Forget inflation’s slow simmer – fast food prices are on a full-blown boil! While we all knew our beloved Big Macs wouldn’t stay under $2 forever, some chains have cranked up the heat faster than a fryer spitting out a rogue mozzarella stick. So, grab your wallets and prepare to be shocked, as we unveil the priciest fast food chains turning your $5 lunch into a $20+ dent in your bank account.
8.Taco Bell: From Value Volcano to Price Hike Geyser: Remember Taco Bell as the late-night savior for your empty stomach and lighter wallet? Think again. With a 14.6% price hike, even those cheesy chalupas seem a little less cheesy when they cost more than before.
Long gone are the days when a Beefy Five Layer Burrito was $.79! Nowadays, the Beefy Burrito is more like a whopping $3.69!
7. Popeyes: No Longer King of Value: Even the Louisiana Kitchen couldn’t resist the price hike wave. While not as dramatic as some competitors, Popeyes’ menu saw a general increase, meaning that spicy chicken sandwich just got a little less spicy for your wallet.
6. Arby’s: From Roast Beef to Roasted Savings: While not topping the charts, Arby’s hasn’t been immune to the rising costs. Their signature curly fries might not be quite as curly when they cost a few cents more. And they’ve always been a bit more pricey than your average fast food chain.
5. Chick-fil-A: Spicy Nuggets, Fiery Prices: Don’t let the waffle fries fool you. Chick-fil-A’s prices have risen by a not-so-sweet 15.6%. You’ll think twice before asking for an extra sauce packet for that chicken sandwich at these rates. And worse yet, right after New Year’s, the chain announced that they would be raising prices by 6%, in a very not so festive move.
4. Burger King: Whopper Woes: The home of the iconic Whopper hasn’t escaped the heat. While the Whopper itself saw a surprising price dip, other beloved items like Chicken Fries have ballooned by a jaw-dropping 67 cents. You might need a crown upgrade from plastic to real gold to afford these fries now.
3. McDonald’s: Lovin’ It Less? McDonald’s has subtly chipped away at your dollar over the past year. Individual items like the McChicken and Egg McMuffin have seen up to 22 cent increases, adding up to a not-so-super-sized surprise at checkout.
The $1 Menu, a truly beautiful thing, is long gone and in the past…now a $3 menu, with even the standard cheeseburger being almost $3. And then there’s the $1 drink promos which lasted for about a year until they recently pulled the plug on that, angering customers everywhere.
In fact, McDonald’s price increases have led to their most profitable year yet as they achieved $6.92 billion in total sales in 2023, making it further unlikely that they’ll drop prices anytime in the future.
2. Wendy’s: From Frosty Fun to Frosty Fury: Remember when a Wendy’s combo was synonymous with budget-friendly deliciousness? Not anymore. With a whopping 35% price hike in 2022, Wendy’s has take the crown for most wallet-gouging chain. That Baconator bite feels more like a bite into your savings now.
The chain dangles a tiny carrot in the form of the Biggie Bag to off-set the sting of the rest of their menu. For $5, or $6 you can get a Jr. fry, a small drink, 4-pc chicken nuggets, and a sandwich.
1. Chipotle From Burrito Bowl To…Wallet Hole: has gone through four separate price increases over the past 2 years alone making it the the chain with the highest (and most frequent) price increases over the past few years. The latest increase is rumored at 7% across the board which is wild considering the 15% increase from 2020-21 wasn’t enough for the chain. It’s enough to deter one away from Chipotle completely…until they come to their senses!
So, next time you crave a fast food fix, be prepared for sticker shock. And remember, just because these chains are raising prices doesn’t mean you have to swallow them whole. Look for deals, stick to combos, and maybe pack a PB&J for backup. After all, who knows, with these prices, that might become the new trendy fast food item: the Recession Royale.
