McDonald's launches 50 cent Double Cheeseburgers but you'll have to move fast

McDonald's is launching a special Double Cheeseburger deal for one day only - and it's not to be missed.

In this economy, a 50-cent lunch is not to be sniffed at - and with more than 13,500 McDonald's in the US, there's bound to be one near you.

The popular fast food chain regularly shakes up its menu with exciting limited-edition items and offers, just like the viral Grimace shake, which was introduced for a short time to celebrate the purple mascot's birthday.

A number of mascots have taken centre stage at McDonald's over the years, including, most famously, clown Ronald McDonald. Grimace was originally introduced in the 1970s, but it took a whole 42 years for McDonald's to clarify what exactly the friendly-looking character is meant to be.

Brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald founded the fast-food chain in 1940 in San Bernardino, California, initially as a 'carhop' drive-in.

Lunch for two quarters isn't bad at all (Naomi Rahim/Getty Images)

Over the course of the next decade, the brothers, taken under the wing of businessman Ray Kroc, saw their burger joint skyrocket as it grew across the nation, eventually leading to franchises across the globe.

However, McDonald's only started selling cheeseburgers in 1948 as part of their revamped self-service restaurant menu.

The cheeseburger was one of only nine items available on the new menu, which also included hamburgers, French fries and milkshakes.

Nowadays, they offer up variations of the classic - including Big Macs, chicken mayo and of course, the mighty Double Cheeseburger.

Double Cheeseburgers were promotional item in the 1950s before McDonald's added them to their regular menu in 1965 (KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Made up of two juicy beef patties, a slice of American cheese, pickles, tangy chopped onions, topped with ketchup and mustard and served between a soft bun, it's now, of course, one of their staple items.

It wasn't always the way, though; it was introduced as a promotional item in the 1950s before joining the menu for good in 1965.

And today (Thursday, September 18), customers can get a Double Cheeseburger for just 50 cents.

Why? Well, it's National Burger Day, so of course, the US's biggest fast food joint is going to mark the occasion.

McDonald's offered up the same deal for the occasion last year, claiming it to be one of their most popular offers.

The offer is available at participating McDonald's branches (Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images)

To access the discounted burger deal, you'll need to order via the McDonald's app. If you've not already downloaded it, it's easy enough to do and get your deals.

The app regularly offers other exclusive deals, and you can also earn points for free food.

The cheeseburger is a part of the Buy One, Add One for $1 deal. This is included in the new McValue menu offerings.

However, if you think you'll be able to order multiple burgers in one go, then think again, as only one burger is allowed per person.

Find your nearest McDonald's store here.