- McDonald's just launched its new Extra Value menu, with meals starting at $5.
- I tried the chain's new menu for lunch and saved money on one of my go-to orders.
- I thought the Quarter Pounder Deluxe meal was a good value, and I'd order it again.
McDonald's is aiming to serve up savings with its limited-time Extra Value menu, which launched Monday.
Featuring classic menu items, from breakfast sandwiches to the Big Mac and chicken nuggets, the revamped combos give customers about 15% off, the company said.
It's the latest in a string of wallet-friendly plays from the chain, following the return of Snack Wraps in July, which start at under $3.
And the golden arches are cashing in. In its Q2 earnings report, McDonald's reported 3.8% global sales growth and a 2.5% bump in US same-store sales. CEO Chris Kempczinski credited the increase to "the power of compelling value, standout marketing, and menu innovation."
I tried the new value menu for lunch and found that it did save me money on my go-to items at McDonald's.
Each Extra Value meal comes with a medium order of fries and a drink.
The chain said the new Extra Value menu promises 15% savings compared to the previous cost of a combo.
However, if you order the $5 breakfast combo or the $8 Big Mac meal, you'll save more than 15% compared to ordering each item individually.
I ordered a Quarter Pounder Deluxe with cheese meal.
I'm admittedly not a huge fan of the Big Mac, so I ordered one of my go-to meals instead to see if I would still save money.
The meal came with a medium order of fries and a medium soft drink for $11.19, excluding tax.
I thought this was really reasonable compared to what I've paid at McDonald's for the same meal, which was typically around $15.
The burger came with thick slices of tomato, shredded lettuce, and one slice of cheese.
The burger also came with pickles, ketchup, and mayonnaise. It was a classic burger, and for the new lower price, I thought it was a good deal.
The burger was filling and tasty, and the premium toppings impressed me.
The sesame-seed bun held the burger together perfectly, and I liked the combination of flavors from the condiments to the juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and tangy cheese.
Even though I paid a little more than what I would have for the $8 Big Mac meal, I did like that I could order what I really wanted and still save a few dollars.
The order also came with fries.
The company plans to expand the menu in November with two additional Extra Value meals: a $5 sausage, egg, and cheese McGriddle meal and an $8 10-piece Chicken McNugget meal.
