McDonald’s is set to launch a $5 “Meal Deal” for a limited time, as the Chicago-based burger chain aims to combat rising inflation.
“We heard our fans loud and clear: They expect even more value from us, and this summer, that’s exactly what they’ll get,” said Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA in a statement.
According to officials, the $5 “Meal Deal” will be available starting June 25 and includes four elements:
- A McChicken or McDouble
- Four-piece chicken nuggets
- Small fries
- Small drink
It is expected to be available for about a month nationwide, according to multiple reports.
In addition to the $5 meal deal, the company noted that franchisees across the United States are offering their own specials, including “buy one, get one for $1 sandwiches for breakfast” or mixed offers and much more. Customers will need to check their local McDonald’s to see if any deals are being offered.
Erlinger previously said he hoped customers would find the company’s upcoming offerings “meaningful.”
“It is clear that we, as well as our franchisees, must remain focused on value and affordability,” Erlinger said.
Recently, McDonald’s hit back at criticism over its price increases after viral tweets and media reports claimed some locations were selling Big Mac combo meals for as much as $18.
In an article published on the company’s website last month, Erlinger said reports suggesting the price of the average Big Mac had doubled since 2019 were false. McDonald’s said the average U.S. Big Mac cost $4.39 in 2019 and now costs $5.29, an increase of 20.5%.
“For a brand that proudly serves nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population each year, we feel it is our responsibility to ensure the real facts are available,” Erlinger said.
Erlinger acknowledged that he and many franchisees were frustrated by an article on X last summer about a Big Mac meal in Connecticut that cost $18, calling the price an “exception.” He noted that franchisees own and operate 95% of McDonald’s locations in the United States and set their own prices, but “work hard to minimize the impact of price increases.”
Still, the Chicago burger giant said the cost of some items has seen price increases larger than those of the Big Mac. The average price of medium fries was $2.29 in 2019 and is now $3.29, an increase of 44%.
McDonald’s said the average price of all menu items has increased 40% over the past five years, representing an average 40% increase in the cost of labor, paper and food . That’s higher than overall consumer prices, which have risen 21% since December 2019, according to government figures.
McDonald’s saw a marked slowdown in store traffic in the first three months of this year as customers weary of inflation in the United States and other major markets ate out less often. As a result, the company promised more deals.
NBC Chicago
