Eating out on a budget doesn’t always mean compromising on taste or satisfaction. For many in the UK, finding an affordable, filling, and flavourful fast food option has become a regular challenge, especially with rising living costs.
That’s why McDonald’s made headlines in 2024 when it introduced something truly exciting, its first ever £5 Meal Deal. This combo brought real joy to burger fans, chicken nugget lovers, and everyday customers looking for maximum value with minimum spend.
Imagine walking into your local McDonald’s and walking out with four full-sized food and drink items, all for a fiver. It wasn’t just a typical Saver Menu upgrade, it was a limited-time value revolution that had the UK talking.
Whether you’re a beef fan or a chicken connoisseur, this blog will explore everything included in the McDonald’s £5 meal deal, explain why it’s such great value, and help you decide whether it’s still available and worth your next lunch trip.
What is the McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal?
The McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal, introduced on 9th October 2024, quickly became one of the most talked-about promotions in the UK fast food scene.
At a time when typical lunch deals in supermarkets and coffee shops could cost upwards of £6 or more, McDonald’s provided an irresistible combination of affordability and indulgence.
Designed as a limited-time offer, this deal was available from 11am daily and was not accessible through delivery platforms.
It required an in-person visit to any of the participating McDonald’s restaurants. The idea was to encourage foot traffic while offering real value for money, particularly at a time when customers were being more cautious with spending.
This wasn’t just about cost-saving; it was about giving customers a complete meal that was both satisfying and exciting. Unlike regular meal bundles, this one stood out for including a side of four Chicken McNuggets, an item not sold in that portion size on the regular menu.
In many ways, this meal deal was a unique offering tailored to the current market and customer expectations.
McDonald’s recognised that budget-conscious consumers wanted more than just a sandwich and a drink. They wanted variety, flavour, and the full experience – all under one affordable price tag. With this deal, they got it.
What’s Included in the £5 Budget Combo?
So what exactly do you get for £5 at McDonald’s as part of this deal? The combo includes four food items:
What’s in the Box?
- One burger: Choose between a Cheeseburger or a Mayo Chicken
- Medium Fries
- Medium Soft Drink
- Four Chicken McNuggets®
Each item in this meal is a staple of McDonald’s menu, but together they form a combo that feels far more complete than what many rival chains offer for the same price.
Burger Options Explained
- Cheeseburger: A juicy beef patty paired with tangy pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft bun. It’s a classic, offering rich flavours without being too heavy.
- Mayo Chicken: A golden, crispy-coated chicken patty topped with lettuce and a creamy mayonnaise dressing. This option caters to those who prefer chicken over beef, providing a lighter alternative with a delicious crunch.
Sides and Drink
- Medium Fries: A staple of any McDonald’s meal. The fries are seasoned and golden, with a portion size that complements the rest of the meal perfectly.
- Medium Carbonated Soft Drink: Choose from popular fizzy beverages like Coca-Cola, Sprite, or Fanta. Upgrades to premium drinks like milkshakes are possible for an extra charge.
- Four Chicken McNuggets®: Arguably the most exciting part of the deal. This side portion is not sold separately in stores, making it a unique and exclusive bonus within the deal.
Pricing Table
| Menu Item | Individual Price |
| Cheeseburger or Mayo Chicken | £1.39 |
| Medium Fries | £1.69 |
| Medium Drink | £1.59 |
| 4 Chicken McNuggets® | £2.79* |
| Total if bought separately | £7.46 |
| Meal Deal Price | £5.00 |
| Savings | £2.46 |
*Estimated using the cost breakdown from a 6-piece McNuggets order.
This structure proves that the £5 deal is not just cost-effective – it’s genuinely generous for what you get.
Source: https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/newsroom/article/p5-meal-deal-press-release.html
Why the £5 McDonald’s Meal Deal is Great Value?
There are meal deals, and then there’s this one. The £5 McDonald’s Meal Deal isn’t just another discount; it’s a carefully designed package that offers variety, taste, and quantity.
Cost Efficiency
The value is easily measurable. Compared to the individual item pricing, customers are saving almost £2.50. This kind of discount is rare in fast food chains unless you’re using special app offers or reward points.
Unique Inclusion of 4 Chicken McNuggets®
McDonald’s does not typically sell a 4-piece nugget box. Usually, customers must purchase a 6-piece or larger portion, which can cost up to £4.19. Including four nuggets in this deal not only adds variety but also increases the meal’s overall appeal without compromising its affordability.
Flexibility and Choice
The choice between two different burgers gives customers the option to personalise their meal. Whether you’re craving beef or chicken, the deal has you covered. Add to that the drink selection and you’ve got a flexible meal that caters to a wide range of tastes.
Comparison to Supermarket Meal Deals
Unlike supermarket lunch combos that include a cold sandwich, crisps, and water, McDonald’s deal brings warm, freshly prepared food. This makes it more enjoyable and satisfying, especially during colder months or for people looking for a proper hot meal.
Where and When is the Deal Available?
The McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal was officially launched across the UK on Wednesday 9th October 2024, and it was made available in most participating McDonald’s locations nationwide.
Key Details
- Start Time: Served from 11 am onwards, every day.
- Availability: Dine-in, takeaway, and click-and-collect orders.
- Exclusions: Not available through third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats or Just Eat.
- Restaurant Participation: Only available at participating UK restaurants, so customers were encouraged to check their local branch before ordering.
Why Not Available for Delivery?
The decision not to include this deal in delivery was likely based on maintaining value and profitability. Delivery services often charge restaurants additional fees, which would have reduced the margin on an already discounted offer.
Customers visiting in-store or using the McDonald’s mobile app to order at collection counters were able to take full advantage of this value bundle.
How the McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal Compares to Other UK Fast Food Offers?
In a competitive fast food market, McDonald’s positioned its £5 combo aggressively against rival meal deals. Here’s how it stacks up:
Comparison Table with Other Chains
| Brand | Meal Deal Price | What’s Included |
| McDonald’s | £5.00 | Cheeseburger or Mayo Chicken, Fries, Drink, 4 Nuggets |
| Greggs | £4.95 | Sandwich, Drink, Crisps or Sweet |
| KFC | £5.99 | Chicken Piece, Fries, Drink |
| Burger King | £5.99 | Cheeseburger, Fries, Drink |
| Subway | £6.49 | 6-inch Sub, Drink, Cookie |
Compared to other chains, McDonald’s offers the most complete hot meal for the price. The addition of nuggets pushes it ahead in terms of portion size and protein.
What UK Customers are Saying About the £5 Meal Deal?
When the deal launched, online communities like Reddit and Twitter buzzed with reactions. The UK subreddit r/McDonaldsUK saw discussions range from surprise to disappointment about local availability.
What People Loved?
- Portion size and variety
- The fact that 4 nuggets were included
- A hot meal for the same price as cold supermarket sandwiches
What Some Didn’t?
- Availability inconsistent across some branches
- Confusion about drink upgrades and pricing
- Reports in 2025 that the deal had been removed or paused
Despite some complaints, the overall feedback remained positive, especially during the first few months of the deal.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/McDonaldsUK/comments/1izk8w9/5_meal_deal_no_longer_available/
Is the £5 Deal Still Available in 2025?
As of 2025, many customers have reported that the deal may no longer be widely available. Posts on Reddit in early 2025 noted that the £5 Meal Deal had been quietly removed or replaced in several locations.
Possible Reasons
- It may have been a limited-time promotional campaign.
- Rising ingredient and operational costs could have made the deal unsustainable.
- Some locations may offer similar bundles, but with different pricing.
While some stores might still offer the combo under a different name or pricing model, it appears the official McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal was not a permanent addition to the menu.
Tips to Maximise Your McDonald’s Visit
While the £5 Meal Deal may no longer be universally available, there are still ways to make the most out of your McDonald’s visit.
Here’s how:
- Use the McDonald’s App for digital-only promotions and exclusive rewards.
- Look for Saver Menu hacks to build your own combo under £5.
- Take advantage of loyalty points, where every purchase earns credit towards free items.
- Visit during lunch hours when promotional deals are more likely to be available.
Conclusion
The McDonald’s £5 Meal Deal was one of the best limited-time fast food offers seen in recent years. It combined affordability with substance, delivering a complete, warm, and satisfying meal for just £5.
Whether you preferred chicken or beef, you were guaranteed variety, taste, and value in one neat box.
Although it may no longer be available in 2025, it set a high bar for what value should look like in the fast food industry. If it returns or if similar deals launch in future, it would be worth jumping on.
FAQs about the McDonald’s 5 Pound Meal Deal
Is the £5 meal deal available all day?
No, it’s only available from 11 am onwards at participating restaurants.
Can I get the £5 deal through delivery?
No, the meal deal was not available through delivery services.
Are there any upgrade options in the deal?
You can upgrade your drink for an additional cost, but not all upgrades are covered under the £5 price.
Why are 4 nuggets included when they’re not on the menu?
The 4-piece nugget portion was exclusive to this deal and not available as a standalone item.
Is the deal still available in 2025?
As of 2025, many reports suggest the deal has been discontinued or paused in several locations.
How much do I save with the £5 meal deal?
You save approximately £2.46 compared to buying all the items individually.
