Fast food used to mean cheap, quick meals that wouldn’t break the bank. However, some menu items at popular chains now cost more than a fancy restaurant dinner. Many restaurants have started offering premium burgers, specialty drinks, and gourmet sides that can easily cost $20 or more for a single item.
1. McDonald’s Signature Crafted Burgers
Premium ingredients don’t come cheap, even at the golden arches. McDonald’s fancy burger line can cost up to $8 for just the sandwich alone.
Add fries and a drink, and you’re looking at nearly $15 for a meal. The restaurant markets these as restaurant-quality burgers with artisan buns and specialty sauces.
Many customers feel confused paying steakhouse prices at a place known for dollar menu items. Your wallet might prefer the classic Big Mac instead.
2. Starbucks Venti Frappuccino with Extra Shots
Coffee addiction gets expensive when you’re ordering the largest size with multiple add-ons. A Venti Frappuccino with extra espresso shots, premium syrups, and whipped cream can easily hit $8 or more.
Some customers create custom drinks with so many additions that the price rivals a full meal elsewhere. The barista might need several minutes just to make your complex order.
Regular coffee drinkers spending this much daily could buy a high-end espresso machine within months. Consider simpler drinks to save money.
3. Five Guys Bacon Cheeseburger Combo
Fresh ingredients and hand-cut fries come with a premium price tag at this popular chain. A bacon cheeseburger combo can easily cost $18 or more in many locations.
The restaurant prides itself on never using frozen ingredients, which explains the higher costs. You’ll get generous portions of fries that often fill an entire bag.
While the quality is undeniable, the price makes it more of a special treat than everyday fast food. Budget-conscious diners might want to split the large fry portion.
4. Subway Footlong Premium Subs
Healthy eating gets pricey when you choose premium meats and multiple toppings. Subway’s high-end footlong sandwiches with steak, chicken breast, or seafood can cost over $15.
Adding avocado, extra cheese, and premium sauces quickly increases the total. The restaurant charges separately for many items that used to be included.
Many customers remember when any footlong cost just $5 during promotional periods. Now, even basic sandwiches cost significantly more than that famous deal.
5. Chipotle Burrito Bowl with Guacamole and Extras
Customization costs add up quickly when building your perfect bowl. A burrito bowl with premium proteins, guacamole, and multiple salsas can reach $15 or more.
The famous guacamole alone adds several dollars to your order. Double meat portions and extra toppings make the price climb even higher.
Health-conscious diners often justify the cost by considering it a complete, nutritious meal. However, you could make several homemade burrito bowls for the same price.
6. Panera Bread Specialty Salads
Gourmet salads at this fast-casual chain can cost more than steak dinners elsewhere. Premium options with nuts, dried fruits, and specialty cheeses often exceed $12 for a single salad.
The restaurant positions itself as a healthier alternative to traditional fast food. Fresh ingredients and organic options contribute to the higher pricing structure.
Many customers appreciate the quality but feel shocked by salad prices. You might find better value ordering a half-sandwich and soup combo instead.
7. Shake Shack ShackBurger Combo
Gourmet fast food comes with gourmet prices at this trendy burger chain. A ShackBurger combo with fries and drink typically costs around $15 in most locations.
The restaurant uses high-quality beef and fresh ingredients, which explains the premium pricing. Long lines often form despite the higher costs.
Many customers view it as a special occasion meal rather than regular fast food. The smaller portion sizes might leave some people wanting more food for their money.
8. Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme Combo
Even budget-friendly chains have expensive options that might surprise you. The Crunchwrap Supreme combo can cost over $10 in many locations, quite a jump from dollar menu days.
This popular item combines multiple ingredients in a grilled tortilla wrap. Adding extras like guacamole or upgrading to a large drink increases the price further.
Longtime customers remember when Taco Bell was the go-to spot for cheap eats. Now, some menu combinations rival prices at sit-down Mexican restaurants.
9. KFC Family Feast Buckets
Feeding a family at KFC can cost more than grocery shopping for a week. Large family meals with multiple pieces of chicken, sides, and biscuits often exceed $40.
The restaurant’s famous recipe and cooking process contribute to higher prices than competitors. Popular sides like mac and cheese or coleslaw add several dollars each.
Many families find these meals convenient but expensive for regular dining. Consider smaller portions or cooking similar meals at home to save money.
10. Dairy Queen Blizzard Treats Large Size
Ice cream indulgence reaches new price levels with premium Blizzard flavors. Large specialty Blizzards with multiple mix-ins can cost over $8 for a single treat.
Popular flavors with branded candies or cookies cost more than basic options. The restaurant’s signature upside-down serving style adds to the premium experience.
Many customers consider these occasional treats rather than regular purchases. Smaller sizes or simpler flavors offer better value for budget-conscious ice cream lovers.
11. Popeyes Family Meal Deals
Southern comfort food pricing has climbed significantly at this popular chicken chain. Family meal combinations with multiple pieces, sides, and biscuits can easily cost $35 or more.
The restaurant’s famous chicken sandwich success led to higher prices across the menu. Popular sides like red beans and rice or mac and cheese add considerable cost.
Many customers love the authentic flavors but feel surprised by the total bill. Individual items might offer better value than large family combinations.
12. Wendy’s Baconator Triple with Upgrades
Triple meat portions and premium toppings make this burger a wallet-buster. The Baconator Triple with upgraded fries and drink can cost over $16 in many locations.
This massive burger contains three beef patties, multiple bacon strips, and cheese. The sheer size makes it more of a challenge than a regular meal.
Many customers split this enormous burger or save it for special occasions. Regular-sized burgers offer much better value for everyday dining.
13. Arby’s Market Fresh Sandwiches
Deli-style sandwiches at Arby’s command premium prices compared to their regular roast beef offerings. Market Fresh options with turkey, ham, or chicken can cost over $12 with sides.
These sandwiches feature artisan breads, fresh vegetables, and premium meats. The restaurant positions them as healthier alternatives to traditional fast food.
Many customers appreciate the quality but miss the chain’s more affordable options. Classic roast beef sandwiches still offer better value for money.
14. Sonic Premium Chicken Dinners
Drive-in dining gets expensive with Sonic’s premium chicken dinner options. Complete meals with multiple pieces, sides, and drinks can reach $15 or more per person.
The restaurant’s car-hop service and unique ordering system add to the dining experience. Popular add-ons like onion rings or cheese sticks increase the total cost.
Many customers enjoy the nostalgic drive-in atmosphere but find prices surprisingly high. Simpler menu items offer better value for budget-conscious diners.
15. Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Specialty Pizzas
Gourmet pizza toppings and stuffed crust technology create surprisingly expensive fast food. Large specialty pizzas with premium ingredients can cost over $25 for a single pie.
Popular combinations with multiple meats, extra cheese, and stuffed crust appeal to pizza lovers. Delivery fees and tips add even more to the total cost.
Many families find these pizzas perfect for special occasions but too expensive for regular meals. Simple cheese pizzas or smaller sizes offer much better value.
Leave a comment