RANKED: Every item on McDonald's new value menu
Hollis JohnsonOn Monday, McDonald's launched the "McPick 2," a limited-time value menu that allows customers to select two of the following items for $2: a McDouble, a McChicken, small fries, and mozzarella sticks.
The promotion returns sandwiches to the Dollar Menu's $1 price point, two years after the company axed the Dollar Menu. The McPick 2 is part of McDonald's broader effort to reemphasize value at the chain, as the company plans to roll out more promotions in 2016.
While the McPick 2 actually prices items at $3 in New York City (McDonald's franchisees set prices for their individual locations), Business Insider decided to check out how customers can get the best bang for their buck at the chain's latest attempt to create value for their customer.
Here's what to get and what to skip when you're picking the ultimate two-for-$2 combination.
4. Mozzarella sticks
Hollis Johnson
In fourth place is the mozzarella sticks. Solidly cheesy and only recently available nationwide, it isn't that the mozzarella sticks are bad. However, since they are already priced at $1 and come with only three in a box, we just didn't feel like we were getting our money's worth.
3. McDouble
Hollis Johnson
In third place is the McDouble. Typically priced at $1.89 in New York City, the burger is a McDonald's classic. However, it felt tired, with densely-packed (some would say smushed) beef, cheese, pickles and onions. As half of a $2 McPick, it felt like you were getting what you paid for with the McDouble - and not a penny more.
2. McChicken
Hollis Johnson
The battle for first place was close. The McChicken just missed the top spot, despite its fantastic flavoring and crisp coating. Usually priced at $1.99 in New York City, this is economically the best deal you can find as part of a McPick combination.
1. French fries
Hollis Johnson
In the end, nothing can beat McDonald's fries - especially in a combination deal scenario. Whether you prefer burgers or chicken, fries serve as the natural accompaniment to your meal. At the traditional price of $1.69, it's not the biggest bargain, but as you eat the crispy, salty fast-food icon, it certainly feels like it is.