(Updated 5/31/17) I recently noticed that McDonald’s stock is at an all-time high. They are clearly making a ton of money off our fast-food love affair, so I figured it was time to come up with some McDonald’s menu hacks that can actually save us money on our next trip to the golden arches. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these tips can definitely save you some cash. McFlurry anyone?
1. Order the “Budget” Big Mac
Did you know that you can order any McDonald’s burger to come with “special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions – on a sesame seed bun”, just like the famous Big Mac? Apparently there’s even a button on the register for this request at many golden arches locations. All you have to say is “Like a Mac” and you’ll get hooked up – minus the 3rd bun in the middle of course, but you can live without that strange invention.
Turns out this is a great hack to get a Big Mac for a lot less money. For example, order a “McDouble – like a Mac” and you’ll essentially get a Big Mac for about $2 after the add-ons, compared to the original Big Mac which comes with a price tag of $4.19 at most locations. Also, if you’re simply craving a double burger, just order the McDouble instead of the Big Mac and easily save a couple bucks as the McDouble remains a steal at $1.79.
2. Order McNuggets in Multiples of 4
Okay, so this tip is awesome if you love yourself some chicken nugs. The next time the craving hits order your McNuggets in multiples of four. Why? Well, a box of 4 will typically run you about $1.30 ($0.32 cents a nugget) while a box of 10 will cost you about $4.50 or $0.45 cents a nugget. So…if your local arches has the 4-pack on the menu, order them up like crazy as you’re saving money.
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3. Ask About Discounted Chow
I use to do this in college and it almost always worked. When ordering, I’d simply ask if they had any burgers or fries that were “going begging”. Meaning they were made but not bought, or perhaps they’ve been sitting under the heat lamp a little too long. Nothing wrong with them! I use to get Big Macs for $0.79, Quarter Pounders for $0.75, and fries for $0.50. Hey, I was a starving college student and I didn’t care what anyone else thought!
4. Over 55? Get a Free Cup of Coffee
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If you’re over 55, did you know you’re entitled to a free cup of coffee every time you enter a McDonalds? You must dine-in to be eligible for your free coffee, and not all restaurants participate, but it’s definitely worth asking about. Also, it appears that some golden arches offer the choice of a free coffee or a cold beverage.
A big part of the Big Mac's appeal is the tasty 'secret' spread slathered onto both decks of the world's most popular double-decker hamburger. So what's so special about this sauce? It's basically just thousand island dressing, right? But this sauce has a bit more sweet pickle relish in it than a typical thousand island salad slather. McDonald’s Big Mac BLT – Menu Hack. McDonald’s New Zealand are currently running an LTO which features the Big Mac BLT alongside the Chicken Big Mac. The official description on the Macca’s website reads: A classic burger meets a classic sandwich with the Big Mac BLT.
- Mouthwatering perfection starts with two 100% pure beef patties and Big Mac sauce sandwiched between a sesame seed bun. It’s topped off with pickles, crisp shredded lettuce, finely chopped onion and American cheese. Get a Big Mac now with Mobile Order & Pay on iOS or Android. Order on the App, and pass the line with a tap with Mobile Order & Pay.
- If you've ever wondered what exactly goes into a McDonald's sandwich (or what the heck that secret sauce stuff is anyways), you might be a little surprised to learn that all of the ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store. In an interesting move, McDonald's has released a video featuring Executive Chef Dan Coudreaut showing, step by step, how to make your own Big Mac.
- Big Mac and fries for £1.99 every time. At the top of most McDonald’s receipts, there’s a ‘Food for Thoughts’ code. Go online and fill in quick a survey to receive a second code, which you can then exchange in the restaurant for a £1.99 Big Mac and fries (normally £4ish).
- Sep 18, 2007 The double-decker Big Mac was introduced in 1968, the brain-child of a local franchisee. It is now the world's most popular hamburger and it is super easy to duplicate at home. You can use Kraft Thousand Island dressing for the special sauce, or follow the link in the Tidbits below to a recipe for cloning the special sauce from scratch.
5. Egg McMuffin Hack
The next time you enter a McDonald’s jonesing for some breakfast, consider ordering a simple Sausage McMuffin (without the egg) along with an ala carte “round egg” and create your own Sausage Egg McMuffin on the cheap. According to the clever folks at BuzzFeed, by ordering it this way, you’ll get it for $2.58 instead of $3.19. Not a huge savings, but a fun McDonald’s secret menu hack that’ll stick it to Ronald every time.
6. Want Hot and Fresh Fries?
Nothing worse than luke warm and soggy french fries. To avoid this, be sure to order them with “No Salt” and Mickey D’s will fry up a fresh batch just for you. You can then add the salt yourself if you want. While this won’t save you any money, it will definitely get you some deliciously amazing french fries on your next visit.
This tip also works for the Filet O’ Fish – order it “no cheese” and you’re guaranteed to get a freshly made fish sandwich.
7. Don’t Ignore the Value Menu
Not all “Value Menu” items are created equal as some are much better deals than others. The best value menu items at McDonalds are as follows:
Mcdonald's Big Mac Special
- McChicken Sandwich: At an affordable $1, this is the best buy on the ENTIRE menu by far. It weights 5.10 ounces, which means it’s priced at $3.14 per pound. In contrast, the Big Mac sells for over $9 per pound and the Filet O’ Fish comes in at $12.45 per pound.
- 2 Cheeseburgers for $2: If you’re craving beef instead of poultry, the 2 cheeseburgers for $2 is the best way to go.
- McDouble: At $1.79, the McDouble is also a great value menu item. Order it “Like a Mac” and get it with all the Big Mac trimmings and you’ve essentially order a Big Mac and saved a couple bucks in the process.
Big Mac Mcdonald
By Kyle James
Mcdonald's Big Mac Nutrition
Photo by Mike Mozart