As Chipotle announces yet another price hike, customers are looking for any way to save more money at their favorite fast food restaurant.
Chipotle executives said this week that the price increase is the first modest one the restaurant has enacted in more than a year as inflation remains at high levels.
Previously, McDonald's and Domino's also boosted prices in an effort to curb food costs and increase profits, but the decisions by chains across the industry has many customers unsure on how to stretch their dollar.
Inflation has remained constant at 3.7 percent throughout September, with restaurant chains continuing to fight against food prices continuously inching upward. Still, there are certain strategies you can employ to get more bang for your buck at your favorite restaurants.
Savings at Chipotle
At Chipotle, you can end up with two burritos for the price of one if you just order a bowl, double your portions and ask for tortillas on the side.
You also tend to get more protein content if you ask for half-and-half, since servers tend to overestimate the amount of the half portion.
Cheapest Fast Food Menu Items
However, if you're looking to save across all fast food chains, there are several cheap meal deals you should know about.
At Taco Bell, one of the cheapest, but most delicious options on the menu is cheesy nachos for just around $2. While at Wendy's, you can also score a delicious small Frosty for just $3.
Those looking for something a little heartier might want to opt for the Whopper Jr at Burger King because it still costs just around $5. However, there might be an even better deal hiding in plain sight.
If you're at Burger King for breakfast, the Mix & Match Croissan'wich is likely your best option yet, as it allows you to get two Croissan'wiches or biscuits (or one of each) for just $5.
The chain is also offering a $13 Trick or Treat Bundle for a limited time, which includes a feast of the Ghost Pepper Whopper, small fries, a small drink, a 4 piece Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries and a Hershey's sundae pie for dessert.
Meanwhile, if you're looking for something a bit lighter, consider taking advantage of Subway's Sub of The Day deal, which offers a different 6-inch sub each day for just $3.50. The $5 Footlong disappeared several years ago, however it's still possible to get a relatively affordable option at the sandwich chain.
One of the top tier fast food deals, however, still has to go to Wendy's for its 4 for $4. For less than $5, customers can grab chicken nuggets, French fries, a drink, and either a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, or a Jr. Cheeseburger.
Dairy Queen has a similar option with an ice cream component called its $7 Meal Deal. It comes with your option of a cheeseburger or the 3-piece chicken strips along with French fries, a drink, and an ice cream sundae of your choice.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Suzanne Blake is a Newsweek reporter based in New York. Her focus is reporting on consumer and social trends, spanning ... Read more
