When I’m in the mood for fast food, the last thing I want to do is blow my budget. Fast food can be convenient, but it also tends to be expensive if you’re not careful. Over the years, I’ve learned several hacks to help save money while still enjoying my favorite meals. These tips are easy to implement and can be used by anyone. You don’t have to be a seasoned money-saver to use them effectively. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking to cut down on your food expenses, here are 10 fast food hacks that can help you keep your spending in check.
Table of Contents
1. Order Water Instead of Soda
One of the simplest ways to save money is to skip the sugary drinks. Most fast food restaurants charge an extra dollar or more for a soda. If you’re eating out with a group, the costs can quickly add up. Water, however, is free (or nearly so). Not only will you save money, but you’ll also make a healthier choice. Over time, this can make a significant difference in how much you spend.
Example:
Let’s say you visit a fast food restaurant twice a week and order a soda that costs $1.50. If you do this for a month, that’s an extra $12. Over a year, you’ll spend $144 on sodas that you could have avoided by simply ordering water.
2. Get Combo Meals Instead of À La Carte
Sometimes, I notice that I end up paying more for individual items than I would if I had just gone for a combo meal. Combo meals typically include a sandwich, fries, and a drink, all for a lower price than ordering each item separately. You might even be able to get a dessert or a side for just a little more. When in doubt, always ask the cashier if a combo deal is available for your meal.
Comparison Table: Combo vs À La Carte
| Item | Combo Price | À La Carte Price |
|---|---|---|
| Burger | $3.99 | $3.49 |
| Fries | $1.99 | $2.29 |
| Soda | $1.50 | $1.50 |
| Total | $6.99 | $7.28 |
In this example, the combo meal is $0.29 cheaper than ordering each item separately. While this might not seem like much, over time it adds up.
3. Use Coupons and Deals
Most fast food chains regularly offer coupons or deals that can help save money. Sometimes, I’ll find these coupons in my local newspaper, on apps, or even through the restaurant’s own website. Many apps also send push notifications about limited-time offers, so it’s worth checking them regularly. The savings can be substantial, especially if you’re taking advantage of promotions like “buy one, get one free.”
Example:
Let’s say a fast food restaurant is offering a coupon for a free burger with the purchase of another one. If a single burger costs $4, this offer gives you $4 worth of food for free, essentially halving your bill.
4. Share Meals with Friends or Family
If you’re dining with others, consider sharing meals. Many fast food portions are large, and sharing not only reduces the cost but also cuts down on food waste. I find that if I share a large meal with a friend, it often satisfies both of us. This hack works especially well when you’re craving a variety of items but don’t want to pay for them all.
Example:
If a large meal costs $10 and you share it with a friend, you’ll each pay only $5. That’s a 50% savings compared to ordering individual meals.
5. Skip the Extras: Hold the Cheese, Bacon, or Avocado
I love adding extras to my meal, but I’ve learned that they often come with a hefty price tag. Many fast food places charge an additional $1 to $2 for items like cheese, bacon, or avocado. If you’re looking to save money, skipping these add-ons can make a big difference.
Example:
If you regularly add cheese or bacon to your sandwich and each extra costs $1.50, skipping these can save you $3 per meal. Over the course of a month, that’s $12 in savings.
6. Take Advantage of Family Meals or Group Packs
Fast food restaurants often have family meals or group packs that provide a large quantity of food for a lower price. These meals are designed to feed multiple people, but they can also be a great deal for one or two people if you don’t mind leftovers. In my experience, these deals offer substantial savings per person when compared to ordering individual meals.
Example:
A family meal deal that includes 2 burgers, 2 fries, and 2 drinks for $12 can be much cheaper than buying two separate meals at $6 each. You’re essentially getting the second meal for just $3, saving $3 in total.
7. Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
Many fast food chains have loyalty programs that reward customers for frequent visits. By signing up for these programs, you can earn points for every purchase, which can later be redeemed for free food or discounts. Some programs even offer a free item when you join, so it’s worth checking if your favorite fast food places have a rewards system.
Example:
If a loyalty program rewards you with a free item every 10 purchases, and each purchase costs you $7, you’re getting $7 worth of food for free after spending $70. That’s about a 10% savings over time.
8. Use Cash Instead of Card for Smaller Orders
This is a small but effective trick I use. Some fast food restaurants offer a discount for paying with cash rather than using a card. It’s not always advertised, but it’s worth asking about when you’re paying. The discount might be small, but it can add up over time.
Example:
If paying with cash gives you a 5% discount on a $6 meal, you’ll save $0.30 per meal. If you eat out three times a week, that’s about $46.80 in savings annually.
9. Order Off-Menu Items or Customizations
Sometimes, I can save money by customizing my order rather than choosing the standard option. For example, instead of ordering a deluxe burger, I might ask for a regular burger and add just a few of the toppings that I prefer. This can often cost less than the premium version of the meal while still giving me the flavors I enjoy. Many fast food chains are flexible when it comes to customizations.
Example:
If a deluxe burger costs $5.99 and a regular burger costs $3.99, you can customize the regular burger with a few ingredients for a total of $4.49, saving you $1.50 on each order.
10. Avoid Ordering Delivery
While delivery is convenient, it often comes with hidden fees such as delivery charges, tips, and service fees. If I want to save money, I make it a point to pick up my meal in person or use drive-thru services. The savings can add up over time, especially if I’m ordering frequently.
Example:
If delivery fees add up to $4 per order and you order delivery twice a week, that’s $8 a week, or $32 a month. That’s money you could use elsewhere by picking up your meal.
Conclusion
There are plenty of ways to save money on fast food without compromising on flavor or convenience. From ordering water instead of soda to using loyalty programs and opting for family meals, small adjustments can lead to significant savings over time. By being mindful of how I order and taking advantage of special deals, I’ve been able to cut down my fast food expenses considerably. With these 10 hacks, you can enjoy fast food without breaking the bank.
