McDonald's Big Mac hack that's been an open secret for two decades

A little bit of knowledge can go a long way, especially when it comes to getting some tasty grub at a budget price. If you’ve pared back your visits to McDonald’s in the wake of the cost of living crisis – herein referred to as the ‘cossie livs’ – then a few helpful hacks might get you treating yourself once again.

You might have spotted our recent coverage of the ‘secret menu’ drink you can fashion for yourself at Maccies: the candy floss Sprite. Simply ask for a Sprite with a shot of vanilla syrup, and you’ll find yourself supping down an uncannily candy floss-like beverage that might become your go-to.

Delicious as it is, it could be cheaper... (SOPA Images / Contributor/Getty Images)

That one won’t save you any money, but it’s a fun way to jazz up your next trip to McDonald’s. Although, considering the new Frozen Cherry Lemonade and Biscoff Frappé that have been added to the menu, you’re well-set with fun new drinks options over there.

So, where’s this Big Mac hack we’ve promised you?

Essentially, it’s all about making a canny order. The classic Big Mac is maybe the fast food giant’s most iconic menu item, featuring two 100% beef burger patties, a slice of cheese, lettuce, gherkins, and some onion complete with the difficult-to-imitate Big Mac sauce.

Did you know the Big Mac sauce is available for other menu items?

That’s where the hack comes in: if you’ve a hankering for a Big Mac, you can save yourself a bit of money by ordering a Double Cheeseburger instead.

The trick is to order it without ketchup or mustard. Then, add lettuce and the Big Mac sauce, and you’ve got yourself everything a Big Mac needs besides the extra slice of bread in the middle.

If you can live with the extra bread, here’s how the price differs: a Big Mac is priced at £5.09 in the UK right now, while a Double Cheeseburger is just £2.29.

All this talk of McDonald's is doing nothing good for my waistline (Lauren DeCicca / Stringer/Getty Images)

Unfortunately, the McDonald’s app doesn’t let you customise a Double Cheeseburger with Big Mac sauce and lettuce, but with a winning smile and a friendly request of a cashier, you should be able to land this half-price Big Mac hack in-store.

If you’re worried about missing some satiety along with that extra slice of bread, you could order two of these modified Double Cheeseburgers and still have change to spare compared with what you’d pay for one Big Mac.

Another slice of essential wisdom to help you survive the cossie livs. You’re welcome.