Fast food is typically associated with affordability and convenience, offering a quick solution for those on the go. However, not all fast-food items offer good value. Some come with a surprisingly high price tag that doesn’t always reflect the portion size or quality of ingredients.
It’s easy to be tempted by flashy advertisements and combo deals, but it’s important to be a savvy consumer. Recognizing when you’re paying a premium for something that might not be worth it is key. Your hard-earned money should be spent on food that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.
Let’s take a look at 15 fast-food items that are notoriously overpriced. We’ll consider specific examples, compare prices to portion sizes and nutritional value, and provide tips on how to make wiser choices when dining out (or just ditch eating out altogether and make it at home!).
1. Fancy Coffee Drinks
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While many coffee chains offer a quick caffeine fix, their specialty drinks can often put a strain on your wallet. A grande Frappuccino at Starbucks, for instance, can easily set you back $7 or more, and that’s before any customizations or add-ins.
Instead of splurging on an elaborate coffee drink, consider brewing your own iced coffee at home or opting for a more affordable beverage from a local coffee shop. A simple DIY iced coffee with your favorite flavors can be just as delicious and far more budget-friendly.
2. Add-Ons and Extras
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Many fast-food chains entice customers with add-ons and extras that can significantly increase the final bill. Chipotle’s guacamole, for example, can add $2 or more to your burrito or bowl.
While these additions might seem tempting, they can quickly turn an affordable meal into an expensive one. Consider skipping the extras or finding ways to incorporate them into your meals at home for a fraction of the cost.
3. Premium Salads
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Some fast-food chains offer salads as a healthier option, but their premium salads can be surprisingly expensive. McDonald’s Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad, for example, can cost upwards of $6, rivaling the price of a full meal at some fast-food chains.
For a more budget-friendly and nutritious option, consider preparing your own salad at home with fresh ingredients. You’ll have more control over the portion size and ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more affordable meal that caters to your specific tastes.
4. Oversized Sandwiches
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While footlong subs and large sandwiches may seem like a good value, they often come with a hefty price tag. Subway’s footlongs, for example, can quickly add up, especially with added toppings and premium meats.
Consider going for a smaller size or look for deals and promotions that offer discounts on larger sandwiches. You can also save money by preparing your own sandwiches at home with fresh ingredients, ensuring a satisfying and cost-effective meal.
5. Specialty Smoothies
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Smoothies can be a healthy and refreshing option, but specialty smoothies from places like Smoothie King can be quite pricey. A 20-ounce smoothie can easily cost $10 or more, depending on the ingredients and size.
You can create your own healthy and delicious smoothies at home for a fraction of the cost. Invest in a blender and experiment with different fruits, vegetables, and protein powders to create your own personalized blends that are both nutritious and budget-friendly.
6. Soup and Salad Combos
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While soup and salad combos can seem like a balanced meal, they can also be quite expensive at certain restaurants. Panera Bread’s You Pick Two, for instance, can easily cost $15 or more, and that’s before adding any sides or drinks.
Consider making your own soups and salads at home, where you can control the ingredients and portion sizes. This will not only save you money but also allow you to tailor your meals to your dietary needs and preferences, ensuring a healthy and satisfying meal that won’t break the bank. You can also look for “You Pick Two” deals at certain restaurants that offer a more affordable way to enjoy a soup and salad combo.
7. Milkshakes
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Milkshakes are a classic fast-food treat, but some chains charge a premium for their versions. Chick-fil-A’s milkshakes, for example, can cost upwards of $4 for a large, which is significantly more than a comparable milkshake from other fast-food chains.
If you’re craving a milkshake, consider making your own at home with ice cream, milk, and your favorite flavors. You’ll save money and have more control over the ingredients and sweetness level, creating a personalized treat that’s both delicious and affordable. Alternatively, look for local ice cream shops or diners that offer milkshakes at a lower price point.
8. Specialty Beverages
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Many fast-food chains and coffee shops offer a variety of specialty fruity beverages, but these can often be overpriced for what they are. Starbucks Refreshers, for example, can easily cost $6 or more for a grande, and that’s before any customizations or add-ins.
You can create your own refreshing drinks at home with fruit, sparkling water, and a touch of honey or agave nectar. This will not only save you money but also allow you to avoid artificial sweeteners and flavors often found in pre-made drinks, giving you a healthier and more budget-friendly option. You can also explore local tea shops or cafes that offer unique and affordable beverage options.
9. “Healthy” Bowls
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Some fast-food chains offer “healthy” bowls as a lighter option, but these can be surprisingly expensive. Taco Bell’s Power Menu Bowl, for instance, can cost upwards of $7, which is comparable to the price of some of their larger, more indulgent menu items.
You can easily create a similar bowl at home with affordable ingredients like rice, beans, chicken, and your favorite vegetables. This allows you to customize your meal and ensure it aligns with your dietary needs and preferences, all while saving money and enjoying a healthier option. Additionally, explore local grocery stores or meal prep services that offer pre-made healthy bowls at a more reasonable price.
10. Loaded Fries
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Loaded fries, topped with cheese, bacon, and other savory ingredients, can be a tempting side dish, but they often come with a weighty price tag. Arby’s Loaded Curly Fries, for example, can cost around $7 for a large order.
Consider making your own loaded fries at home with frozen fries, cheese sauce, and your favorite toppings. This will not only save you money but also allow you to control the portion size and ingredients, making it a healthier and more budget-friendly option that satisfies your cravings. You can also look for local restaurants or pubs that offer loaded fries as an appetizer or shareable plate, often at a lower price point than fast-food chains.
11. Vegetarian Options
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While many fast-food chains are expanding their vegetarian and vegan offerings, these options can sometimes be priced higher than their meat-based counterparts. This can be frustrating for those seeking plant-based alternatives. For example, a Beyond Burger at Carl’s Jr. might cost significantly more than a regular cheeseburger, even though the ingredients may be comparable in cost.
Look for fast-food chains that offer value deals or combo options for their vegetarian items. You can also explore local vegetarian or vegan restaurants that may provide more affordable and diverse plant-based options.
12. Ice Cream
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Ice cream treats at fast-food chains, especially those with elaborate toppings or mix-ins, can quickly become overpriced. While they offer a sweet indulgence, the cost may not always be justified. A Blizzard at Dairy Queen, with its various candy and cookie mix-ins, can easily cost upwards of $5, which is significantly more than a simple ice cream cone.
Consider making your own ice cream sundaes or milkshakes at home with your favorite flavors and toppings. You can also check out local ice cream shops or frozen yogurt stores that may offer more affordable and customizable options.
13. Chicken Wings
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Chicken wings, especially when ordered in large quantities or with specialty sauces, can be a surprisingly expensive item on fast-food menus. While they are a popular game-day or party snack, the price per wing can add up quickly. A 20-piece order of wings at Buffalo Wild Wings, for instance, can easily cost $20 or more, depending on the sauce and any additional sides.
Look for deals or promotions on chicken wings at your favorite fast-food chains. You can also consider making your own wings at home, where you can control the flavors and portion sizes for a more budget-friendly option.
14. Specialty Items
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Fast-food chains often introduce limited-time specialty items tied to holidays, movie premieres, or celebrity collaborations. These items can generate excitement, but they often come with a premium price tag that may not reflect the actual value or ingredients. The Shamrock Shake at McDonald’s, for example, is a popular seasonal item, but its price can be considerably higher than a regular milkshake, even though it’s essentially just a vanilla milkshake with green food coloring.
Before indulging in a specialty item, consider whether the price is justified and if you’ll truly enjoy it. You can often find similar or even better versions of these items at local restaurants or by recreating them at home for a fraction of the cost.
15. Coffee Shop Pastries
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While coffee shops offer a tempting array of pastries, these treats can be surprisingly expensive. A single muffin or croissant can cost $4 or more, which adds up quickly if you indulge regularly. A blueberry muffin at Starbucks, for example, can cost around $3.50, which is significantly more than a similar muffin from a grocery store bakery.
Baking your own pastries or opting for more affordable snacks like fruit or yogurt can be a more budget-friendly way to satisfy your sweet tooth. You’ll also have more control over the ingredients and sugar content. Another great option to save money is to explore local bakeries or grocery stores that offer fresh pastries at a lower price point.
