The sentiment of the “we’ve got McDonald’s at home” meme has been on many minds recently as fast food prices increase and Americans look for ways to save money. McDonald’s is trying to get them back under the golden arches.
Just weeks after McDonald’s CEO Christopher Kempczinski said that the fast food giant was at risk of losing breakfast customers due to economic pressure, new value meals from the chain are coming. Here’s what we know so far.
In a Tuesday press release, McDonald’s announced that “deals are so back” with the launch of Extra Value Meals starting next Monday. Deals include the $5 Sausage McMuffin with Egg meal that includes hash browns and a small coffee and the $8 Big Mac meal that comes with medium fries and a medium soft drink.
Here’s a full list of the Extra Value Meals coming from McDonald’s in the coming months:
· Sausage McMuffin with Egg
· Sausage Egg & Cheese McGriddles
· Egg McMuffin
· Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit
· Big Mac
· 10-piece Chicken McNuggets
· Any variety Quarter Pounder burger (Original, Bacon, or Deluxe)
· Any variety McCrispy Sandwich (Original, Deluxe, or Spicy Deluxe)
Additionally, Snack Wraps will be available for $2.99 through the end of the year.
“McDonald’s USA is laser-focused on delivering value and affordability for our customers, and I’m incredibly proud of how our franchisees and teams continue to step up to make it a reality,” said Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA. “From the $5 Meal Deal to McValue and now Extra Value Meals, we’re sending a clear message: we’re here for our customers. McDonald’s will always be a place where you can get the food you love at a price that fits your life.”
Last month, Audacy reported that both McDonald’s and Wendy’s were concerned about losing ground with breakfast customers after seeing success in that area for decades. McDonald’s Kempczinski cited multiple challenges during an August earnings call.
“Real incomes are down with the low-income consumer, that absolutely is going to put pressure on visits into the [quick-service retail] industry,” he said, adding that tariffs are adding to uncertainty among consumers. During Wendy’s August earnings call, its interim CEO Ken Cook explained that consumers often cut breakfast first when they are concerned about rising costs.
Neil Saunders, a retail analyst at the research and analytics firm GlobalData, told USA Today recently that as McDonald’s prices have increased in recent years, many consumers don’t consider it worth the price. In the past, it was considered a cheap, convenient option. Peter Saleh, managing director for research for BTIG, told the outlet that McDonald’s has had to raise prices by 40% to offset inflation that has been squeezing the economy since the COVID-19 pandemic.
McDonald’s said this week that customers save 15% with the Extra Value prices compared to purchasing items individually.
“Bringing back Extra Value Meals reflects the company and franchisees’ shared commitment to offering everyday affordable prices,” said McDonald’s Owner/Operator and National Franchisee Leadership Alliance (NFLA) Chair Danielle Marasco. “We’re working together to keep the menu items our customers love affordable for everyone in the communities we serve.”