McDonald's One-ups Burger King's Value Meal With Free French Fries Every Friday All Summer Long

With the rise of inflation and its vice grip on Americans' wallets, prioritizing "luxuries" like fast food isn't an option. And finally, these mega-chains are ready to acknowledge this. 

After reports surfaced about McDonald's wild inflation markup, the chain announced it would offer a limited-time $5 value meal. Of course, others followed suit once McDonald's committed to the leap.

The most recent contender? None other than McDonald's rival Burger King.

But that's not all McDonald's is doing to appeal to its budget-conscious customers. Every Friday through the rest of the year, fans can snag free fries with any order of $1 or more via the McDonald's app. Plus, to celebrate National French Fry Day on July 13, McDonald's is offering free fries of any size without a purchase. 

Now that the two fast-food burger behemoths are competitively going head-to-head, who stacks up as the better deal? We break it down here so you can get the most bang for your buck. 

A recent study determined that fast food prices surged exorbitantly in the last 10 years. While the national inflation rate is 31%, many fast-food chains have raised prices even higher than "necessary." 

In fact, the study determined that McDonald's prices surged over 100%.

So corporate did what they do best: They came up with a band-aid solution. Currently, the chain is dangling a $5 value meal over consumers' heads. The meal includes the choice between a McChicken or McDouble, four-piece chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink.

And considering the McNugget Happy Meal is $4.99, this is a "steal." The promotion is set to officially last throughout June. 

Leaning on their long-time slogan, Burger recently announced their "Have It Your Way" $5 value meal.

In a bid to one-up McD's, Burger King's value meal offer includes a choice of three sandwiches, chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink. The deal will also start before McDonald's launches and will last for several months longer.

It's an interesting move, considering Burger King's price increases are marginally lower. According to the aforementioned recent study, "the average cost for Burger King menu items has risen by 'just' 55%" since 2014.

Of course, McDonald's and Burger King aren't the only ones vying for people's money. Even competitors like Wendy's are getting in on the value offers. Recently this chain announced they'd be offering a $3 breakfast value meal. 

Customers can choose between a bacon, egg, and cheese English muffin or a sausage, egg, and cheese English muffin, along with a side of small seasoned potatoes. 

This admittedly is an effort to rectify some of the public image damage done by the alleged "surge pricing" Wendy's was accused of in April. 

When it comes down to it, Burger King's value meal is the current champion of the value meal wars. 

Offering just one more option and running the sale longer, on top of already "reasonable" price increases, definitely makes it the clear winner. 

Will you be hitting up a BK drive-thru soon to take advantage of the savings?