10 Fast-Food Chains Customers Say Just Aren't Worth the Price Anymore

According to the USDA, the cost of "food-away-from-home" (in other words, restaurant fare) could increase by nearly 3.5%. Fast food chains make it easy to eat on a budget. But that doesn't mean all of these eateries are equal.

You want to stretch your fast food budget even farther. And with that in mind, we've got you covered with the popular chains that just aren't worth the price anymore.

We scoured social media feeds to find out what real customers are saying about some of the top spots. From fried chicken kitchens to pizza joints, here are ten formerly inexpensive options that could cost you significantly more this year.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Popeyes

Known for sinfully sumptuous Louisiana-style fried chicken and anything-but-basic biscuits, the once-affordable eatery now has former fans in a tizzy.

Redditor hammocksonthebeach recently posted, "Haven't been in years, what's up with these prices? $14.99 + tax for three tenders, fries, and a drink? Are Popeye's prices like this all over the US?"

Even though other Popeye's customers report similar high prices, some had an alternative idea to cut costs — skip the drink. According to Reddit user stabbygun, "Just checked the app. For $6 you get three tenders and two sides." While this savvy shopping strategy is an easy workaround, keep in mind that prices vary by location.

McDonald's

When the Big Mac debuted in 1967, the fast-food burger cost a reported $0.45. A lot has changed in the almost 60 years since the McDonald's classic became a signature sensation. Prices range from slightly over $4 to upwards of $7, making customers look for other ways to save.

Like other chains, loyal fans have relied on the app to score lower-priced deals. But, according to a recent Reddit post, that may not work as well anymore. User Zebruhfy pointed out, "Now the deals are exactly the same every time and not even worth using…The deals felt like the only thing that made McDonald's worth it and now they are basically gone."

Wendy's

Whether you're a Frosty fan or just can't get enough of the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, Wendy's customers are now saying, "Prices are out of control."

Complaints on the Wendy's subreddit include, "Wendy's has priced my construction buddies and me out of fast food, we have resorted to simply packing lunches from home," and "Their pricing is now so close to real food options, they've basically handed over their value proposition on a silver platter."

Arby's

Arby's still has "Value Menu" packed with fan favorites like the $2.39 Buffalo Chicken Slider and $2.19 Apple Turnover (prices may vary by location). However, Redditor No_Calligrapher_6691 questioned the other prices at this fast food eatery: "Arby's one of the more extreme examples of inflation?", adding their take on the former 5 for $5 deal: "Four roast beef sandwiches no cheese for $10. One less sandwich than 15 years ago, nine with cheese double the price. Nah, 15 years isn't enough for that level of inflation."

KFC

Based on social media comments, the Colonel no longer has the best bargains in town. KFC subreddit user PossibleNo278 wrote, "Mine was $37 bucks for a 12 piece chicken bucket. That's highway robbery, I think."

Taco Bell

Taco Bell's Luxe Value menu features budget-friendly deals, including the $2.99 Chili Cheese Burrito and $3 Melty Pepper Jack Steak Burrito (prices subject to change and vary by location).

And while some customers are completely satisfied with the pricing, others asked (on the Fast Food subreddit), "When did Taco Bell become expensive?" But user cak3crumbs did have a clever comeback, noting, "You could insert the name of every single fast food chain in America into that title."

Chick-fil-A

The cute cow mascot won't make up for inflation-related issues. Chick-fil-A's subreddit recently featured this simple, straightforward comment: "Cost is out of control."

Redditor hogbear added, "Just got my son a 12 count of grilled nuggets with a fruit cup for the side. Nineteen dollars, For a fast food combo."

Subway

The steady increase in Subway's sandwich prices has customers wondering if the former favorite is still the right choice.

"I miss the days of the $5 footlongs so so badly, I was very hungry but I'm not paying literally $14-$18 for a sandwich," said Reddit user Exkersion.

Shake Shack

Diners no longer feel that Shake Shack is worth it. In one Reddit post, a customer noted, "Shake Shack's food is extremely overpriced for what it is. A simple burger, fries, and a shake should not total over $20…For $10, I could buy a pack of four beef patties at Whole Foods that are both organic and grass fed."

That might be a bit of a stretch. But it still stands to reason that eating at home is less expensive than dining out.

Pizza Hut

If you're not in the mood for burgers and fries, but don't want to spend extra for a fancy pizzeria pie, Pizza Hut is a time-tested go-to that has always delivered quality products at a reasonable price. That is, until customers started noticing a change.

Redditor Plastic_Ordinary_602 posted on the Pizza Hut subreddit, "Pizza Hut just isn't worth the money anymore. I was tempted to order them today, but when you're approaching $25 for a large pizza plus all the fees, I had to go with Papa Murphy which I also like."

Bottom line

When it comes down to it, a fast food value meal shouldn't break the bank. And that's why these customers feel the chains on our list just aren't worth the price.

How can you combat rising costs while managing to feed your family? Even though some of these formerly affordable eateries now seem expensive, we've got a few tips to make eating out easier: Use the best cash back credit cards to earn money on qualifying purchases, look for online or in-app deals, and (if you don't have a supersized appetite) order from the kids' menu.

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