McDonald's New Budget Menu: 10 Items Under $3

0:00It's April 2nd, this is Global News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters globally. McDonald's is shaking up its budget game with a straightforward new value menu dropping April 21st. It'll feature exactly 10 items, all under $3, like hash browns or a sausage McMuffin for breakfast, then small fries or a McDouble burger. Later in the day, this replaces their old setup where you had to buy something full price to snag dollar deals. Rivals are right there with them. Taco Bell rolled out a 10 item menu under $3 back in January. Panera jumped in with $10 at $4.99 in February, and Wendy's tweaked its biggie deals with options from $4 to $8. McDonald's is layering on a $5 meal deal from last year, and a new $4 breakfast bundle the same day. Customers pushed for this, craving more morning choices and no fuss value, and franchise owners mostly back it since they control prices at. 95% of US spots.

1:01It's all part of fighting back against fast food inflation that hit 7% in 2023, cooling to about 4% lately. Early signs show it's working. Foot traffic ticked up less than 1% in February after dipping last year, but experts warn cheap eats alone won't. Cut it forever with gas prices climbing from global tensions. Chains are balancing discounts with pricier premium burgers to keep traffic flowing. As value battles heat up, McDonald's bet on clear, simple deals could pull folks back in, but mixing fresh ideas and better service might be the real. Play to stay ahead, long term.