Nine Top Meal Deals in the U.S

 

With back-to-school shopping completed for most of you.  It’s time to save time and money cooking dinner according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. In today’s fast-paced world, consumers crave meals that offer convenience, flavor, and value. The U.S. food industry has responded with meal deals that meet these demands across fast food chains, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Here are the ten best meal deals in the U.S., according to the team at Foodservice Solutions®.

1. McDonald’s McPick 2 for $5

·         Flavor: Classic McDonald’s flavors, from McChicken to the iconic Big Mac.

·         Value: This combo meal offers the flexibility to mix and match, doubling up on favorites or creating a balanced meal.

·         Portability: Packaged in small, durable boxes, McDonald’s makes it easy to take meals anywhere.

·         Food Industry Insight: McDonald’s has mastered value bundling to drive high traffic, which led to a sales increase of over 5% in 2023. The McPick 2 remains a cornerstone of their promotions.

2. Chipotle’s Burrito Bowl

·         Flavor: Bold Mexican flavors with customizable toppings.

·         Value: For under $10, Chipotle's Burrito Bowl offers a large portion size packed with protein, grains, and veggies.

·         Portability: Packaged in a compact bowl, it's perfect for on-the-go meals.

·         Food Industry Insight: Chipotle’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients has attracted health-conscious consumers. With over 70% of its customers opting for mobile orders, portability is a key driver.

3. KFC’s $5 Fill Up

·         Flavor: Comforting Southern fried chicken.

·         Value: For just $5, KFC offers a full meal, including chicken, a side, a biscuit, and a drink.

·         Portability: Neatly packaged in one container, it’s ideal for quick, convenient dining.

·         Food Industry Insight: KFC has mastered the art of bundling. The $5 Fill Up resonates with value-conscious families and has driven repeat sales, contributing to a 6% increase in KFC’s market share since its introduction.

4. Panda Express $9 Family Meal

·         Flavor: Asian-inspired dishes like Orange Chicken and Chow Mein.

·         Value: The Family Meal allows for three large entrees and two sides, making it a great value for group dining.

·         Portability: Packaged in durable, segmented boxes, it’s great for family picnics or dinners at home.

·         Food Industry Insight: Panda Express excels in offering a variety of flavors with wide appeal. Its Family Meal has become a go-to for affordable takeout, driving strong sales growth of over 10% in 2023.

5. Taco Bell’s Cravings Box

·         Flavor: Bold, spicy Mexican-inspired fast food.

·         Value: For just $5, customers can enjoy a combination of tacos, burritos, a side, and a drink.

·         Portability: Everything is packed in one handy box, perfect for grabbing and going.

·         Food Industry Insight: Taco Bell’s Cravings Box capitalizes on its reputation for bold flavors at a low price. The box deal is especially popular among Gen Z customers, who prioritize value and convenience.

6. Domino’s $7.99 Carryout Pizza Deal

·         Flavor: Traditional pizza flavors like Pepperoni, Cheese, and Supreme.

·         Value: A large three-topping pizza for under $8 is one of the best deals in the pizza industry.

·         Portability: The pizza comes in a sturdy box designed for carryout convenience.

·         Food Industry Insight: Domino’s has focused heavily on convenience and technology, with over 70% of its orders now coming through digital channels. The $7.99 deal has been a key driver for carryout traffic.

7. Panera’s You Pick Two

·         Flavor: Fresh salads, hearty soups, and artisan sandwiches.

·         Value: Panera’s You Pick Two allows customers to mix and match two items for around $10, creating a custom meal that feels upscale yet affordable.

·         Portability: Packaged separately, Panera’s meals are perfect for eating at your desk or on a lunch break.

·         Food Industry Insight: Panera’s success is tied to its perception as a healthier, fast-casual option. The You Pick Two deal has been essential in attracting health-conscious professionals.

8. 7-Eleven’s Hot Dog Combo

·         Flavor: Simple, classic American hot dogs with customizable toppings.

·         Value: For just $3, customers get a hot dog and a drink—one of the cheapest meal deals on the market.

·         Portability: Served in a compact bun, hot dogs are the definition of portable food.

·         Food Industry Insight: Convenience store meal deals have surged in popularity. 7-Eleven’s Hot Dog Combo taps into the growing trend of consumers seeking quick, cheap meals on the go, contributing to their $13 billion in U.S. sales.

9. Costco’s $1.50 Hot Dog and Drink

·         Flavor: Known for its simplicity and taste.

·         Value: At just $1.50, this meal deal has remained the same price for decades, offering unbeatable value.

·         Portability: Conveniently wrapped, the meal is ideal for eating while shopping.

·         Food Industry Insight: Costco’s food court is legendary for its affordability. The hot dog combo continues to drive foot traffic, with 20% of customers reportedly visiting the store just for the food court.

How to Find a Meal Deal Near You

With so many meal deals available, finding one near you is easier than ever. Most fast-food chains and convenience stores offer meal deals that can be ordered online or via mobile apps. These apps often feature exclusive deals, making it even more affordable to grab a meal on the go. If you're looking for variety, grocery stores like Whole Foods, Walmart, and Target also offer pre-packaged meal bundles that provide fresh options for busy consumers. Whether you're searching for a quick lunch or a family dinner, there’s a meal deal for every taste and budget.

Think About This

From fast food staples to fresh, healthy options, the U.S. food industry is loaded with affordable, convenient meal deals. By focusing on flavor, value, and portability, these deals offer something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal. Keep an eye out for special promotions and mobile app-exclusive deals to maximize savings and convenience. The world of meal deals is dynamic, making it easier than ever to enjoy a delicious, affordable meal whenever and wherever you are.

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869

Sun Baskets Grocerant Niche Ready-2-Heat Meal Kits

How well do you know your customer?  Do you know how many people want to come home from work and prepare a meal from scratch, cook a meal, and do dishes?  Well, according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® recent grocerant scorecards reveled that 83.1% all dinners prepared at home have at least 1 meal component and 68.4% have two meal components.

So, when Meal-kit provider Sun Basket has launched Fresh & Ready meals, which require no preparation and can be made in as little as six minutes. The team at Foodservice Solutions® noted that not only can consumers ‘eat clean and feel great’ but that halo of ‘better-4-you’ is extended as they don’t have to do any prep work and in many homes no dishes, the team knew they understand today’s grocerant niche consumers. 

According to Sun Basket, “its Fresh & Ready meals are created by award-winning chefs, and feature in-season ingredients grown for peak flavor. The new line provides Sun Basket customers with additional convenient meal solutions that are superior in quality, taste and nutrition.”

For those of you who don’t know, Fresh & Ready meals are served in premium wood trays that can go straight into the oven or microwave. The meals are never frozen, made fresh each week and feature organic produce grown on family farms.

Are you ready to try them?  Here is how you can they are available as part of Sun Basket's weekly meal plan, the meals start at $10.99 per serving. Menu offerings include recipes such as pappardelle with wilted spinach, sweet peas and fresh ricotta; shrimp paella with fire-roasted tomatoes and bell pepper; and Southwestern turkey and sweet potato skillet. Sun Basket's assortment of freshly prepared, ready-to-heat meals is now available nationally under the new name Fresh & Ready.

Don Barnett, CEO of San Francisco-based Sun Basket stated, "Sun Basket continues to innovate in order to adapt to consumers' growing desire for a quick dinner solution, with taste and nutrition at the forefront," … . "The launch of Fresh & Ready meals further emphasizes our commitment to offering healthy, high-quality options for those looking to maintain a balanced diet even on their busiest days. Now more than ever, Americans are looking for an alternative to cooking seven days a week, and this extension is our fastest meal option to date."

If you have gone back to work, are tired, but want to “eat clean and feel great fast” you just might want to try Sun Basket grocerant niche Ready-2-Heat meals.  Those meals can be cooked in an oven or microwave in as little as six minutes, and that particular product accounted for nearly half of all Sun Basket orders in the first half of 2020, Meyers said. The grocerant niche is the right track for food sales growth.

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant Program Assessment, Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869