Make Your Own Value Menu at These Chains
Love the idea of a $5 meal deal—but can’t find one at your favorite burger spot? No problem. With a little creativity, you can build your own value menu at most fast food and fast-casual restaurants. Whether you’re piecing together a meal with app deals, small sides, or secret menu hacks, here’s how to stretch your dollar without compromising on flavor.
Why Build Your Own Value Menu?
Many chains have retired their classic $1-$2-$3 menus, but that doesn’t mean value is dead. The trick is knowing how to:
- Combine individual items for maximum fullness
- Take advantage of limited-time pricing
- Use apps and loyalty programs to unlock hidden deals
- Mix and match sides and small portions strategically
- McDonald’s – Small Sips, Big Wins
Build your own $5 meal with a McDouble ($2.69), small fry ($1.79), and a $1 drink. Or check their mobile app for exclusive bundle deals.
Visit McDonald’s - Taco Bell – The Mix & Match King
With items like the Spicy Potato Soft Taco ($1.49) and Cheesy Roll-Up ($1.00), you can create a full meal for $4–$6, especially with a drink from their value menu.
Visit Taco Bell - Wendy’s – The 4 for $4, Reinvented
While their 4 for $4 may not be as widely advertised, Wendy’s app still features rotating combos under $6. Mix a Jr. Cheeseburger, small fry, and nuggets for under $5.
Visit Wendy’s - Burger King – Your Way Menu
Their 2 for $5 mix-and-match deals rotate monthly. Grab a Whopper Jr. and chicken sandwich, then add small fries to build your own feast.
Visit Burger King - Jack in the Box – Customize It All
Their “Pick 2” deals allow you to mix tiny tacos, mini churros, or sliders with fries. You can build a snack-heavy meal that feels like a full-on combo.
Visit Jack in the Box
Smart Add-Ons That Keep You Full
When building your own combo, these items give you more bang for your buck:
- Junior burgers (lower price, nearly full size)
- Snack sides like jalapeño poppers, small nuggets, or value fries
- Small drinks or free water cups
- Mini desserts to end on a sweet (cheap) note
Pro Tip: Use Cashback Apps to Stack Value
Apps like Fluz let you buy Burger King gift cards with cashback or earn rewards at Shake Shack. That means even if you’re building your own meal from scratch, you’re still saving on the total cost.
Combine this with restaurant apps and loyalty points, and you’ve got a DIY deal that rivals any official value menu.
Final Thoughts: The Value Is Still There
Just because chains are phasing out “dollar menus” doesn’t mean you can’t eat for cheap. With smart pairings, app-exclusive items, and cashback rewards, you can craft a budget-friendly burger meal any day of the week.
