Customer's insane hack to save $3 on McDonald's meal: ‘The math ain't mathing'

New York Post

01-07-2025

A woman has discovered a simple way to score a Happy Meal at McDonald's for nearly $3 cheaper than the original price.
A Macca's customer named Dani took to social media to ask if someone could explain why a $5.95 Cheeseburger Happy Meal from the fast food giant was cheaper than buying a small Cheeseburger meal for $8.85.
'It's exactly the same thing but you get a toy with the Happy Meal,' she says in a TikTok video.
'The math ain't mathing,' the 36-year-old, who posts on TikTok under the name @danisaidyes, says.
3 A woman has discovered a simple way to score a Happy Meal at McDonald's for nearly $3 cheaper than the original price.
TikTok/@danisaidyes
At the drive-through at her local McDonald's, the podcaster asks the employee how much a Cheeseburger Happy Meal would set her back. The worker confirms it is $5.95.
Dani then asks how much a small Cheeseburger meal costs, and the employee replies that it is $3 more expensive.
'But they're like exactly the same thing but the Happy Meal comes with a toy,' she questions from her car.
'Yeah, pretty much,' the worker replies, adding she 'dies inside' every time someone orders the more expensive option without realising the hack. 'I feel bad for them,' the employee tells Dani during the friendly interaction.
Some social media users have since shared their own Macca's hacks to outsmarting the system when it comes to paying for food, while others called Dani out for not 'gatekeeping' the Happy Meal trick.
'A McSmart meal is 7.95 and you get an extra side,' one person said.
3 An employee wrote: 'I work at Maccas and whenever someone asks for a small cheeseburger meal I always put though a cheeseburger Happy Meal.'
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Another added: 'I been on the McSmart meal for six months easy and now I'm seeing influencers talk about it. Watch them change it!?'
'Mate! Should have gate kept this. Watch the price of a Happy Meal go up,' another said.
One person commented: 'It jumps from $5.95 to $11.95 if I order a six nugget Happy Meal instead of three, so works out the same if you order two three nugget Happy Meals then you get another drink and fries for the same price!!! That's my little hack.'
3 One said: 'I thought everyone knew this? I always order Happy Meals.'
Christopher Sadowski
'If you get a McSmart meal you get cheeseburger, small drink, small chips and either another cheeseburger, three nugs or McFlurry for $6.95,' one shared.
An employee wrote: 'I work at Maccas and whenever someone asks for a small cheeseburger meal I always put though a cheeseburger Happy Meal.'
'Hack? I've been doing this for years,' another said.
Someone else offered up: 'They also sell 20 nuggets for $12.95 but 10 nuggets cost $10.95.'
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One said: 'I thought everyone knew this? I always order Happy Meals.'
A McDonald's spokesperson told news.com.au the brand was all about affordability.
'Macca's has always been the home of value and affordability, and we know that promise is more important to our customers than ever. It's why our menu features a range of great value offerings and choices for everyone, from individuals to the whole family,' the spokesperson said.
'We love that some adults are choosing the great savings and fun of a Happy Meal! Even more are enjoying the unbeatable value of the McSmart Meal. For just $6.95, you can enjoy a Cheeseburger, Small Fries and a Small Soft Drink AND your choice of a second Cheeseburger, a Chicken n Cheese, Sundae or 3pc McNuggets.
'And don't forget our Loose Change Menu, offering 8 Macca's favourites for $4 and under, including the iconic Hamburger for just $2 or our famous 50c Soft Serve.'