fast food is great, but those prices can sneak up on you. Luckily, people have figured out some pretty clever ways to hack the menu and save a few bucks without sacrificing the good stuff. From secret ordering tricks to getting freebies through the app, there are some surprisingly easy ways to make fast food work in your favor. If you’re all about stretching your dollar (without giving up your favorite burger), these hacks will seriously change the way you order.
Order a “Poor Man’s Big Mac”
Instead of shelling out for a Big Mac, get a McDouble without ketchup, and ask for lettuce, onions, pickles, and Big Mac sauce. It’s almost the same sandwich, but at half the cost. You get all the iconic Big Mac flavors, just minus the middle bun and at a fraction of the price.
Sub a Kid’s Meal for a Full Meal
Kid’s meals at places like Chick-fil-A or Wendy’s are often cheaper, but they still come with a sandwich, side, and drink. Plus, some even come with free refills. It’s a smaller portion but can be just as satisfying, and you’ll save a few bucks while still getting a complete meal.
Get Free Water (Instead of Soda)
Skip paying for a sugary soda and ask for a cup of water. Many fast food joints will give it to you for free, and some even allow free refills. You stay hydrated, skip the extra calories, and save money all at the same time. Why pay for a drink when you don’t have to?
Ask for Extra Veggies on Anything
This is a great hack at places like Taco Bell and Subway where you can load up on extra veggies without any additional cost. It makes your meal more filling and healthier, all while stretching your dollar. You’re basically upgrading your meal for free by adding more fiber and nutrients.
Order a “McChicken McMuffin”
Want a chicken breakfast sandwich without the hefty price tag? Order a McChicken patty on an English muffin instead of the pricy Chicken McGriddle. You get a tasty breakfast sandwich at a bargain price without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Custom Order Your Burger for Freshness
Modify your burger or sides slightly, like asking for no pickles, extra onions or no salt fries. This forces the staff to make a fresh one just for you, rather than serving a pre-made sandwich that’s been sitting. You get a fresh, hot burger without paying anything extra.
Use the App for Freebies
Most fast food apps offer exclusive deals, rewards, and even free items just for signing up or ordering through the app. You can rack up points for free food, get discounts on meals, and save big on your go-to orders. Plus, who doesn’t love a freebie?
Order from the Value Menu
Fast food joints still have value menus with hidden gems like burgers, chicken sandwiches, or sides that are much cheaper than the main menu items. By piecing together a meal from the value menu, you can spend significantly less while still getting a satisfying meal.
Go Vegetarian to Save Cash
Swap out meat for a veggie option at places like Chipotle or Subway. Veggie versions are often cheaper, and you can still load up on toppings to make it filling. Plus, you’re saving money while doing something good for your health and the planet.
Split a Large Meal
Order a larger meal (like a combo with a large fry) and split it between two people. Many fast food portions are huge anyway, so sharing allows you to cut the cost in half while still enjoying a full meal. It’s budget-friendly and reduces food waste.
Mix and Match Deals
Fast food chains often have mix-and-match deals where you can combine items (like burgers or tacos) for a lower price than ordering them individually. It’s a great way to get more food for less and customize your meal without breaking the bank.
Discover America’s 13 Worst Fast Food Chains
A guilty pleasure like fast food often serves as a quick fix for cravings or convenience. However, more often than not, guests come to regret their choice of stopping. Before you head out for your next indulgence, check out the worst fast food chains in America and avoid them at all costs.
These fast-food places are commonly known to have sub-par service, less than spotless dining areas, and in many cases; terrible food.
Read it Here: Discover America’s 13 Worst Fast Food Chains
Skip the Fries, Uncover Fast Food Sides That Steal the Spotlight
“Fast food” nearly always conjures images of crispy French fries, but there’s much more on offer at your go-to spots. Sure, fries are a crunchy, salty delight, but sticking to the usual can mean missing out on some stellar alternatives. Why not switch it up? Venture beyond the potato norms and try something like zesty garlic knots, sweet cinnamon twists, or a fresh side salad.
Read it Here: Skip the Fries, Uncover Fast Food Sides That Steal the Spotlight
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
