The $5 value meal was the fast food trend of the summer, and some of the biggest chains are now extending their deals into the fall as they try to draw customers amid disappointing store traffic.

McDonald’s started the wave of deals in May, announcing a four-item combo meal that includes a sandwich, nuggets, fries and a drink. At the time, the company’s brass said consumers were “making tough calls” about their spending after years of high inflation, so the brand had to stay “laser-focused on value and affordability.”

The fast food giant says tens of millions of people have since ordered the deal, which was just extended until December. (Even still, McDonald’s reported a sales decline in July.)

The cost of eating at restaurants (including fast food) has increased 4% in the past year and is up more than 25% since August 2020, according to new government inflation data. More diners who can’t stomach the ever-rising prices are simply staying home, and that’s created a tough business environment for America’s chain restaurants, which depend on the patronage of lower-income customers.

Facing the same consumer trends — and to compete with McDonald’s — brands including Wendy’s, Burger King and Jack in the Box are running $5 deals of their own.

The competition is good news for consumers who are fed up with paying what feels like restaurant prices for fast food sandwiches, but what do you actually get for your cash?

6 fast food value deals

Here are six of the major fast food deals available now:

Burger King

The “$5 Your Way Meal” includes a choice of a Whopper Jr., a Bacon Cheeseburger, or a Chicken Jr., as well as fries, four-piece chicken nuggets and a value drink.

Jack in the Box

The “2 for $5 Jumbo Jack,” as the name suggests, is a deal for two “jumbo” beef patty hamburgers with classic toppings.

KFC

Kentucky Fried Chicken has several $5 options to choose from on the Taste of KFC menu: Eight chicken nuggets and secret recipe fries; the Famous Bowl (a chicken nuggets bowl with mashed potatoes and gravy); or a two-piece drum and thigh meal.

McDonald’s

You have two choices at McDonald’s: The McChicken $5 Meal Deal or the McDouble $5 Meal Deal. Both include four nuggets, small fries and a small Coke.

Taco Bell

This deal costs $7, but it’s a hefty meal. In the Luxe Cravings Box, customers get a Chalupa Supreme, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a Double Stacked Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium drink.

Wendy’s

At Wendy’s, the $5 Biggie Bag includes a sandwich (a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, a Crispy Chicken Sandwich, or a Double Stack), nuggets, fries and a drink or a junior Frosty. For an extra $1, you can upgrade to a medium Frosty.

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According to a report from Money.com, fast food chains are extending their $5 value meal deals into the fall in an effort to attract customers amidst declining store traffic. McDonald’s, which started the trend in May, has reported that millions of people have taken advantage of their four-item combo meal deal, which includes a sandwich, nuggets, fries, and a drink. However, despite the success of the deal, McDonald’s has still seen a decline in sales. This is likely due to the fact that the cost of eating at restaurants, including fast food, has increased by 4% in the past year and over 25% since August 2020, according to government inflation data.

In response to these consumer trends, other fast food chains such as Wendy’s, Burger King, and Jack in the Box have also started offering $5 deals to compete with McDonald’s. This is good news for consumers who are tired of paying high prices for fast food sandwiches. But what exactly do you get for your money?

Here are six of the major fast food deals currently available:

– Burger King’s “$5 Your Way Meal” includes a choice of a Whopper Jr., a Bacon Cheeseburger, or a Chicken Jr., as well as fries, four-piece chicken nuggets, and a value drink.

– Jack in the Box’s “2 for $5 Jumbo Jack” deal offers two “jumbo” beef patty hamburgers with classic toppings.

– KFC’s “Taste of KFC” menu includes several $5 options, such as eight chicken nuggets and secret recipe fries, the Famous Bowl (a chicken nuggets bowl with mashed potatoes and gravy), or a two-piece drum and thigh meal.

– McDonald’s offers two $5 meal deals: the McChicken $5 Meal Deal and the McDouble $5 Meal Deal. Both include four nuggets, small fries, and a small Coke.

– Taco Bell’s “Luxe Cravings Box” costs $7 but includes a Chalupa Supreme, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a Double Stacked Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium drink.

– Wendy’s “$5 Biggie Bag” includes a sandwich (a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, a Crispy Chicken Sandwich, or a Double Stack), nuggets, fries, and a drink or a junior Frosty. For an extra $1, customers can upgrade to a medium Frosty.

Overall, these deals offer a variety of options for a reasonable price, making it a great option for those looking to save money on fast food. However, it’s important to note that not all brands are included in these deals and that research and financial considerations may influence how they are displayed. To learn more, visit the respective fast food chain’s website. 

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