Rating McDonald’s Deals

Tracy Espinoza, Opinion Managing Editor • October 7, 2024

The Current’s food expert doing what she does best.

Nothing beats returning from a long day at school and stepping into a McDonald’s chain, wrestling for a spot in line while checking the daily promotions. But, not all promotions are made equal—some are superior.

Here are some McDonald’s deals rated out of 10.

30% off any purchase of $5 or more (excludes tax)
- 0/10. Why would I want to use a deal that includes no free food and doesn’t gaslight me into buying more food?
Free Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Big Mac, or 10pc Chicken McNuggets when you buy one
- 10/10. Thank you for plumping me up and feeding me, mama. Love the BOGO deal, especially when it’s of equal value.
Free Double Cheeseburger or 6pc Chicken McNuggets when you buy one
- 5/10. Don’t see it as very practical. Why would I want two double cheeseburgers when that’s basically a double patty Big Mac… and why would I want 6 chicken nuggets when I could have 10? Use significant figure and round that chicken up NOW, thank you. <3
20% off any purchase of $10 or more (excludes tax)
- 0/10. This is an even worse deal than the first one. Why would I want to use this one when I was clearly given a better option? The math isn’t mathing.
Buy one Breakfast Sandwich, get one for $1
- 0/10. This deal is not convincing. You’re telling me I can get another Quarter Pounder for free (see deal #2) if I buy a Quarter Pounder, but I can’t get a breakfast sandwich for free if I buy a breakfast sandwich? Now even McDonald’s is going through it.
$3 10pc Chicken McNuggets
- 7/10. Love the nuggets but that’s a weird number. Give me it for $2, and then we can talk.
$1.19 any size Fries
- 3/10. Remember when these were $1? Didn’t know McDonald’s fries now also account for inflation. 😔
$6 Big Mac, McCrispy or Quarter Pounder which Cheese Combo Meal
- 0/10. Whoever gets this is ginormous like…can’t you take a hint?? I hope you’re walking to McDonald’s to shave that off. (This is my to-go order…).

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About the Contributor

Tracy Espinoza, Opinion Managing Editor

Tracy is an IB Diploma Program junior at Watkins Mill High School. She Chairs the BIPOC MOCO Green New Deal Internship and is the Vice President of the MOCO-based organizations Students F.A.I.R. and Young People for Progress. She’s a 2024 Montgomery County Fitzgerald Scholar and focuses on uplifting student voices and expanding political education. After high school, she plans on attending a 4-year university where she will pursue the legal field.