3 McDonald’s Deals That Really Are a Good Value (and 2 To Skip)
Written by
Madeline Duley
Edited by
Angela Corry
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McDonald’s is known for affordable buys that offer satisfying, deliciously addictive flavor in every bite. While the golden arches offer plenty of budget-friendly menu choices, money-savvy regulars know that some of their deals offer a fantastic value, while others just look good on the surface.
Check out these three McDonald’s deals that are well worth the price, plus two you’ll want to skip to keep your belly and your bank account happy.
McDonald’s Deals With Good Value
The easiest way to save at McDonald’s is by using their mobile app and taking advantage of the app-exclusive deals. Here are three app offers you’ll want to snag to maximize savings and stretch your dollar.
$5 Meal Deal
There aren’t many places where even a kid’s meal is under $10, but at McDonald’s, a $5 Meal Deal is likely to leave any adult stuffed and satisfied. This app deal is one of the most popular — and for good reason.
“The $5 Meal Deal includes a McChicken, a McDouble sandwich, 4-piece chicken McNuggets, small fries and a small drink,” said Nick Drewe, CEO and money-saving expert at Wethrift. “Buying these items separately can cost at most $10, so you’re already saving up to $5.”
Free McCrispy with $1 Minimum Purchase
Nothing thrills a deal lover quite like the word “free.” If you’re looking to save on your next McDonald’s run, be sure to check out this app-exclusive deal.
“New app users can get a Free McCrispy with $1 Minimum Purchase,” Drewe said. “This deal gives you a premium chicken sandwich whenever you buy a small fries or a drink. Talk about stretching that dollar!”
Free Medium Fries with Any $1+ purchase
There’s nothing like biting into a warm, crispy, cooked-to-perfection McDonald’s fry. If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, be sure to do so before Friday to score one of the best deals — free fries.
“The Free Medium Fries with Any $1+ Purchase on Fridays through the app gives incredible value for money,” Drewe said. “Since medium fries typically cost $2.50, you can get golden, crispy goodness for less.”
McDonald’s Deals to Skip
Sometimes, deals that seem like a steal aren’t the best bang for your buck when you look closer. Here are two McDonald’s offers that may leave you feeling short-changed.
Buy One, Add One for $1 Menu Items
The McValue menu is often a go-to for finding affordable options. However, the value of the “value” items isn’t always that impressive when you break it down.
“For example, purchasing one Sausage McMuffin for $2.79 and an additional one for $1 is a total of $3.79 (only $1.79 in savings),” Drewe said. “That is mere loose change. Especially when compared to other value meals containing more food variety and volume for $5.”
The same goes for their lunch and dinner items.
“If you purchase a McChicken for $1.49 and add an additional one for $1, you get two for $2.49,” Drewe said. ” That’s saving around 50 cents only — hardly anything if you consider the $5 Meal Deal that provides more variety.”
Hash Browns
It’s worth noting that many of the $1 menu items are surprisingly pricey to buy on their own. One such menu item? The infamous McDonald’s hash browns.
With a singular patty costing $3.49 (though prices vary by location), it’s tough to justify that price for just 2 ounces of potato. For about the same price ($3.79), you can get a Double Hamburger that offers more nutritional value and a higher protein content.
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