Photo: Aleksandr Zubkov / Moment / Getty Images
Photo Credit: Getty IMages
Like practically everything, fast food has gotten a lot more expensive in the last few years, but some chains have managed to keep costs down better than others. While some chains have ditched dollar menus and deep discounts, new research reveals that one remains a real value in this economy. A new study crunches the numbers to find out which fast food chain is the cheapest in the country.
- Experts from online casino Kasinohai analyzed 54 menu items in six categories from nine of the most popular fast food chains to determine which one gives customers the most bang for their buck.
- So, which one is the cheapest? Taco Bell takes that honor, winning for the most affordable breakfast items and fries, and coming in as second-cheapest for chicken nuggets, desserts and value items.
- The Mexican chain’s Breakfast Crunchwrap Sausage takes the best value breakfast item title and their Nacho Fries beat out all other chains as cheapest.
- Wendy’s lands at number two overall, and has the cheapest dessert in the study.
- In the chicken sandwich category, Popeyes is number one, beating KFC, Sonic, Arby’s, Chick-fil-A and finally McDonald’s, which lands in last place.
- Mickey D’s was actually the most expensive chain in four of six categories.
- “The perception of value doesn't always match reality,” the study points out. “Many consumers assume McDonald's represents good value, but the data shows it's actually the most expensive option in nearly every category.”
The Cheapest Fast Food Chains in the U.S.
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- Burger King
- Popeyes
- KFC
- Sonic
- Arby’s
- Chick-fil-A
- McDonald’s
Source: Eat This, Not That