How Much Money You’re Spending on Cheap Food — What’s Still $1 on Dollar Menus?

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In a world where advertising can play fast and loose with the laws of truth, and every company is competing for your bottom dollar, just how much value are there in value meals? Yes, every fast-food chain has its list of discounted items, but when a well-known establishment calls something a dollar menu, it unfortunately no longer means that everything is in fact $1.

Fast food has long been a go-to option for budget-conscious diners seeking quick meals at an affordable price. The introduction of the dollar menu in the early 2000s changed the fast-food landscape, promising a variety of items for just one dollar. But as inflation rises and food costs skyrocket, is anything still $1 on dollar menus?

What Does $1 Get You Now at Major Fast-Food Chains?

The days of everything-for-a-dollar deals may be in the rearview mirror as you exit the drive-through, but there are still some fast-food items that come close to this price range — either on a regular basis or for a limited-time promotion. Here’s a look at a few major chains and what they actually mean when they say $1. 

McDonald’s: When $1 Really Means $1, $2 or $3

McDonald’s was once the king of the dollar menu, with popular items like the McDouble and the McChicken available for $1. However, in 2018, it shifted to the $1, $2, $3 Dollar Menu, combining higher-priced items with fewer $1 options. Today, items like soft drinks are still priced at $1 in many locations, but most other offerings hover around the $2 to $3 range such as the McChicken, 4-piece chicken nugget or small french fry.

Taco Bell: Are There Savings With the $1 Cravings Menu?

Taco Bell continues to offer a $1 Cravings Menu, and while this is one of the few fast-food chains that still provides something close to a $1 section, the portion sizes can be smaller than you might expect. The select menu includes  items in the $1 range such as the following: 

• Cheesy roll-up: $1.19
• Spicy potato soft taco: $1.29
• Cheesy bean and rice burrito: $1.39
• Double stacked taco: $1.99

Wendy’s: Never Frozen but Also Never $1

Wendy’s does have a few tricks in its bag when it comes to value menu offerings. However, the individual dollar-menu items have become scarce and the restaurant instead gives customers the option of the 2 for $3 Biggie Bundle. You can mix and match several items on the breakfast menu listed below to mark them down to $1.50 apiece.

• Sausage biscuit
• Egg & cheese biscuit
• Sausage & cheese English muffin
• Egg & cheese English muffin
• Small seasoned potatoes
• Medium hot coffee

Burger King: Have It Your Way Unless Your Way Is Off the Dollar Menu

Burger King’s $1 Your Way Menu does exist in some locations, but it is not a guarantee whether or not your local joint will let you take advantage. If it isn’t an option you can still get items in the $2 to $3 range, but if it is available, you can grab the following for just $1:

• Bacon cheeseburger
• Chicken Jr.
• Value fries
• Value fountain drink

How Quickly Cheap Food Adds Up

While the disappearance of $1 items might seem like a small change, it’s important to consider how even these tiny increases affect your overall spending. Here’s how a slight increase in fast-food prices can quickly add up:

• Individual Meals: If you regularly buy items that are now priced at $2 or $3, your meal cost can easily double or triple. For example, a meal that once cost $3 may now cost $6 to $7. If you are buying for a family of four this cheap meal just took a big chunk out of your wallet. 
• Frequent Visits: Regular fast-food consumers who eat out multiple times a week can see their budgets stretched further. A $3 increase in meal prices across five visits per week translates to an extra $15 weekly or $60 monthly.
• Family Dining: For families, the impact is even greater. Feeding multiple people from fast-food menus, even on the value options, can lead to significantly higher expenses.

Final Take To GO

The bottom line is that while the $1 menu may be fading from the fast-food world, there are still ways to get affordable meals if you know where to look. The rising costs of food and labor have pushed fast-food prices higher, but with some savvy choices, you can still satisfy your cravings without blowing your budget. However, that budget sadly does not go as far as it once did. 

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