A long time ago (okay, not that long ago), in a galaxy far, far away (your local drive-thru), the breakfast food wars seemed settled: All hail McDonald’s, the unequivocal victor in the battle of the best place to grab a hot coffee and a breakfast sandwich to end all breakfast sandwiches. Or so it seemed.
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Now, a new rival has emerged, ready to swing its highly caffeinated, extra-cheesy and perfectly greasy lightsaber to claim the throne. Dunkin’ — once considered a prime purveyor of donuts and coffee — has revamped its breakfast menu, improving not just flavor but also price.
As you sail through the galaxy (your town), you might be surprised to find that you can now get a hearty breakfast for less at Dunkin’ than good ol’ Mickey D’s.
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Dunkin’s $6 Meal Deal
Waking up early is not fun, but if you must, is there anything better than a hot cup of coffee and crispy hash browns? Um, how about a cup of coffee, hash browns, and a sausage, egg and cheese sandwich for just $6?
That’s a full breakfast for only $6. Compare that with McDonald’s, where a sausage biscuit with egg alone can cost upwards of $7.59, depending on location — and that’s without coffee or a side.
Combo Meals
Technically, McDonald’s offers more versatility when it comes to combo meals, offering plenty of add-ons that Dunkin’s traditional breakfast sandwiches and wraps generally don’t include. However, all those add-ons can add up, especially if you manage to convince yourself that the $1 upgrades from the McValue Menu aren’t that big of a deal.
Plus, with McDonald’s breakfast typically ending at 10:30 or 11 a.m., there’s often a rush to order everything you think you might want — which can lead to overspending. Dunkin’, on the other hand, serves breakfast all day at most locations, so there’s less pressure to load up.
Iced Coffee
There’s nothing better on a hot day than iced coffee — and sometimes, you need that caffeine jolt just to function. At baseline, a small iced coffee at Dunkin’ is about $1.99, compared to $2.19 at McDonald’s.
For just a bit more, you can upgrade to Dunkin’s cold brew — which is stronger and smoother than a standard iced coffee — for around $2.99, depending on the store.
Since Dunkin’ specializes in breakfast, it’s no surprise the chain offers more robust coffee options and competitive pricing.
Bottom Line
It’s almost unfair to compare breakfast menus at Dunkin’ and McDonald’s, considering the sheer number of options at Dunkin’ — muffins, bagels, and, of course, donuts. But when it comes to value for your morning dollar, Dunkin’ is the clear winner on several counts. You’ll often get more food for less money, especially with all-day breakfast availability and bundled meal deals.
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And hey — you’re more likely to run into Ben Affleck at Dunkin’ (or maybe not, but you can dream). Just keep in mind that prices are subject to individual stores and locations.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 McDonald’s Breakfast Foods You Can Get Cheaper at Dunkin’
