However, the deals haven’t led to automatic wins: McDonald’s reported a slowdown in growth this year, with leadership citing the $3 value menu, which wasn’t implemented consistently across locations. Some customers have previously called its value menu items “skimpy,” while others just didn’t think that the food was worth the price.
Arby’s, which is not a publicly traded company, hasn’t disclosed how its Meat & 3 deal is performing, but the addition of new items, such as the Buffalo chicken sandwich, suggests it’s leaning into the push for value.
When I tried the Meat & 3, it was clear no one could accuse it of being skimpy — I was veritably stuffed after eating it. Most importantly, I didn’t think I was paying too much. The price was right.
At first, diners could choose between a classic roast beef sandwich and a crispy chicken sandwich. The meal also included mozzarella sticks with marinara dipping sauce, curly fries, peach cobbler, and a drink of choice.
Now, customers can choose between a Buffalo chicken sandwich, a crispy chicken sandwich, or a ham-and-Swiss melt. There’s also a more expensive option that replaces the sandwiches with a Greek gyro for an extra dollar.
As a relatively new (but committed) Arby’s fan, when I heard about the addition of the new Buffalo chicken sandwich, I knew I needed to try it.
After I added cheese to my sandwich for $1, my meal was $9.99 before tax.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
You might be thinking, “Wait, if the cheese was only $1 extra, shouldn’t it have been $8.99?”
However, after looking at online menus from various Arby’s locations across the US, I found that some offer the $7.99 deal, while others charge $8.99.
Arby’s did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider about how these price differences are determined.
Upon looking at the menu, it became clear that I saved a lot of money by getting the meal.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Arby’s describes its Buffalo chicken sandwich thusly: “a crispy, juicy chicken breast dipped in spicy Buffalo sauce, cool and creamy ranch sauce, and shredded lettuce on a toasted, buttery brioche bun.”
Outside the meal deal, the sandwich alone would cost $6.99, with another $1 for the cheese I added.
The meal also comes with a small fountain drink. I got a Diet Coke, which would’ve been $2.99 if ordered a la carte.
If you’re counting along, that’s already more than the entire meal.
In my experience, Arby’s sandwiches can be on the drier side, but not this one.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I really enjoyed this sandwich — it had a good amount of chicken, and the Buffalo sauce had a kick, but not too much.
I also enjoyed the ranch dressing, which had a unique flavor. At first, I almost thought it was a very mild blue cheese sauce, but when I consulted the menu, I discovered it was, in fact, ranch.
In previous orders, I’ve found that Arby’s sandwiches can be dry without cheese, so I decided to add a slice here, but it wasn’t necessary. Between the Buffalo and the ranch, this was quite moist.
At first, I was annoyed that the meal only came with two mozzarella sticks, but that ended up being more than enough.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Usually, when you think of a mozzarella stick “appetizer,” the order contains three or four, so I felt somewhat jilted when I realized there were only two. But after eating one (pretty solid) mozzarella stick, I knew that two was more than enough.
I was, however, missing the marinara dipping cup. While I don’t like using that type of sauce anyway, it was supposed to be part of the order.
If not ordered as part of the deal, four mozzarella sticks at Arby’s cost $5.49, or roughly $1.37 per stick. That would be about $2.75 for two.
The curly fries, as usual, were the MVP.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Arby’s is famous for its curly fries, and as usual, they did not disappoint. They are crispy, well-seasoned, and not too oily. I would take them over any other fast-food fries.
A small order of fries outside the meal cost $2.99.
Finally, it was time for the peach cobbler. I’d appreciate a wider choice of dessert.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
The peach cobbler is a relatively new addition to the menu; it debuted in January along with the Meat & 3 deal.
I would’ve much preferred the choice between a cookie, a brownie, or even some apple slices, like the ones offered at McDonald’s. As it stands, the deal includes a lot of fried food.
A two-piece peach cobbler, when not part of the deal, is $3.50, so each piece is $1.75.
It wasn’t bad, but it was very cinnamon-forward.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I barely tasted the peach once I took a bite. Instead, I was hit with a blast of cinnamon that I hadn’t expected.
While the cobbler was good overall, it was my least favorite part of the meal. However, it’s possible I was already stuffed to the brim and unable to enjoy its merits.
For $8.99 (or $9.99, if you’re like me and need cheese), this is an amazing deal.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
If I had ordered these items separately, the meal would’ve cost about $18.47 pre-tax. However, I paid $10.85 total. That’s nearly half the price, and the amount of food is generous.
I would definitely get this again — especially if Arby’s adds more options — but I need to make sure I have a completely empty stomach next time I order.
