9 Best Value Menus in America Right Now To Save You Money on Food

If you’re looking for affordable meal options, fast-food value menus across America offer plenty of choices that fit a wide range of budgets. Whether you’re after a quick snack or a full meal, you’ll find many items under $5, with some that are just a bit more.

Here’s a look at some of the best value menus available now to help you satisfy your hunger without overspending. But be aware if you’re looking for a basic fast food meal — these are the 15 most expensive cities to purchase one.

Arby’s fans can score some pretty good deals on its value menu. The 3/$5 Mix ‘N Match is a standout. Choose three of the following items for only $5:

• Ranch, BBQ or Honey Mustard Chicken Wrap
• Roast Beef, Jalapeno Roast Beef, Chicken or Buffalo Chicken Slider
• Curly or crinkle fries
• Your choice of soft drink

If you don’t want to spend $5, you can also purchase the same items separately from the value menu, which are priced from $2.09 to $2.99 each.

If you’re looking to save money at Wendy’s, check out its Biggie and Meal Deals:

• Jr. Hamburger: $2.29
• Jr. Cheeseburger: $2.59
• Crispy Chicken Sandwich: $2.59
• Jr. Cheeseburger Deluxe: $3.19
• Jr. Cheeseburger 444 Meal: $4
• Crispy Chicken or Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger Biggie Bag: $5

You can also download the chain’s app and create an account to gain access to special offers and rewards. One of the best value offers in the app is 2 for $6. Choose two from the following: Dave’s Single, a Classic or Spicy Chicken Sandwich or 10-piece Nuggets. 

The app also has other value meals and items, like a free kid’s meal with any premium combo purchase, $1 Crispy Chicken Sandwich or Junior Bacon Cheeseburger with purchase and a free any-size soft drink with a $5 purchase.

The home of the Golden Arches is known for its Dollar Menu, which features breakfast, lunch (or dinner) and beverage options for between $1 and $3 each. You’ll find items like McDonald’s Sausage McMuffin, the McDouble and the chain’s World Famous Fries on the menu, but the exact menu items and pricing will vary according to restaurant participation.

If you’re looking for a discounted meal, download the McDonald’s app to take advantage of the $5 meal deal, which includes the following items:

• 4-piece McNuggets
• Small fries
• Small soft drink
• McChicken or McDouble

Burger King offers a “Your Way Meal” for $5, which is quite similar to McDonald’s $5 meal deal and includes the following:

• Choice of Whopper Jr., Chicken Jr. or Bacon Cheeseburger
• 4-piece Chicken Nuggets
• Value fries
• Value soft drink

Other value items include four small drinks or the Whopper Jr. Duo for $5.

Get a lot of bang for your buck at Taco Bell with its Cravings Value Menu. Choose from the following items and prices:

• Cheesy Roll Up: $1.19
• Spicy Potato Soft Taco: $1.29
• Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito: $1.29
• Double Stacked Taco: $1.99
• Stacker: $2.19
• 3-Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt: $2.29
• Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes: $2.59
• Chicken Enchilada Burrito: $2.49
• Cheesy Double Beef Burrito: $2.79
• Loaded Beef Nachos: $2.99

You can also get some great deals if you order through the Taco Bell app, including the Build Your Own Cravings Box for $5.99 and a Meal for 2 for $12.50.

Sonic Drive-In is great if you want to eat in your vehicle. It offers a $1.99 value menu with the following items:

• Southwest Crunch Queso Wrap
• Bacon Ranch Queso Wrap
• Small Tots
• Chili Cheese Coney
• Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger
• Small Classic Shakes
• Small Master Shakes

Item availability may vary according to the Sonic location you visit. 

KFC has a Deals menu that has three items for $5. Choose from a Taste of KFC 2-Piece Deal, which includes a thigh, drumstick, one side and a biscuit. You can also get Taste of KFC 8-piece Nuggets Deal with a side of fries. The third option is the Taste of KFC Famous Bowl Deal.

Other more expensive deals are also available that appear to be a good value, such as the Meal for Two: Sandwiches + Nuggets Combo, which features two Extra Crispy fried chicken sandwiches, two individual sides, two medium drinks and 10 chicken nuggets.

Jack in the Box, known for its clown-esque mascot Jack Box, also offers deals and digital exclusives, including the following: 

• 2 for $3 Monster Tacos
• Jack’s $5 Big Meal Deal with a Jr. Jumbo Jack Cheeseburger
• Jack’s $5 Big Meal Deal with a Jr. Chicken Sandwich
• 2 for $5 Jumbo Jack
• 2 for $3 Breakfast Jack
• 2 for $3 Jr. Chicken Sandwich
• 2 Tacos for 99 cents

If you’re looking for something a little more elevated than a burger and fries, check out Panera Duets, which the chain describes as “classic favorites at a value price.” The combos are comprised of some of Panera’s most popular menu items and are priced between $6.99 and $8.99 depending on location. 

The duets include a half salad or sandwich and a cup of soup and are the same portion size as Panera’s regular Pick Two deals. Choose from these seven options: 

• Deli Ham Sandwich and Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
• Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Creamy Tomato Soup
• Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich and Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
• Tuna Salad Sandwich and Creamy Tomato Soup
• Caesar Salad and Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
• Greek Salad and Creamy Tomato Soup
• Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich and Creamy Tomato Soup

Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Sept. 16, 2024. Prices and availability may vary by location.