Meal Deal Frenzy: Which Fast Food Bargain Is The Best?

Author: Hayden Buckfire | June 28, 2024 03:28pm

Inflation has been painful for American consumers. Several United States fast-food joints have unveiled discounted meal deals in contrast to rapidly rising prices.

Here are the meal deals released by the largest food giants in the U.S.

McDonald’s Corp (NYSE:MCD) announced a $5 meal deal on June 20. America’s largest fast food chain is offering the deal nationwide. The offer includes a McDouble cheeseburger, small fries, four-piece chicken nuggets, and a small soft drink. A la carte, the items would total approximately $10. The limited-time offer provides a large, 50% discount (Note: prices vary by location). Price increases at the Golden Arches have far outpaced increases at rival fast-food brands since 2014.
Burger King, owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc (NYSE:QSR), has a meal deal of its own. The $5 “Your Way” Meal includes a choice between a Whopper Jr., Chicken Jr. or Bacon Cheeseburger, fries, four-piece chicken nuggets and a soft drink.
Wendy’s Co (NYSE:WEN) has offered $5 “Biggie Bags” since 2019. It is now throwing in a free Frosty as a kicker, according to Today. Customers must buy the meal in the Wendy’s app to receive the Frosty. Biggie Bags include the choice of a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or Crispy Chicken Sandwich, paired with a four-piece nugget, a Jr. fries and a small soft drink. The Biggie Bag replaced Wendy’s “4 for 4” deal.

Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:SBUX) perhaps shed its premium identity to unveil $5 and $6 combination deals earlier this month. The deal offers a tall iced/hot coffee or tea paired with a butter croissant for $5. For $6, customers can upgrade to a breakfast sandwich.
KFC Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) launched a value menu in April. The deals are intended to last through 2024. KFC’s $4.99 “Meal for One” features two pieces of chicken (drum and thigh), mashed potatoes & gravy and a biscuit. Its “Meal for Two” varies in price by location, but features four pieces of chicken (drum, thigh, breast, wing) with mashed potatoes and gravy and two biscuits.
Taco Ball, also a Yum brand, introduced its $7 Luxe Cravings Box on June 27. The offer is for a limited time. The box includes a Chalupa Supreme, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a Double Stacked Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce and a medium drink. The meal provides a 55% discount over suggested prices according to Taco Bell.