Fast food prices are a hot topic these days. Just mentioning the cost of a simple milkshake from certain chains can spark a lengthy debate about value and affordability. Many people, like my dad John, remember the days when a fast food meal didn’t break the bank. John, a man of simple tastes and unwavering loyalty to his classic fast food favorites, has seen those loyalties tested by rising prices across the board. However, there’s one place that still holds up in his book for value: McDonald’s.
The Unbeatable Value of McDonald’s Mix & Match
For my dad, the McDonald’s Mix & Match menu is a beacon of affordable fast food in an increasingly pricey world. It’s the reason he’s a repeat customer, week after week. If you’re not familiar, this deal lets you snag a satisfying fast food meal for around $4 by choosing two full-sized entrees from a select menu.
“Every fast food place has some kind of ‘value meal’,” he explains, “but usually, you’re getting smaller portions. McDonald’s is different. They take regular menu items and offer them as a deal when you buy two.”
The Mix & Match menu typically includes four popular choices: the McChicken, the McDouble with Cheese, a 6-piece McNugget, and the Filet-O-Fish. Menu options can vary depending on location, but the core concept remains the same. You can even double up on your favorite if you want two McChickens or two McDoubles. The best part? No complicated app deals or digital hoops to jump through. It’s a straightforward, old-school value.
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John sees this deal as a welcome throwback. “It reminds me of when you could get a complete fast food meal for about five bucks. That’s almost impossible now. Look at what some places charge for chicken nuggets these days, or a milkshake!” The price of milkshakes, especially from places like Chick-fil-A, clearly still stings.
His go-to order is usually a McDouble and a 6-piece McNugget, or sometimes two McDoubles. “Either way, I’m spending about $3.99.” It’s worth noting that prices can differ between individual McDonald’s locations, so your local deal might be slightly different.
Here’s a key tip to maximize your savings: stick to just the two entrees. Avoid adding fries and a drink to your order. These extras aren’t part of the Mix & Match deal, and that’s where costs can quickly escalate. Bring your own drink and resist the temptation of fries to truly get the most value for your money.
“I remember back in Little League, going to McDonald’s after games,” John reminisces. “A Big Mac, fries, and a Coke was around $2.99. Now, 35-40 years later, you can still get a decent meal for $3.99 if you bring your own drink. That’s pretty impressive value in today’s world.”
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