KFC has launched a new $5 meal deal as it intensifies its competition in the fast food value wars, aiming to win back customers amidst declining sales. The new offering is part of KFC’s strategy to attract more fast food enthusiasts, joining the ranks of similar deals from McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s.
However, unlike its competitors, KFC’s $5 meal deal comes with a slight catch—none of the three available options include a drink.
The first option features eight chicken nuggets, fries, and two dipping sauces. The second choice is a bowl filled with mashed potatoes, sweet corn, chicken nuggets, gravy, and cheese. The final option offers two pieces of fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a biscuit.
Nick Chavez, KFC’s Chief Marketing Officer, stated, “As customers are looking for more value from brands, we’re expanding our Taste of KFC lineup with new fan favorites like our nuggets and famous bowls, each for just $5. These Taste of KFC Deals offer three choices—with something for everyone—at an incredible price.”
Alongside the $5 deals, KFC continues to promote its popular “$10 Tuesdays” offer, which includes a bucket filled with eight pieces of drumsticks and thighs. For families, KFC provides a $20 deal every day of the week, which includes six pieces of bone-in chicken (two drumsticks, two thighs, one breast, and one wing), four sides, and four biscuits.
This push for value meals comes as fast food chains across the country are trying to lure back customers who have cut back on dining out after two years of rising prices.
In a recent value comparison by industry experts, Taco Bell emerged as the leader in value. McDonald’s, which launched its $5 meal deal in June, offers customers the choice of a McChicken or McDouble, along with four chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink. Burger King’s $5 Your Way Meal mirrors McDonald’s offering, with customers choosing between a Whopper Jr., Bacon Cheeseburger, or Chicken Jr., along with four nuggets, fries, and a drink. Wendy’s also provides a four-item $5 meal deal similar to those of McDonald’s and Burger King, in addition to a $3 breakfast offer.
In addition to these fast food giants, other chains have joined the value meal battle. Jimmy John’s is offering a $10 Total Package Meal, which includes an 8-inch sandwich, fountain drink, chips, and a cookie or brownie. Starbucks has entered the fray with a breakfast combo that starts at $5, while Krispy Krunchy Chicken has undercut both McDonald’s and Burger King with a $4 meal deal.
Last week, White Castle became the latest burger chain to enter the price war, lowering the price of its famous sliders to the lowest level in a decade. The chain now offers ten cheese sliders for $7.99, a price not seen since 2011, although the deal is $8.99 in New York and New Jersey.
Casual dining chains like Applebee’s are also stepping into the value meal market, aiming to attract customers from fast food rivals. Applebee’s recent move echoes that of Chili’s, which introduced its new “Big Smasher” meal—a larger version of the Big Mac—that includes fries and a drink for under $10.