The secret to half-priced fast food meals is hiding in your phone as Big Mac prices soar

Apps before entrees.

When McDonald’s executives start complaining publicly about fast-food prices, you know things are getting messy.

But for every sensational, inflation-era shocker — stop us if you’ve heard the one about the $18 Big Mac meal or the vintage Taco Bell receipt that ruined the internet’s day — there’s a good deal waiting to be snagged.

And it’s already likely downloaded to the phone in your pocket.

That’s good news, because American french fry fiends appear to be getting awfully restless — according to a new survey of 2,000 people released by Lending Tree. 62% of us are more likely to forego fast food nowadays due to the expense, with 80% calling the once basic mainstay a luxury.

According to Lending Tree chief credit analyst Matt Schulz, free mobile ordering apps offered by big brands like McDonald’s are a must-have tool in the fight against inflation.