McDonald's Extends $5 Value Meal to December, Targets Low-Income Customers with More Deals

McDonald's is keeping its $5 value meal around until December in most places across the US. The meal includes a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, four chicken nuggets, and a small drink.

McDonald's Value Meal Extended Until December

The decision is part of McDonald's plan to help customers who are spending less money amid the surging inflation. About 80% of McDonald's restaurants have decided to keep the $5 value meal, and more might join in the coming weeks. McDonald's also has special deals on its app, so people can save bigger.

"Together with our franchisees, we're committed to keeping our prices as affordable as possible, which is why we're doubling down with even more ways to save," said Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald's US.

McDonald's observed fewer people eating at its restaurants this year. Some people are choosing to eat at home to save money. The $5 value meal, which started in June, has been very popular, especially to customers who have tighter budgets.

At first, it was only supposed to last for four weeks, but most McDonald's locations wanted to keep it going, so it was extended through August. Now, many places will offer it until December.

In July, Erlinger sent a message to franchise owners saying that McDonald's needed to work harder to show customers that it still offers good deals. He said the company should focus on bringing back customers by giving them more value for their money.

McDonald's to Offer New Deals

Other fast-food places, like Burger King and Wendy's, have also started offering more value deals because fewer people are going out to eat. These restaurants are lowering prices to get more customers, according to CNBC.

McDonald's will have more special deals this fall, including a $0.50 Double Cheeseburger for National Cheeseburger Day on September 18 and $2 McCrispy sandwich for National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day on November 9. Local McDonald's restaurants are also planning their own deals to help customers save.

McDonald's hopes that by keeping low and offering deals, it will bring more people back to its stores, especially as people are spending less money overall.