Fast food was once a quick and cheap option for a meal. Now, prices are higher and portions smaller. What used to feel like a bargain often doesn’t seem worth it anymore. Here are thirteen once-affordable deals that have lost their value.
Dollar Menu Burgers
Remember when a dollar menu burger was actually a dollar? Those days are gone. Now, prices have doubled or more, and portions are smaller. Add fries and a drink, and your drive-thru meal starts to feel just as expensive as dining in.
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Coffee Specials
A simple cup of coffee used to be a reliable morning pick-me-up. Now, prices have climbed, and some specials have disappeared entirely. That plain cup of coffee is pricier than ever, leaving fewer options for budget-conscious caffeine lovers.
Value Meals (That Stopped Being a Value)
Value meals used to mean a burger, fries, and drink for a good price. Now, prices have gone up, and portions have gotten smaller. The “value” has disappeared, leaving you paying more for less.
Chicken Nuggets by the Count
Chicken nuggets used to be a budget-friendly, go-to snack, especially for families. Now, some places have cut 10-packs down to 8 but kept the price—or even raised it. And honestly, the cheaper frozen ones from the store taste just as good.
Breakfast Sandwich Combos
Breakfast sandwich combos used to be an affordable way to start the day. Now, prices have skyrocketed. You’re paying more for the same sandwich, hash brown, and coffee than ever and we’re starting to see some restaurants add surcharges for eggs. For the same cost, you could buy enough ingredients to make breakfast at home for an entire week.
“Limited Time” Deals
Fast food chains love hyping up “limited-time deals” to draw in customers. But over the years, some of those deals disappeared for good—and their replacements aren’t half as exciting. The favorites you could count on to save a few bucks are gone, replaced with pricier options with less bang for your buck.
Dollar Drinks
Dollar drinks used to be a fast food favorite. Now, that deal is mostly gone. Prices have shot up, and “any size” often no longer applies. What was once a cheap treat now feels overly expensive.
Taco Specials
Tacos used to be a cheap, tasty treat, especially during $1 specials. Now they’re smaller and more expensive, making them feel overpriced for a snack. Even the so-called value menu tacos don’t feel like much of a deal anymore.
Ice Cream Treats
A cone or sundae used to be an easy, affordable treat. Now, prices have climbed, and portions seem smaller. That once cheap dessert is starting to feel like a splurge unless you’re really craving it.
Bundle Deals That Don’t Really Save You Money
Fast food bundle deals used to be a foolproof way to feed a group at a low cost. But lately, these bundles include smaller portions, fewer items, or inflated prices that don’t provide the savings advertised. In some cases, it’s cheaper to just buy items individually rather than splurge on these “deals”.
Fries That Don’t Fill You up
Fries used to be a cheap and satisfying side. Now, prices are way up, and portions are smaller. A large order barely feels “large” anymore, making you wonder if they left some out.
Kids’ Meals That Aren’t Kid-Sized Deals
Kids’ meals used to be small, simple, and affordable. Now, they cost almost as much as adult meals, but the portions are much smaller. They’ve lost their value as a budget-friendly option, making it easier to just skip them altogether.
It Just Isn’t What it Used To Be
Fast food deals used to be an easy, affordable option for a quick meal. Now, they’re overpriced and underwhelming. Taking the time to cook at home can often save you more money.
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