Additional Coverage:
- I visited 5 popular fast-food chains with a $10 budget. The differences in value blew me away. (businessinsider.com)
$10 Fast Food Challenge: Where Does Your Money Go Furthest?
With food prices soaring, finding a satisfying fast food meal for $10 can feel like a treasure hunt. I put five popular chains to the test – Shake Shack, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s – to see who offers the most bang for your buck. No app deals or rewards were used, just straight-up menu prices.
Shake Shack: Tasty But Tiny
My $10 got me a single Chicken Shack sandwich ($9.60). While delicious, with a juicy, well-seasoned chicken breast, it wasn’t exactly filling. Great taste, but left me wanting more.
Chick-fil-A: A First Try Flop
I grabbed the classic chicken sandwich ($5.85) and medium fries ($3), totaling $8.85. While the free Chick-fil-A sauce added some flavor, the sandwich itself was underwhelming. A small portion for the price.
Burger King: Double the Pleasure
Burger King was a game-changer. The medium Chicken Jr. meal ($6.50) included a sandwich, drink, and a side of “have-sies” (fries and onion rings).
I even added a second Chicken Jr. for $2.20, all within my budget. A satisfying and affordable win.
McDonald’s: A Classic Combo
The $5 Chicken Meal Deal (McChicken, small fries, four nuggets, and a drink) was a solid base. I added another McChicken for $2.80 (plus $0.60 for pickles on both).
The McChicken was bland, but the fries and nuggets saved the day. A decent value, though customizing gets pricey.
Wendy’s: The Value Victor
Wendy’s offered the most variety and value. The crispy chicken BLT Biggie Bag ($6.80) included a sandwich, nuggets, fries, and a drink.
I snagged a second plain chicken sandwich (customized with free toppings) for $2.50. Wendy’s provided the most food and flavor for my $10.
The Verdict:
While Shake Shack’s chicken sandwich was the tastiest, Wendy’s ultimately won the value challenge. In these inflationary times, a full belly and a happy wallet are the real winners.