This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our teamof licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

Fast-food chainswere once a reliable source of cheap meals.

Financial,Trending,Increase,In,Economy,And,Business,Development,,Gold,And

Shutterstock

These days, however, customers have grown more weary of the true value proposition these chains offer them.

Don’t just take the data’s word consumers also notice the trend.

A former Popeye’s employee shared onReddittheir observation of how prices have changed in the last five years alone.

Article image

Shutterstock

They posted, “I started working at Popeyes in 2020.

I vividly remember the chicken sandwich combo being $8.08; now it’s $12.

The eight-piece family meal was around $23, now it’s close to $33?!

Article image

Shutterstock

The prices have gone up so much in such a short amount of time.”

OneRedditorstated, “The $6 chalupa has been one of the biggest injustices in the country.”

I haven’t had a properly made crunch wrap in years.

Taco Bell storefront

Shutterstock

I’ll make food at home."

Essentially, you’re paying more for less product.

Specifically, the fast-casual chain saw an average price increase of 68% in the past decade.

Article image

Shutterstock

Eagle-eyed customers have noticed other ways Panera has managed to beef up its profits in recent years.

Four years later, they just announced their fourth price increase to $14.99.

Obviously, I will be canceling."

Article image

Shutterstock

Burger King

Burger King is no stranger to extreme price hikes.

Customers have noticed more recent and more frequent price hikes.

OneRedditorstated that In-N-Out is “Still the best deal in town.”

Burger King exterior

Shutterstock

Others seemed more than okay with marginal price increases.

The Street reported that the fast-food chain saw an average cost increase of 45% between 2019 and 2024.

Article image

Shutterstock

Grants Pass, OR, USA - Apr,3 2023: In-N-Out Burger sign is seen at its restaurant in Grants Pass, Oregon. In-N-Out Burger is an American regional fast food chain based in Irvine, California.

Shutterstock

Jack in the Box exterior

Shutterstock

PALMDALE, CA/USA - APRIL 23, 2016: Wendy’s fast food restaurant exterior and sign. Wendy’s is the world’s third largest hamburger fast food chain with approximately 6,650 locations.

Shutterstock