Fast food restaurants once touted “dollar” menus. Now you’re more likely to find “value” menus—but just how much value is there in fast food?
“The big burger concepts were always thought of as the family-friendly and value-added options,” says Robert Marcarelli from the Connecticut-based Pi Restaurant Consulting. “But with inflation, food costs, and rising labor costs, the perception of what’s cheap certainly has changed over the years. What the $1 menu used to be is now the $5 menu.”
To combat the price surge, Marcarelli says value menus (and value meals) and buy-one-get-one strategies have taken over. The National Restaurant Association’s State of the Restaurant Industry 2025 agrees, saying that the BOGO offer is one of the most popular value offerings, alongside daily or limited-time reduced-price specials.
In the report, 75% of customers say value is an important factor when selecting a quick-service (fast food) restaurant and that the value deals and BOGO offers have the most success in creating perceived value.
So, How Do You Find The Cheapest Meal In America Right Now?
Marcarelli says that taco-based fast food often provides a better value over burger-based offerings, and families can still get the biggest bang for their buck with a pizza.
“I think in today’s market, pizza remains the king,” he says. “You can feed more people with less money.” But Marcarelli admits pizza, even Pizza Hut and Domino’s, isn’t necessarily considered fast food. “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.”
He points out that the price of proteins, such as hamburger meat, has increased, and bread is now much more expensive than it used to be. “When you take that bread equation out and are just using a tortilla, you get more bang for your buck,” Marcarelli says.
Tacos aren’t the only place to find deals, though. Most of the large restaurant chains offer a value meal or cheap item that they sell at a loss to draw people in and change the customer’s behavior. Apps often remind customers of deals or entice them with freebies. Marcarelli says this encourages customers to start eating at the restaurant more, disrupting old habits and possibly creating new ones.
The Best Deals By Fast Food Chain
While menu prices vary widely across the nation, even within the same chain, Jack in the Box is joined by Burger King as a traditionally cheap specialty burger option, while McDonald’s and Wendy’s also offer a high value for basic burgers and chicken nuggets.
Taco Bell is a leader in cheap food, but Del Taco can rival the brand in the taco space (not counting the taco options from Jack in the Box).
“At Jack in the Box, our core culinary philosophy is centered on offering an exciting variety of products at a value that meets customers where they are,” the restaurant said in a statement. “With rising prices across industries, our goal isn’t just to provide great prices; it’s about delivering higher quality ingredients, larger portions, and more options, ensuring our guests feel they’re getting more for their money.”
Famous for the two tacos for $0.99 deal that has been in place for years, Jack in the Box says they also now have a Jack’s Munchies Under $4 menu with tacos, fries, and a junior bacon cheeseburger, among other options. “This menu brings some of Jack’s most iconic items at an iconic price,” says the statement.
In some of the specialty categories, expect French fries to remain at a similar price across most of the restaurants. Jack in the Box has cheap milkshakes, but Dairy Queen, McDonald’s, and Burger King keep pace with pricing. Sonic and Dairy Queen offer a cheap hot dog, and the Happy Meal from McDonald’s is still a classic cheap kid’s option. Chick-fil-A enters the mix with some cheaper breakfast options.
Dairy Queen $7 Meal Deal
The $7 Meal Deal is a full-size hamburger and French fry meal that includes a drink and sundae.
Jack in the Box BOGO
Jack in the Box features a BOGO half-off on burgers and the Jack’s Munchies menu.
McDonald’s McValue
McDonald’s currently has a value menu with a $5 Meal Deal that comes with a hamburger, four pieces of Chicken McNuggets, a small fry, and a small drink. The chain also offers buy one, get another for a dollar deals on breakfast and lunch.
Taco Bell Cravings Box
Taco Bell has rolled out its Cravings Box lineup with options at $5, $7, and $9, but also has a Cravings Value Menu with items as cheap as $1.19 without meat and a soft or crunchy meat taco for $1.79.
Wendy’s Biggie Bag
Wendy’s features a $5 Biggie Bag with a choice of sandwich, four-piece chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink.
Sonic $1.99 Value Menu
Sonic highlights its $1.99 value menu, highlighted by a junior burger and two different chicken tender wraps.
Burger King BOGO
Burger King constantly switches up its deals and currently has a BOGO offer on fish sandwiches. Check your nearest BK location to find more deals in your area.
Tim Newcomb is a journalist based in the Pacific Northwest. He covers stadiums, sneakers, gear, infrastructure, and more for a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics. His favorite interviews have included sit-downs with Roger Federer in Switzerland, Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, and Tinker Hatfield in Portland.
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