Fast food is not as cheap as it used to be, but the big chains still run value deals that put a full meal on the table for well under $10. We went through the menus we track and pulled out the best meals you can get for about $8 or less. Each pick links to the full menu so you can check the rest of the lineup.
Prices below are typical US prices. Franchise owners set their own prices, so your local store may charge a little more or less, and some deals run only at participating locations.
Quick comparison
| Deal | Chain | Typical price | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Tacos | Jack in the Box | about $1.79 to $2.49 | Two tacos |
| Sub of the Day | Subway | $4.99 | A set 6-inch sub |
| $5 Your Way Meal | Burger King | $5 | Sandwich, 4 nuggets, fries, drink |
| McChicken Meal Deal | McDonald’s | $5 | McChicken, 4 McNuggets, fries, drink |
| Taste of KFC | KFC | about $5 | 2 pc chicken, mash and gravy, biscuit |
| $5 Faves | Popeyes | $5 | Chicken, tenders or a sandwich |
| Cravings Box | Taco Bell | about $5.99 | Specialty item, burrito, taco, side, drink |
| Biggie Bag | Wendy’s | about $5 to $6 | Sandwich, 4 nuggets, fries, drink |
| $7 Meal Deal | Dairy Queen | $7 | Cheeseburger or strips, fries, drink, sundae |
| Cook Out Tray | Cook Out | about $7.39 | Main, two sides, drink |
1. Jack in the Box 2 Tacos
At about $1.79 to $2.49, two tacos are one of the lowest priced items in American fast food. They are not a full meal on their own, but they make a cheap snack or an easy add-on. See the full Jack in the Box menu for Munchie Meals and all-day breakfast.
2. Subway Sub of the Day
Participating Subway stores sell a set 6-inch sub for $4.99, with a different sandwich each day. Add free vegetables to make it more filling. Our Subway menu page lists Footlong and Subway Series prices too.
3. Burger King $5 Your Way Meal
You pick a Whopper Jr., Chicken Jr. or Bacon Cheeseburger, then get 4 nuggets, small fries and a small drink for $5. It is one of the most complete meals for the money. More deals are on our Burger King menu.
4. McDonald’s $5 and $6 Meal Deals
The McChicken Meal Deal costs $5 and the McDouble version costs $6. Each includes 4 McNuggets, small fries and a small drink. Check the McDonald’s menu for the $4 Breakfast Meal Deal as well.
5. KFC Taste of KFC
For about $5 you get two pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy and a biscuit. If you are feeding a group, the $20 Build a Bucket is the better value. Full details on our KFC menu.
6. Popeyes $5 Faves
The $5 Faves menu rotates, but it usually includes 3 pc Signature Chicken, 3 pc Tenders or a Chicken Sandwich. See the rest of the lineup on our Popeyes menu.
7. Taco Bell Cravings Box
At about $5.99, the Cravings Box bundles a specialty item, a burrito, a taco, a side and a medium drink. The lineup changes during the year. Our Taco Bell menu also covers the Luxe Value Menu, where every item is $3 or less.
8. Wendy’s Biggie Bag
Wendy’s Biggie Deals start around $4, and the Biggie Bag includes a sandwich, 4 nuggets, Jr. fries and a small drink for about $5 to $6. Prices are on our Wendy’s menu.
9. Dairy Queen $7 Meal Deal
This is the only deal on the list that includes dessert. For $7 you get a cheeseburger or 3 pc chicken strips, fries, a drink and a small sundae. More on our Dairy Queen menu.
10. Cook Out Tray
The Cook Out Tray, at about $7.39, gets you a main, two sides and a drink, and you can swap the drink for a milkshake for a small add-on. It is the biggest amount of food on this list. See our Cook Out menu.
How to save even more
- Order through each chain’s own app. Most of the best deals and reward points live there.
- Skip delivery apps. They usually raise menu prices and then add fees on top.
- Time your drinks. Sonic runs half-price drinks every day from 2 PM to 4 PM.
- Split family bundles. Buckets and family meals often cost less per person than individual combos.
Want to compare more chains? Browse all 36 restaurant menus on Menu Info.