McDonald’s expands US value menu as fast food chains battle for bargain hunters

On By Littum

McDonald’s will expand its US value menu early next year as it continues to try to win back inflation-weary customers.

Starting Jan. 7, the burger chain will let customers buy one full-price item from a limited-value menu and get another item on the menu for $1. Items on the menu include a sausage McMuffin, hash browns, a McChicken sandwich and small fries.

McDonald’s will also continue to offer its $5 Meal Deal through next summer. That agreement was introduced in June and extended until the end of this year in September. Chicago-based McDonald’s said it will also continue to offer local deals and in-app deals like free drinks.

AP Correspondent Rita Foley reports on McDonald’s new offerings.

Seam price increase on groceries has fallen, McDonald’s says it has seen more diners switch to eating at home instead of going out. IN Octoberprices for food eaten away from home were up 3.8% compared to the previous year, while prices for food eaten at home rose 1.1%, according to the US government.

McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal, which was matched by rivals such as Burger King, helped the chain win back some customers. In it the period July-Septemberits U.S. same-store sales — or sales at stores open at least a year — rose 0.3% from the same period a year ago.