Starbucks introduces affordable meals with new “Pairings Menu”

Cheap meals are experiencing a renaissance in the fast food sector – and Starbucks has decided to join in this competition for the lowest prices.

The coffee chain has introduced its own benefits menu of sorts called the “Pairings Menu,” which includes a handful of bundling options for Starbucks customers.

The new Starbucks Pairings menu offers customers packages for $5 to $7 depending on what they want to enjoy with their coffee.

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Starbucks Pairing Menu Options

The pairing menu options allow customers to add either a croissant or a breakfast sandwich to their large base drink as follows:

Large drink with croissant, $5: Get a large hot or iced coffee or tea for $5 and add a buttery croissant.

Large drink with breakfast sandwich, $6-7: Grab a large hot or iced coffee or tea and a breakfast sandwich for $6 or $7, depending on the sandwich.

• For $6, you can choose from the sausage, cheddar and egg sandwich, the bacon, gouda and egg sandwich, the turkey bacon, cheddar and egg white sandwich, and the chicken, maple butter and egg sandwich.

• For $7, the sandwich can be upgraded to a Double Smoked Bacon or Impossible Breakfast Sandwich.

For a fee, customers can also change the size of their drink or customize it.

Value menus celebrate their comeback

Cheap meals, special offers and free gifts have recently become the be-all and end-all of several fast-food and fast-casual chains, which are vying for the attention and money of their customers.

Recently, Wendy’s announced a $3 breakfast combo that includes an English muffin sandwich with egg, cheese and bacon or sausage and a side of seasoned potatoes. There are also weekly free chicken nugget deals through the Wendy’s app and limited-time promotions, such as a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for one cent from May 28 through June 2 for National Hamburger Day.

McDonald’s has also promised a price cut and expressed interest in exploring other ways to win back customers, including $5 meal deals and free gifts.

Burger King got ahead of McDonald’s and announced its own $5 menu offer for this month.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Starbucks’ new ‘Pairing Menu’ lets customers bundle drinks and food