It probably comes as no surprise that the United States is the world leader in fast-food consumption. The U.S. ranks well ahead of other fast-food-loving nations, such as the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and Austria. One of the main reasons for Americans’ fast food addiction is that, historically, this fare was both convenient and cheap. While the convenience of fast food has certainly increased even more thanks to delivery services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, it is no longer the inexpensive option that it once was. A family of four can easily rack up a $50 tab at a fast-food restaurant. The $50 threshold used to be reserved for nicer “sit-down restaurants.” Not anymore.
We all know that food prices have risen sharply. Grocery bills have risen substantially, but those increases are nowhere near what we see in the fast-food industry today. The menu prices at U.S. fast-food restaurants have increased at almost double the rate of inflation. According to Restaurant Business, fast-food prices in December reflected a 6% increase over the previous year. Overall inflation only rose by 3.1% in that same 12-month period. If it seems like it is a lot more expensive to swing by the drive-thru these days, that’s because it is. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still score a deal at your favorite fast-food restaurant.
We found some of the cheapest items you can purchase at national fast-food chains. Yes, in many cases, the prices of these items may be a bit higher than you remember, but they are still quite affordable compared to most items on America’s fast-food menus. (If you want to check out the opposite end of the spectrum, here’s a list of the 16 most expensive fast food items to buy this January.)
Creating the List
We surveyed dozens of fast food menus to create this list of inexpensive fast food items.
To compile this list of the cheapest fast food items this month, 24/7 Wall St. consulted the online menus of some of the largest fast food chains in the U.S. We only focused on single items from each franchise. Combo meals, kids meals, and other multi-item options were not considered for this list. We also only evaluated standard menu entrées and sides. Customized or “secret menu” items were not included in our survey.
Desserts and beverages were also not included, although there are some great deals available. For example, you can grab a black coffee (any size) from Burger King for just a buck. A chocolate chip cookie from McDonalds is only 89¢. Other chains offer similar deals, as well. However, we focused solely on entrées and sides in this survey.
The prices listed are accurate as of January 2024 but are subject to change. Prices may also vary depending on your location.
Sides
Do you want fries with that? Of course, you do!
Here’s a look at the cheapest fries, chips, and other side items at many of the biggest fast-food chains in the U.S.
21. Domino’s
The cheesy tots at Domino’s are the cheapest side item on the pizza chain’s menu.
Item: Melty 3-Cheese Loaded Tots
Price: $6.99
20. Papa John’s
You can add garlic knots to your Papa John’s order for seven bucks.
Item: Garlic Knots
Price: $6.99
19. Pizza Hut
Did you know Pizza Hut serves three different flavors of fries?
The sandwiches at Domino’s are the cheapest entrées on the menu.
Items: Sandwiches (wide variety)
Price: $6.99
19. Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen
Admittedly, we are stepping outside our own methodology for this one. However, the Big Box meal is the cheapest entrée item on Popeye’s menu this month. It’s a limited time deal, though, so don’t delay.
Chicken nuggets are the cheapest entrée on Burger King’s menu. (The price below is for four nuggets.)
Item: Chicken Nuggets (4 pieces)
Price: $1.59
2. Wendy’s
The Jr.Hamburger from Wendy’s is super cheap.
Item: Jr. Hamburger
Price: $1.49
1. Taco Bell
Some may debate whether the cheesy roll up qualifies as an entrée, but there’s no denying that it’s a pretty good deal for only a dollar.
Item: Cheesy Roll Up
Price: $1
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