12 Fast Food Chains Charging Too Much for Too Little.
Fast food is supposed to be quick, convenient, but most importantly, affordable. But some chains are just pushing it with pricing lately, making people question if their meal was even worth the money.
Be it an overpriced burger or portions that are simply too small, these spots in fast food will probably empty your wallet more than fill your stomach. Here’s a look at 12 chains that increased the prices for popular items, but not all quality matches the increased cost.
The $8 Latte at Starbucks
Starbucks is known for its high-end coffee, but the prices of its seasonal drinks can be very annoying. The trending lattes filled with toppings and syrups easily reach over $8 for a grande with modifications. For some, the ambiance of the café and the brand name are worth it, while others feel that the coffee is not good enough to justify such high costs. The markup on simple ingredients like milk and espresso feels glaring. Add to that the occasional inconsistency in drink preparation, and loyal customers might start seeking cheaper alternatives.
The $14 Burger Meal at Five Guys
Five Guys promises quality, but their burger meals often break the bank compared to competitors. A cheeseburger alone can cost over $10, and adding fries and a drink pushes the total past $14. While the toppings are free and the portions generous, customers wonder whether the freshness is worth such steep pricing. Other chains serve similar burgers for less with flavor not sacrificed. Diners often wonder if they’re paying for the food or just the experience of the brand.
$6 Donut at Krispy Kreme
Classic glazed donuts at Krispy Kreme are a favorite around the world, but the price of specialty donuts has skyrocketed. Some seasonal or limited-edition treats now cost close to $6 for a single piece. While the taste is undeniably indulgent, the value proposition is questionable when a dozen classic donuts costs just slightly more. Many feel that the “premium” toppings and fillings don’t feel innovative enough to demand double or triple the price of a regular donut. Loyal customers often have a hard time choosing between splurging and being frugal.
The $13 Sandwich at Panera Bread
Panera Bread sells itself as healthy and fresh, but the price of its sandwiches is pretty indigestible. The price for a single sandwich can top over $13 without a drink or a side dish included. Although the chain boasts that the ingredients are high-quality, portions are often too meager. Critics argue that many of the sandwiches feel similar to what you’d prepare at home for far less. Coupled with recent menu changes that haven’t improved portion sizes, Panera has faced increasing pushback from its once-loyal fan base.
The $9 Avocado Toast at Dunkin’
Dunkin’s entry into trendy menu items like avocado toast has been met with mixed reviews. At close to $9 a serving, with toppings such as bacon or roasted tomatoes, the customers are asking if the price is worth it. The ingredients are fresh, but the portion size and flavor don’t always meet the price. Many have compared Dunkin’s offering to sit-down brunch places that offer more generous portions and options. As prices for other Dunkin’ staples, such as coffee, increase, the chain may also be pricing out frugal diners.
The $15 Pizza at Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza, with their build-your-own model, has become really popular. However, for a personal pizza, it has been raising some eyebrows. Many of their pizzas, with premium toppings such as truffle oil or specialty meats, well exceed $15. Although the pizzas are fresh and made to order, most customers question the value compared to the size of the pie. Other competing fast-casual pizza chains can offer similar experiences at lower price points. Some Blaze fans feel the brand spends way too much time touting “artisanal” branding, rather than offering prices that are fair.
$7 Mac and Cheese
Chick-fil-A has long been popular for chicken sandwiches, but its mac and cheese has been something that raises eyebrows. It was priced at nearly $7 for a medium serving. In a day and age when most consider it more of a side item, this just seems steep. While the creaminess and strong flavor earn some commendation, customers just tend to compare it with similar homemade versions that come at much lesser prices. The serving portion is also quite below average, especially when combined with another menu item that rounds it off. Regular customers mostly wonder if the side addition truly elevates their meals or just empties their wallets.
$12 Burrito Bowl at Chipotle
Chipotle’s burrito bowls are a fan favorite, but the rising prices have sparked complaints. A standard bowl with guacamole now costs over $12, making it pricier than many sit-down Mexican restaurants. While the portions are generous, the perceived value diminishes when factoring in occasional ingredient shortages or inconsistent preparation. Customers also balk at additional charges for extras like queso, which further inflate the price. If these trends continue, Chipotle risks pricing itself out of the market.
The $9 Fries at Shake Shack
Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries are iconic, but their loaded versions come with sticker shock. Specialty fries, topped with bacon or cheese sauce, can climb to $9 for a small order. While the fries are undeniably tasty, the small serving size often leaves customers disappointed. Other burger chains offer similar loaded options for a fraction of the price, so it begs the question of Shake Shack’s strategy toward quality or cashing in on its upscale reputation.
$10 Ice Cream Sundae at Cold Stone Creamery
Yes, Cold Stone Creamery’s elaborate sundaes are a treat, and sometimes it feels like the treat costs an arm and a leg. Depending on how many mix-ins one is adding, custom creations are often close to a cool $10, medium-sized. The theatrics of mix-ins on a frozen slab add to the experience, but for some, portions just don’t equate to the price. Other similar ice cream shops have these same kinds of indulgences for far less. Devoted followers of the brand are beginning to wonder if the fun factor outweighs the financial hit.
The $18 Chicken Tenders at Raising Cane’s
Raising Cane’s is famous for chicken tenders, but the price of a combo has risen to astonishing levels. A complete meal of fries, toast, and a drink reaches $18 in some locations. The tenders are tasty, but customers question whether they are worth nearly double the price of competitors. Other critics note the lack of variety on the menu, which makes the high prices tougher to swallow. Loyalists love the signature Cane’s sauce, but it’s hard to ignore the financial strain.
$20 Salad at Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen touts itself as a healthier fast food, but the prices on its salads can be outrageous. The custom bowls with protein and premium toppings often top more than $20, which leaves diners in sticker shock. While the ingredients are undeniably fresh and often organic, the portion sizes don’t always satisfy. For customers who add extras, like bread or a drink, the total cost rivals that of a sit-down meal. For many, Sweetgreen’s appeal as a convenient lunch option dwindles when the prices feel so extravagant.
