91³ÉÈË

McDonald's Is Extending Its $5 Meal Deal Promotion — Get the Details Here Originally billed as a limited-time response to provide relief to inflation-strapped consumers, the promotion has gained traction with customers demanding value from fast-food brands.

By Carl Stoffers Edited by Jessica Thomas

Key Takeaways

  • McDonald's is extending its $5 Meal Deal, which it initially launched as a limited-time promotion.
  • The decision to extend the promotion aligns with a broader trend in the fast-food industry.
  • As inflation continues to strain household finances, McDonald's and other fast-food chains are focusing on offering cost-effective meal deals.

McDonald's is extending its promotion, launched last summer, to cater to budget-conscious customers. Originally billed as a limited-time response to provide relief to inflation-strapped consumers, the promotion has gained traction with consumers demanding value from fast-food brands. The includes a McDouble or McChicken, small fries, four-piece Chicken McNuggets and a small drink.

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The move aligns with a broader trend in the industry, where major fast-food chains have battled for customers with affordable meal deals since McDonald's launched its promotion in June. Competitors, including Burger King, Taco Bell and Wendy's, have also introduced value-based promotions to retain customer loyalty amid rising food costs, inflation concerns — and even customer outcry.

In an to customers last May, Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald's USA, addressed widespread reports — primarily spread via social media — that menu prices had increased more than 100% in the past five years. The letter also rebuked claims that the chain raised prices above standard inflationary rates.

Related: Don't Have Time to Start a Business? This Doctor, Lawyer and Now Part-Time Franchisee Would Disagree.

"Inflationary pressures have affected all sectors of the economy, including ours," Erlinger wrote. "That's why prices for many of our menu items have risen less than the rate of inflation — and remain well within the range of other quick service restaurants."

While these deals will bring some form of relief to inflation-strapped consumers, , a financial news and information website, recently analyzed value meals at major fast-food restaurants to determine how much consumers can save by buying value meals versus purchasing the items individually, finding that McDonald's was among the top in value.

Related: The Critical First 100 Days of Onboarding — What You're Likely Overlooking That Could Make or Break Your New Hire

A table showing fast food restaurant value meals.

With inflation still a stubborn reality for many consumers, McDonald's aims to continue attracting price-sensitive customers while keeping its menu appealing and accessible. The $5 Meal Deal promotional extension could further boost traffic to its locations and help drive sales during an economically uncertain time.

Related: Find Out Which Brands Have Ranked on the Franchise 500 for Longest, Earning a Spot In our New 'Hall of Fame'

Read More:

Carl Stoffers

91³ÉÈË Staff

Senior Business Editor

Carl Stoffers is the Senior Business Editor at 91³ÉÈË, where he covers the franchise industry. Before joining 91³ÉÈË, he was Managing Editor at IPVM and held editorial roles at The New York Times Upfront, The Marshall Project, and the New York Daily News. He holds a Master's in Journalism from Columbia University.

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