NEW YORK — Value is the new buzzword at fast-food chains nationwide. After rising prices turned customers off, the restaurants recently responded by unveiling value menus. Fast food joints are in the midst of a budget-meal war, offering promotions to lure customers back to their restaurants despite inflation woes.
For instance, McDonald’s has a $5 value meal , which includes a McDouble cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, plus small french fries, 4-piece chicken nuggets and a small soft drink. At Taco Bell , you can now get two different kinds of tacos, a five-layer burrito, chips with nacho cheese sauces and a medium drink for $7. That’s 55% cheaper than ordering the items individually.
Like McDonald’s, Burger King is offering a $5 meal bundle where customers can select one of three kinds of burgers to pair with chicken nuggets and a beverage. Last month, McDonald's entered the increasingly fierce fast food value menu war with a $5 meal deal. But just how much value is there in these kinds of “value” meals? Well, actually, not as much as you may think, since prices for many key ingredients used in value meals are coming down.
In other words: You’re paying the going rate (or more). The fast-food chain will debut a "$5 Meal Deal" in the U.S.
beginning on June 25, CNN reports. "We heard our fans loud and clear — they're looking for even more great value from us, and this summer that's exactly what they'll get." Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald's USA, via pre.