t’s no secret that fast food prices are skyrocketing. Inflation has hit hard, and many fast-food chains are finding ways to get more of your money. Prices are up, but there are tricks to save! Let’s break down the sneaky strategies fast food giants use to get you to spend more.
Price hikes everywhere
Chipotle recently raised its prices by 2% in December 2024, joining a long list of chains increasing costs. The quick-service restaurant market, worth $406.7 billion in 2024, is expected to soar to $662.53 billion by 2029, according to Toast. So, why are these chains thriving? Simple—customer psychology. These businesses know how to nudge you into spending more.
Meal deals: the lure of “value”
Meal deals, also called combo deals, are a huge draw. Fast food chains push combo meals like Burger King’s $5 Your Way Meal and Wendy’s $7 Trio. They promise more food for a small price, but inflation is quietly raising those costs. What you thought was a cheap deal may end up costing more than expected.
Rewards programs: loyalty or trickery?
Nearly every fast food chain has a rewards program now. Wendy’s, Taco Bell, and Chick-fil-A all offer deals for loyal customers. While rewards programs do foster loyalty, they can also trick you into spending more. To get those sweet bonus items or special deals, you may find yourself ordering more than you planned.
Mobile apps: convenience, but costly
The convenience of mobile apps is undeniable. They let you order, pick up, and snag exclusive deals. Around 15% of customers use mobile apps for fast food orders. However, these apps don’t just save time—they also push upsells and add-ons. Don’t be surprised when your small order balloons in price.
Social media: ads everywhere you look
Social media is another powerful tool in the fast food arsenal. Fast food chains know that people spend hours on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. These platforms promote limited-time offers and new items, often causing viral marketing campaigns. You see it, you crave it, and you buy it.
Kids meals & collectible toys: hooking families
Let’s talk about those toys with kids’ meals. Remember McDonald’s Happy Meals with toys? This isn’t just about making kids happy. It’s a strategy to get families into the restaurants. Over the years, McDonald’s toys have become collectibles, raking in money as some rare toys sell for hundreds online.
Upselling and cross-selling: can’t say no
“Would you like fries with that?” Sound familiar? That’s upselling in action. Fast food chains want you to add more to your meal, and they’re good at it. Whether it’s upgrading your drink or adding extra sides, you’ll likely be asked during checkout. This tactic also shows up on mobile apps, making it even easier for them to convince you to spend more.
Third-party delivery: hidden costs
DoorDash, Uber Eats, and other delivery services are more popular than ever. But did you know fast food chains use these platforms as additional marketing tools? Delivery apps often feature special deals or “recommended add-ons,” another sneaky way to increase your bill without you realizing it.
Celebrities & influencers: big names, bigger bills
Fast food chains love teaming up with celebrities and influencers. McDonald’s, for example, just partnered with WWE star John Cena to promote its new McValue platform. Others, like Justin Bieber and Megan Thee Stallion, have also helped push fast food campaigns. These partnerships are designed to get you to spend more—especially if you’re a fan of the celebrity.
Consumer trends: catering to your wants
Restaurant chains are constantly watching consumer trends. From limited-time menu items to special promotions, fast food chains know how to cater to your desires. The catch? These deals often end up costing more than a regular menu item. It’s a tricky way to make you think you’re saving, but you’re actually spending more.
Self-service kiosks: convenient, but costly
Self-service kiosks have been around since 2006, but they’re becoming more common. While they make ordering easier, they also encourage you to spend more. Shake Shack customers, for instance, spend 10% more when ordering through kiosks. The kiosks have upselling features, just like cashiers, pushing you to add extra items to your meal.
Holiday specials: limited-time urgency
Holidays are a huge opportunity for fast food chains. They roll out special offers, like McDonald’s Festive Holiday Pie or McCafé Peppermint Mocha during the Christmas season. These limited-time deals create urgency, pushing customers to buy before the offers disappear. It’s an easy way to get people to spend more during the holidays.
QR codes: the hidden link to extra costs
QR codes became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. But did you know they can lead you straight to more spending? Fast food chains use QR codes to drive traffic to their mobile apps, rewards programs, or special promotions. Scanning a code might seem harmless, but it often leads to extra purchases.
Big, mouth-watering images: looks can be deceiving
Ever noticed how tempting the food pictures look on the menu? Those large, high-resolution images can make your mouth water. But here’s the catch—these images often show food that looks nothing like what you get. Fast food chains use this tactic to justify price hikes, sometimes raising prices by up to 30%. You may feel disappointed when your meal doesn’t live up to the picture, but they’ve already got your money.
AI: the newest sneaky trick
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest trick fast food chains are using to boost sales. Some locations are using AI to upsell customers or create personalized offers. For example, Burger King in Brazil launched a special deal that required customers to use facial recognition to get a discount. This high-tech method makes it even easier for chains to convince you to buy more.
How to save despite the sneakiness
So, how can you save? First, be aware of these tricks. Don’t fall for upselling or feel pressured by limited-time offers. Stick to your budget and don’t get sucked into the rewards trap. Use mobile apps strategically, and be mindful of the prices before ordering. If you’re ordering delivery, double-check for hidden fees.
The fast food game is all about making you spend more. But with a little awareness, you can enjoy your favorite meals without breaking the bank!
