It’s an age-old question that still sparks intense debate. No, it’s not “To be or not to be?” or “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” It’s not even “Are we there yet?” It’s the profound decision about whether to stop at McDonald’s or Dunkin’ for breakfast. Having the right meal for the right price can make or break your day, so you’d better choose wisely.
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All kidding aside, there’s a lot to like at both chains. They each offer relatively inexpensive grab-and-go breakfast items, and both have their signature strengths — when you want a donut, nothing but Dunkin’ will do, and nobody makes a hash brown like McDonald’s.
That said, sometimes price matters more than flavor. If you’re hunting for a cheaper version of certain breakfast staples, you’re often better off gliding under the Golden Arches.
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Black Coffee
Coffee is the cornerstone of any breakfast. And if you’re not the sort of person who likes a lot of fancy milks and flavors — you just want the basics — you’ll appreciate McDonald’s. A small black coffee will only cost you $1.89, according to the McDonald’s website. Compare that to $2.55 for a cup of black coffee at a typical Dunkin’ location. Of course, prices vary by region.
Even some Dunkin’ fans are bemoaning the rising costs. On Reddit, users have vented about increasing prices. One commenter shared: “I’m doing my boosted run this month with the $2 iced [coffee] that are now $4.39. $8.29 for the sourdough. It’s unsustainable when McDonald’s is next door and has $2 breakfast sandwiches and a $1.29 coffee.”
Bagels With Cream Cheese
Along with the black coffee, the bagel is a classic breakfast option. It’s hearty, versatile, and comes in varieties like everything, plain, or cinnamon – and we haven’t even gotten to the cream cheese options yet.
For a filling, no-frills breakfast, a bagel can’t be beat. And you can’t beat the prices for a bagel at McDonald’s. At many locations, you can get a plain bagel for only $2.29.
Prices are higher at Dunkin’ — albeit not by much. A bagel with cream cheese typically costs $2.49 for standard varieties like plain or everything, with the sesame bagel reaching $2.69. Multigrain or seasonal flavors may vary in price.
The difference isn’t dramatic, but regular bagel buyers could save over time by choosing McDonald’s.
Hash Browns
When it comes to hash browns, McDonald’s not only wins on flavor — it wins on price. An order of the famous McDonald’s hash browns will cost you $2.69, while at Dunkin’, you’d have to pony up $3.29.
Fans of McDonald’s crispy, golden hash browns know: It’s a small item that packs serious value.
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Bottom Line
At the end of the day — or rather, the top of the morning — you’ll have plenty of tasty, affordable options for breakfast whether you choose McDonald’s or Dunkin’. But if you’re focused on keeping breakfast under budget, certain items are simply cheaper under the Golden Arches.
Coffee, bagels, and hash browns may seem like small-ticket items, but over time, those savings can add up.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Dunkin’ Breakfast Foods You Can Get Cheaper at McDonalds
