Fast food chains claim to offer quick, cheap meals for your hunger. However, this promise they make does not hold true for all places. Some restaurants, in fact, just leave diners feeling ripped off rather than satisfied. With prices rising, many people are taking a closer look at chains labeled as the biggest rip-offs.
Sometimes fast food appears a choice kind to your wallet. But you often wonder if the meal was worth what you spent. Prices do add up fast, from costly sandwiches to very expensive sides. Your wallet feels lighter, and you wanted better value really. Here exist nine fast food chains earning a spot on ripoff lists.
1. **Subway**: Long ago, popular **Subway**, famous for customers able to “eat fresh,” faces scrutiny today. People consider it a go-to for quick, healthy enough meals before now. Many customers now call out the chain due to its recent changes. Store closures have occurred, and franchise models have been reevaluated. **Subway**’s prices have steadily climbed over recent time. Combine this with the fact that portion sizes have shrunk considerably. Customers feel short-changed; it makes complete sense why really. For example, its well known “footlong” subs are often shorter. This sparked widespread frustration among those buying them. The cost for extra toppings or premium proteins also feels high. A simple sandwich becomes quite expensive quickly this way.
Despite all this criticism, **Subway** keeps its title. It remains America’s largest restaurant chain. Over a thousand stores closed in 2021 alone. A consistent decline in its U.S. presence has been noted. Many customers choose to skip the sub it seems. They find something more fairly priced elsewhere today.
Recipe details: cucumber and onion salad
Cook time: Unknown Total time: 130
Level: Unknown Servings: 8
Total weight: 1580.0 g Calories: 686.9 kcal
Energy: 686.9 kcal Protein: 14.8 g
Carbs: 82.0 g Fat: 46.1 g
Dish Tags: mediterranean, salad, lunch/dinner, Low-Sodium, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free
Ingredients:
4.0 cucumber (8-1/4″) Cucumber (with peel)
1.0 medium (2-1/2″ dia) Onions, raw
5.0 serving Subway Vinegar (1 teaspoons)
16.0 serving Great Value No Calorie Stevia
1.0 cup Sour Cream
Get the recipe: cucumber and onion salad
2. **Shake Shack**: People often dub **Shake Shack** America’s most expensive fast food place. Its premium branding does not hide it from complaints. Burgers can cost over $10 even before getting fries or a drink. Some customers believe the quality doesn’t match the cost at all. Sure, the ingredients are said to be of high quality. Think about their Angus beef and potato buns they mention. Yet finally, it remains just fast food really. That price tag leaves many diners scratching their heads.
Portions from **Shake Shack** frequently earn criticism. While flavors are good, the serving sizes are not generous. Customers feel less than full after eating there sometimes. They question whether hard-earned cash is better spent elsewhere instead. This happens often, paying a premium for the name mostly.
Recipe details: Shake Shack-Style Burgers
Cook time: Total time: 1 hr
Level: Easy Servings: 4 burgers
Total weight: 1551.0 g Calories: 2468.0 kcal
Energy: 2468.0 kcal Protein: 149.3 g
Carbs: 144.1 g Fat: 147.6 g
Dish Tags: american, sandwiches, lunch/dinner, High-Fiber, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Fish-Free, Shellfish-Free, Eggs, Milk, Sulfites
Ingredients:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 dill pickle chips, plus 1 teaspoon brine
Pinch of sugar
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 pound ground beef chuck (80% lean)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 potato hamburger buns
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 slices American cheese
8 thin slices plum tomatoes
4 lettuce leaves
Cooking steps:
1. Puree the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickles and brine, sugar and cayenne in a mini food processor or blender until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Form the beef into 4 pucks, about 2 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches thick. Refrigerate 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Melt the butter on a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Open the buns and place open-side down on the griddle. Cook until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Remove to a plate.
4. Wipe off the griddle. Increase the heat to medium high and brush with the vegetable oil. Working in two batches, transfer the patties to the griddle, about 3 inches apart, and press firmly with a large spatula (or two small spatulas) to flatten into very thin patties. Cook, pressing the edges of the patties, about 20 seconds. Season each patty generously with salt and black pepper. Continue cooking until the edges are crisp and the beef is browned, 1 to 1 1/2 more minutes. Flip the patties; season with more salt and black pepper and top each with 1 cheese slice. Continue cooking until the cheese melts around the edges and the burger is cooked through, about 1 more minute.
5. Spread the mayonnaise sauce on the bun tops. Serve the patties on the buns with the tomatoes and lettuce.
Get the recipe: Shake Shack-Style Burgers
3. **McDonald’s**: **McDonald’s** may globally represent fast food. It also receives accusations of price gouging happening more. The cost of menu items has climbed significantly over the years. Items like the Quarter Pounder now sit at $7.49 some places. This sparked outrage among folks buying them. Don’t forget those infamous “extra costs” like bacon or cheese too. What felt like a cheap meal now gets quite pricey. It makes budget-conscious diners pause and think twice.
Interestingly, **McDonald’s** has always maintained its loyal fanbase. But even these people noticed shrinking sizes for portions. Fries used to fill the carton completely. Now they barely reach the top sometimes sadly. Yet the price for them keeps growing always. Is happy nostalgia for a **McDonald’s** meal enough value? For many people, the answer increasingly says no.
Recipe details: McDonald’s Apple Pie and Taco Bell Cinnamon Crumble
Level: Unknown Servings: 12
Total weight: 2464.1 g Calories: 5040.9 kcal
Energy: 5040.9 kcal Protein: 63.0 g
Carbs: 724.1 g Fat: 224.5 g
Dish Tags: american, desserts, lunch/dinner, Kidney-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Gluten, Wheat, Eggs, Milk, Sulfites
Ingredients:
8 McDonald’s Apple Pies, cut into large chunks
4 Taco Bell Twists, finely processed
1 Cup whole-grain oats
1/4 Cup butter
4 apples, peeled and cut into large chunks
Juice from 1 lemon
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/2 Cup water
2 Wendy’s vanilla frosty, for serving
Get the recipe: McDonald’s Apple Pie and Taco Bell Cinnamon Crumble
Read more about: The Guilty Pleasures of ‘Bad’ Food We Just Can’t Quit
4. **Chipotle**: **Chipotle** is known for burritos and bowls you make your way. It markets itself as “fast-casual” instead of fast food truly. However, customers still label it overpriced many times. Basic bowls cost upwards of $10 quite easily. Extra charges for guacamole or steak exist too. A trip to **Chipotle** can equal a sit-down restaurant cost often. Yet the portions, while big sometimes, don’t feel worth the price.
One major criticism of **Chipotle** is its unclear pricing. Costs change greatly by location, causing confusion for some. Frequent “hidden” upcharges make customers feel tricked usually. For a brand saying it is wholesome and honest, this is something. They need to address this reputation issues going ahead.
Recipe details: Chipotle Tamale Pie
Prep time: 20 min Inactive time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min Total time: 1 hr 5 min
Level: Easy Servings: 8 servings
Total weight: 2024.0 g Calories: 3669.7 kcal
Energy: 3669.7 kcal Protein: 169.6 g
Carbs: 297.3 g Fat: 201.7 g
Dish Tags: south american, starter, lunch/dinner, High-Fiber, Sugar-Conscious, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Fish-Free, Sulfites
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound, lean ground turkey
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (8-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 chipotle chiles, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce, from can chipotle in adobo
1 cup grated Cheddar
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 (8.5-ounce) package cornbread mix
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
Cooking steps:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Grease an 8-inch baking dish with the butter and set it aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, the onions, green peppers, and garlic and cook until the turkey is no longer pink and is cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and sprinkle the meat mixture with the cumin.
4. Add the beans, tomatoes, chiles and adobo sauce to the skillet and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until heated through and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from the heat and stir in the cheese and cilantro.
5. Spread the turkey mixture in the prepared baking dish, pressing down on it with the back of a spoon to make an even, compact layer.
6. Combine the cornbread mix with milk and egg. Spread the cornbread batter over the turkey mixture and bake until the cornbread is golden-brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the tamale pie stand for 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Get the recipe: Chipotle Tamale Pie
Read more about: Mexican Grilled Corn with Cilantro
5. **Panera Bread**: People know **Panera Bread** for the soups, salads, and sandwiches it offers. It often attracts people wanting healthier options mostly. However, its pricing has placed it in the “ripoff” category for many. A simple salad or sandwich easily hits $15 here. Quality ingredients get praise, yes, it is true usually. But portion sizes don’t always match the price paid.
**Panera** also gets criticized for using “premium” branding heavily. This justifies its high costs some people think maybe. The cafe vibe and clean menus feel appealing, that is true. But customers question if soup and bread costs a full meal price. If you want a quick bite, pay full restaurant prices here. In the end, it’s just a fast-casual experience.
Recipe details: White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 5 mins Inactive time: Unknown
Cook time: Total time: 5 mins
Level: Unknown Servings: 8
Total weight: 166.0 g Calories: 610.4 kcal
Energy: 610.4 kcal Protein: 0.7 g
Carbs: 28.9 g Fat: 54.2 g
Dish Tags: french, condiments and sauces, lunch/dinner, Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Low Potassium, Kidney-Friendly, Keto-Friendly, Vegan, Vegetarian
Ingredients:
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey, or to taste
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking steps:
1. Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder together in a bowl until smooth.
Get the recipe: White Balsamic Vinaigrette
6. **Taco Bell**: This spot was loved for snacks late at night. People now saying price are too high here. **Taco Bell** used to be known for cheap fast food inspired by Mexico. Yet customers find it hard justifying cost of what they want. The Doritos Locos Tacos cost over three dollars each sometimes. That feels like much money given their small size. Also, charging extra for “premium” meats or cheese costs more.
Even with higher prices, **Taco Bell** keeps a loyal crowd. They’ve tried adding cheaper items, but these seem less filling. The company tries keeping fast-food appeal while raising price. This leaves buyers wondering whether to pay extra or find other options.
Recipe details: Steak Tacos with Bell Pepper-Radish Salad
Cook time: Total time: 35 min
Level: Easy Servings: 4 servings
Total weight: 1410.5 g Calories: 2645.9 kcal
Energy: 2645.9 kcal Protein: 157.4 g
Carbs: 179.8 g Fat: 149.6 g
Dish Tags: mexican, salad, lunch/dinner, High-Fiber, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Eggs, Milk, Sulfites
Ingredients:
Grated zest and juice of 1 lime, plus wedges for serving
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon spicy honey
1 flank steak (about 1 1/4 pounds), halved lengthwise
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 cups fresh cilantro, plus more for topping
2 scallions, roughly chopped
2 bell peppers (red, yellow and/or orange), thinly sliced
4 radishes, thinly sliced
12 corn tortillas
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco cheese
Cooking steps:
1. Preheat a grill to medium high. Combine the lime zest, chile powder, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 2 teaspoons honey in a small bowl. Rub all over the steak; season with salt and a few grinds of pepper. Let marinate at room temperature, 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, pulse the cilantro, scallions, lime juice, the remaining 1 teaspoon honey and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender until chunky. Slowly add the remaining 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons water and blend until smooth. Pour half the dressing into a large bowl (reserve the rest for topping). Add the bell peppers and radishes to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the steak until well marked, 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes. Warm the tortillas as the label directs. Thinly slice the steak. Serve on the tortillas and top with the queso fresco, reserved dressing and more cilantro. Serve with the bell pepper salad and lime wedges.
Get the recipe: Steak Tacos with Bell Pepper-Radish Salad
Read more about: Mexican Grilled Corn with Cilantro
7. **Five Guys**: Many celebrate **Five Guys** for its great burgers and generous portions of fries. But getting this comes with a big cost for people. Just one cheeseburger might go over ten dollars very easy. That is before you even add fries and a drink. The food quality often gets praised by some customers. Still, many argue experience do not make cost feel right. You eat at a counter place, not a fancy burger spot.
Not having combo meals adds to peoples frustration. Every item must be bought one by one. This makes simple meals feel very expensive for people. Free peanuts are a nice touch, and toppings you choose. But customers cannot shake feeling **Five Guys** is pricey fast food.
Read more about: The Five Guys Bacon Cheeseburger: A Tempting Treat or a Caloric Catastrophe?
8. **KFC**: Fried chicken is loved classic American quick food option. Yet **KFC** has faced criticism for being more expensive than other places. One bucket of chicken can cost small fortune. Adding sides like potatoes, coleslaw, and bread can push the meal price over thirty dollars. People argue for price you pay, go to a restaurant instead.
High cost is one problem, but serving size changes by spot. This adds to the frustration of many customers. **KFC’s** food still tempts those who love chicken taste. But the prices leave many asking should my hand hold wallet tight.
Recipe details: KFC Copycat Gravy
Prep time: 5 mins Inactive time: Unknown
Cook time: 40 mins Total time: 45 mins
Level: Unknown Servings: 6
Total weight: 759.4 g Calories: 490.0 kcal
Energy: 490.0 kcal Protein: 6.1 g
Carbs: 38.8 g Fat: 35.3 g
Dish Tags: american, condiments and sauces, lunch/dinner, Sugar-Conscious, Low Potassium, Kidney-Friendly, Keto-Friendly, Egg-Free, Gluten, Wheat, Sulfites
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped
5 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups water
2 teaspoons beef bouillon
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cooking steps:
1. Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Allrecipes/Victoria Jempty
2. Add remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter and let melt. Whisk in flour to form a thick paste the consistency of cake frosting.
Allrecipes/Victoria Jempty
3. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until flour has turned golden and begins to smell like toast, about 20 minutes.
Allrecipes/Victoria Jempty
4. Whisk in water and both bouillons until no lumps remain. Stir in pepper and bring mixture to a boil.
Allrecipes/Victoria Jempty
5. Cook and stir until thickened to gravy consistency, 8 to 10 minutes.
Allrecipes/Victoria Jempty
Get the recipe: KFC Copycat Gravy
Read more about: Discover the Ultimate Guide to BIFL Toaster Ovens and Toast to Perfection
9. **Panda Express**: This place is for quick and tasty Chinese-style food choices. However, the prices there have made even loyal fans complain about the cost. A plate with two items, like rice and Orange Chicken, costs over ten dollars. Many feel that is too much for food in paper box thing. If you want premium food like Honey Walnut Shrimp, pay even more.
Portions satisfy some diners but others say inconsistent. Customers also note local Chinese spots cost same price for authentic food. Once seen as a low-cost option, **Panda Express’s** value is now debated by many.
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