McDonald’s $5 meal deal sticks through December – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic

New York (CNN) — McDonald’s $5 meal deal remains on menus through December, a sign that inflation-weary customers are devouring the fast-food chains’ newfound value meals.

The Chicago-based fast-food giant announced the $5 meal deal back in June. But what started as a one-month trial quickly turned into a summer-long promotion. In July, McDonald’s announced that the vast majority of its restaurants would keep the deal on their menus through August.

The meal includes either a McChicken sandwich or a McDouble cheeseburger, small fries, 4 Chicken McNuggets and a small soft drink.

While McDonald’s has always touted its ability to raise menu prices without lowering sales, customers are increasingly tied to their dollars: Diners around the world aren’t eating out as often and are spending less when they do. Earlier this year, McDonald’s reported weaker-than-expected sales at its U.S. restaurants, and CEO Chris Kempczinski noted that “eating at home has become more affordable.”

Starbucks, Burger King and Wendy’s have all reported declining traffic and have responded to the drop in sales by luring customers with lower-cost, similarly priced meals.

“Together with our franchisees, we are committed to keeping our prices as affordable as possible, which is why we are doubling down on our efforts to offer you even more ways to save,” Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, said in a statement.

McDonald’s also announced a series of fall deals: from $0.50 Double Cheeseburgers for National Cheeseburger Day on September 18, to a $2 McCrispy sandwich for National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day on November 9.