FOOD FIGHT
McDonald’s set to roll out $5 value meal – but customers slam, ‘basically a happy meal without the toy’
McDonald's reveals a $5 value menu that leaves consumers unsatisfied
CUSTOMERS have called out the fast food chain for releasing a new underwhelming value deal.
McDonald's fans say the $5 value menu offers the same items as a Happy Meal — without the toy.
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The "$5 Meal Deal" will be available for a limited time.
It includes a McDouble cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, small french fries, 4-piece chicken nuggets, and a small soft drink.
McDonald's USA President Joe Erlinger said the value menu was created for consumers who were struggling to afford regular menu items due to inflation.
"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," said Erlinger in a press release.
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However, some fans are not so excited about the new promo.
"So basically a $5 happy meal without the toy," commented one X, formerly Twitter, user.
"There are usually enough 'deals' available through the McDonald’s app, I am not sure this is an amazing deal," echoed another.
COPY CATS
A value menu is nothing new to the fast food industry or its consumers.
Most read in Money
Several other competitors have offered fast food lovers a value menu for a long time.
Wendy's $5 Biggie Bag is a fan favorite.
It includes a choice of one of three sandwiches - Whopper Jr., Bacon Cheeseburger, or a Chicken Jr - as well as four chicken nuggets, fries, and a soft drink.
Some fast food consumers say the Wendy's $5 Biggie Bag is tough to beat.
I'm a McDonald's superfan - here's my trick to get share boxes for much cheaper
"@Wendys gotta be the best fast food deal out…," tweeted one social media user.
That's not stopping other fast food companies from trying to edge out the competition.
Burger King recently introduced a meal deal that includes one of three sandwiches: Whopper Jr., Bacon Cheeseburger, or a Chicken Jr.
What's on the McDonald's value menu?
It includes:
- McDouble cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich
- Small french fries
- 4-piece chicken nuggets
- Small soft drink
With five bucks, customers also receive four chicken nuggets, fries, and a soft drink at Burger King.
Jack in the Box, Subway, and several other fast-food chains are also offering value deals to keep up.
MARKETING MAYHEM
The menu at McDonald's isn't the only thing that's changing.
The fast food company tried a flashy new way to take customers' orders at the drive-thru — using artificial intelligence.
The high-tech solution was designed to get customers their food faster, but it didn't live up to expectations.
Recently, Taco Bell has invested in improving their drive-thru experience with bigger lanes for customers' cars.
Read More on The US Sun
Other fast food chains are looking to spice up their menu, including KFC which released a new special menu item.
Meanwhile, Pizza Hut is closing 15 more locations, with little warning from leadership.
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