Would you pay twenty bucks for a drive-thru lunch? When grabbing meals on the go,
which franchise affects your wallet the most?
"Where's the beef?!"
Fast food fans want healthier options, higher quality ingredients, and better
customer service. They also may want it for less. Known for their square-shaped burger patties,
Wendy's has historically topped the list of pricey fast food. In 1971, the average burger cost around
$0.30 however, Wendy's charged nearly twice that at $0.55. In fact, from the 1970s to the 2010s,
Wendy's burgers have consistently cost more than McDonald's and Burger King. Their commitment to
offering "fresh, never frozen" beef might be the reason behind the historically higher price tag.
"When you see Wendy's square hamburger, you know you're getting the best."
Has anything changed in recent years? As it turns out, the company's expensive
reputation still holds true today. In 2022, Wendy's topped the list of fast food
chains that would break the bank. With the restaurant's Baconator burger combo costing
more than twelve bucks and a chicken nugget lunch more than eleven bucks,
fast food fans might think twice before swinging through their local Wendy's.
The most popular fast food chain made recent headlines for increasing the price of the classic
Big Mac. Although the price varies from state to state, as of this video, the famous sandwich costs
on average a staggering $5.11 in California and a more affordable $3.99 in South Dakota. However,
just 20 years ago, the popular burger would only run customers a little over two bucks.
Despite the cost increases, the restaurant has stayed true to its affordable roots by
offering the $1, $2, $3 options. This budget-friendly menu features a host
of tasty delights like a breakfast sausage biscuit, the classic McDouble cheeseburger,
and a small order of french fries. The menu's broad budget range allows customers to create
their own affordable and filling combo meals without paying the premium prices.
Although Chick-fil-A is beloved for its speedy drive-thru experience, the chain isn't known
for being the most cost-effective option for diners. With the increase in the price of chicken,
staying affordable has been difficult for Chick-fil-A. As of Spring 2023, combo meals at
this fast-food chain can cost as high as fifteen bucks for a Cool Wrap with a side and a drink and,
depending on the location, more than $12 for a Spicy Chicken Sandwich Deluxe Meal.
In a recent effort to attract more vegetarian customers,
the chain released a cauliflower sandwich at select locations in Colorado, South Carolina,
and North Carolina. TikTokers took to social media to review this controversial plant-based item,
which is available for the jaw-dropping price of nearly seven bucks, all on its own. A spokesperson
for the restaurant chain defended the cost of the sandwich in a statement to Fox News, calling it,
"A competitively priced plant-forward offering that features high-quality ingredients."
However, for budget-conscious customers, those high-quality ingredients and the
quick and friendly service the chain is known for may not be enough to sway them.
A subreddit photo of a 1999 Taco Bell receipt went viral recently,
and fans of the chain were shocked that the cost of a taco and a side of nachos had been
only $0.69 each. Although it may seem like Taco Bell's prices have had an exponential spike
in the last couple of decades, the restaurant still caters to those looking for a great deal.
Taco Bell continues to release affordable and filling menu items. Recently,
the chain announced the addition of $2 Double Stacked Tacos and the return of
the ever-popular Nacho Fries for basically the same price. These items will play well
with the chain's Cravings Menu — a value-focused selection of affordable
munchies like the dollar Cheesy Roll Up. And then there's the $5 Classic Combo that
includes a large fountain drink, a Beefy Five-Layer Burrito, your choice of taco,
and either Taco Bell's signature Cinnamon Twists or a side of chips and cheese sauce.
Chipotle is a well loved Mexican-style fast casual chain known for its burritos,
bowls, and app-exclusive quesadillas. The franchise touts its quality-focused menu,
which it says is created from 53 all-natural ingredients.
The list includes fresh chicken, beef, beans, spices, vegetables, and made-in-house salsas.
However, the fresh and high-quality ingredients the chain is known for
come at a price — one that some customers are tired of paying. A TikTok user recently went
viral for her video asking Chipotle why her burrito bowl cost $19.82. She said,
"Yes, I got guac. But that shouldn't make it $19.82. That is so much money for one bowl."
Although that pricing does seem a bit out of hand, it's not far off considering that,
as of the making of this video, the chain's burrito bowls begin on average at $10.89.
Extras like chips are about $1.80, guacamole is around two-seventy-one and a side of queso costs
around $2.23. Although these prices will vary by location, diners will want to consider things like
the price of extras, sides, and customizations when ordering their burritos and bowls.
"...man, working at Chipotle definitely gave me some muscles."
Burger King holds its own with a menu that is constantly changing
and evolving without breaking the bank. Most recently, the chain brought back
the fan-favorite lineup of Whopper Melts — a unique take on Burger King's signature
sandwich featuring toasty bread instead of a bun and surprising toppings like jalapenos,
caramelized onions, and special sauce. Best of all? The Whopper Melt meal,
complete with fries and a drink, can be snagged for an average of only $10.44.
The chain also recently brought back its BK Stacker burger — a protein-packed sandwich
featuring multiple patties, bacon, and cheese. Although the price of over $8 for a BK burger
alone may seem like a lot, that's the cost of a quadruple stacker, so it's a good value given
the amount of meat offered in the sandwich. With fresh ingredients, flame-grilled patties, and this
kind of value for your money, it's no wonder burger fans continue to head to Burger King.
"How are you feeling?"