizon Home Buyers, used to work as a McDonald’s manager and saw all of the strategies people used to get more for their money. Here are some recommended menu hacks to cut costs on your next trip to the Golden Arches.
Skip the Quarter Pounder
Wright said one way to save money at McDonald’s is to skip ordering a Quarter Pounder and order a double cheeseburger instead. “That way, you basically have the same sandwich for a fraction of the cost,” he added.
You can typically find the double cheeseburger on the McDonald’s Value Menu for $2.99, while a Quarter Pounder With Cheese is $4.99. Granted, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese has a bigger bun and more meat, but if you want to save a couple of bucks, the double cheeseburger is the way to go.
You can save even more money by taking advantage of the “Buy One, Add One for $1” and add a Double Cheeseburger or another valid menu item for just $1, according to CBS News.
Big Mac Without the Price
“The classic favorite is to order a McDouble (double cheeseburger) and add the Big Mac sauce, and lettuce,” said Wright. (Don’t forget to remove the mustard and ketchup unless you want to stray from the traditional Big Mac taste).
The Big Mac is $4.29, and the McDouble is $2.79, so you’ll save $1.50 by ordering this way. Be aware that some locations may charge you extra for adding the Big Mac sauce, according to Mashed.
$1 Any-Size Drink Hack
Wright said that McDonald’s has one of the best fast-food beverage bargains with its any-size soda for $1 at most of its restaurants. He suggested skipping combos and purchasing separately with this hack to save money.
For example, a Big Mac combo meal with medium fries and drink is $8.09. If you order a medium order of fries for $2.49 from the McValue Menu, you’ll save more. Order a McDouble without mustard and ketchup and add Mac sauce and lettuce to mimic a Big Mac for $2.79. Pair the fries and drink with an any-size drink and your total comes to $6.28. That’s $1.81 less than the Big Mac combo meal, and you can opt for larger drink for the same price.
Split Big Fries Rather Than Small Orders
Wright said that if you’re with friends or family, order one big order of fries rather than two small ones. “A big is typically more food for less money, and you can split it,” he added.
Make Use of the App Deals
Wright acknowledged that while checking the McDonald’s app is not exactly a “menu hack,” it usually has daily or weekly promotions like $1 sandwiches, BOGOs or cheaper combos.
“Managers were aware that app customers saved a lot more money than typical walk-in customers,” he explained. “These lesser-known secrets can add up to significant savings, especially for families or frequent visitors.”
Disclaimer: Prices were sourced from the McDonald’s app at an Austin, TX location.
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