McDonald’s Reveals What’s in New $5 Meal Deals Coming to Louisiana and Texas

McDonald's has unveiled its $5 meal deals to attract budget-conscious diners, set to debut in Louisiana and Texas locations this Tuesday (6/25). This announcement follows similar value meal introductions by fast food rivals Burger King and Wendy's, aiming to offer customers more affordable dining options amid rising food costs.

The $5 meal deal at McDonald's includes a small order of fries, a four-piece chicken nugget, a small soft drink, and a choice between a McDouble or McChicken sandwich. This promotion will be available for a limited time and caters to customers seeking value in their fast food choices.

Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, emphasized the company's commitment to providing value to its customers. "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,” Erlinger said in a press release. “Value has always been part of our DNA. We’re focused on living up to that legacy and offering delicious, affordable options customers can enjoy any time they walk through our doors, go through our drive-thru, or place an order through our app.”

In addition to the $5 meal deals, McDonald’s will offer region-specific deals through its mobile app. While specific deals for Louisiana and Texas were not detailed, similar promotions in other regions include a double cheeseburger and small fries for $3.50 in Columbus, Ohio, and 25% off orders over $10 in Savannah, Georgia.

This move comes after McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged a decline in low-income customers due to price increases driven by inflation. McDonald's aims to address this by making its products more affordable, aligning with the company's 2024 goal of catering to cost-sensitive consumers.

“Providing our customers with affordable options has always been core to our brand, and it's even more important as consumers feel pressure on their spending, particularly the lower-income consumer,” noted Ian Borden, McDonald’s chief financial officer, during an earnings call.

The introduction of these value meals is a response to the broader trend of fast food chains offering similar deals. Wendy’s recently launched a $5 Biggie Bag, which includes a sandwich, small fries, four-piece chicken nuggets, and a small drink. Burger King’s $5 You Way value meal also features four-piece nuggets, value fries, a value soft drink, and a choice of a Whopper Jr., Chicken Jr., or bacon cheeseburger.

Over the past decade, fast food prices have surged at a rate nearly double that of general inflation. An analysis by FinanceBuzz indicates that prices at leading fast food restaurants have increased by about 60% since 2014. McDonald’s has seen the highest rate of price increases, with current prices double those of a decade ago.

For Lafayette and Gulf Coast residents looking to stretch their dollars, these new $5 meal deals at McDonald's might be right on time.