It’s still fast, but it’s making customers furious.
Fast food used to be the go-to cheap meal, but over the past few years, prices have been climbing due to inflation.
According to a survey conducted by Lending Tree, 78% of respondents now see it as a luxury — not the quick, affordable option it used to be.
McDonald’s has raised its prices by 100% over the past decade — the most of any US fast food chain, according to FinanceBuzz.
In 2014, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal at the Golden Arches cost $5.39. In 2024, that price raised to $12, FinanceBuzz reported.
The second most inflated prices in the United States was Popeyes, and Taco Bell rang in third.
The four-piece chicken dinner at Popeyes cost just $7 in 2024, compared to the 97% price increase in 2024, making that same dinner $13.79.
In an attempt to lure back customers, many fast food restaurants are adding meal deals to the menus — but which ones are really a steal?
Menu prices vary across the country, but in general, Jack in the Box and Burger King are the best cheap specialty burger option, though McDonald’s and Wendy’s also have a great deal for basic burgers and chicken nuggets, Delish reported.
However, Taco Bell is the main leader in cheap eats, and Robert Marcarelli from the Connecticut-based Pi Restaurant Consulting told the outlet that taco-based fast food options often have a better value than burger-based options overall. Though, pizza still remains the top cheap meal choice.
“I think in today’s market, pizza remains the king,” he said. “You can feed more people with less money.”
Though Marcarelli said that pizza isn’t necessarily considered fast food, even if it’s from Pizza Hut or Domino’s.
“Among true fast foods, tacos top that list right now because they offer a more affordable price due to the low cost of production and goods.”
Here are some of the best meal deals at fast food chains around the country:
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen’s $7 Meal Deal comes with a full-size hamburger and French fries, plus a drink and sundae.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box has BOGO deals on burgers and the Jack’s Munchies menu.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s McValue menu is available at restaurants nationwide, offering all-day savings. Part of the McValue menu includes the $5 Meal Deal, though at select restaurants it may be priced at $6.
The $5 Meal Deal includes a McChicken or McDouble, a four-piece Chicken McNuggets, small french fries and a small soft drink. It was supposed to last just four weeks after first being introduced this summer, but the fast-food chain eventually extended it in the hopes of luring in customers.
The McValue menu introduces a “Buy One, Add One for $1” offerings, allowing customers to add on an extra item to any purchase for $1 and mix and match their favorites.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell’s Cravings Box lineup has meal options at $5, $7 and $9. The chain also has a Cravings Value Menu with items priced as low as $1.19 without meat, or a meat taco for $1.79.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s $5 Biggie Bag comes with a choice of sandwich, four-piece chicken nuggets, fries and a drink.
Sonic
Sonic has a $1.99 value menu that includes a junior burger and two different chicken tender wraps.
Burger King
Burger King is constantly shaking up its deals, all of which can be found in the BK app. This week, Burger King is offering a week’s worth of breakfast deals to Royal Perks members to kickstart your day after losing an hour of sleep.