Recall some years ago when fast food was all about the “chicken sandwich wars”? It seemed like every big chain was in some sort of battle, unleashing their newest crispy contender in an attempt to take the crown from Popeyes. At the time, it was great fun our timelines were full of taste tests, arguments, and lots of bragging rights. But now, that buzz is old news. The topic is no longer which chain’s chicken is crunchier.
A new big discussion now is value. With food costs increasing higher than most can afford, a quick run through the drive-thru usually leads to sticker shock. The days of an authentic “dollar menu” are far behind us, and in many cities, a typical combo meal can run a shopper more than $12. What once was a simple affordable choice has become one that causes some of us to question if it’s even worth it.
But here’s the good news: just when our wallets began to hurt, fast food chains sparked a new competition the “Value Menu Wars.” This time, rather than competing for viral fame, they’re competing to win back our allegiance with value bundles that guarantee large portions without the big price. I attempted and ranked 11 of the most discussed deals for Summer 2024, critiquing them based on taste, quantity, variety, and overall value for money. Let’s jump into the list, beginning with Starbucks’ attempt at value all the way to the undisputed champ at Wendy’s.
1. Starbucks Pairing Menu: Coffeehouse Meets Value
Starbucks’ unveiling of their Pairing Menu was like a shocking surprise. For the price of $5, you can have a tall coffee or tea and a croissant, or pay $6 and opt for a breakfast sandwich. For a chain that isn’t known for offering cheap meals, this was obviously an effort to get in the same ballgame as old-school fast food chains. On paper, it looks promising a light breakfast and caffeine fix bundled together at a price point lower than ordering separately.
The reality, though, is a little less exciting. The biggest limitation comes with the drink. Unless you’re content with the most basic coffee or tea, customization sends the price climbing quickly. That splash of syrup, oat milk, or extra espresso shot? Instantly your $5 or $6 “value” is more like $8 or $9. Compared to other chains with full meals consisting of sandwiches, sides, and beverages priced the same, it doesn’t exactly holler “deal of the year.”
That being said, if you’re a regular at Starbucks, there remains something to be said. The sandwiches, such as the turkey bacon, cheddar, and egg white version, are light but tasty. It’s a clever thing to clip a few bucks off your regular order. But as an authentic player in the value battles, the Pairing Menu can’t compete with what others are doing. It’s fair for what it’s supposed to be, but in the larger fast food universe, it’s more of an honorable mention than a contender.
2. Arby’s 2 For $6 Everyday Value
Returning to Arby’s after a decade plus, I was interested to know how their 2 For $6 Everyday Value promotion would pan out. The deal is easy: choose two of the few available options, including the iconic roast beef, crispy chicken sandwich, and mozzarella sticks. It’s simple and accessible, allowing customers to get a taste of Arby’s at a reduced price.
If you’re focused strictly on maximizing food, two sandwiches for $6 is a great move. Each item normally costs more than $5 on its own, so the discount is real. But the catch is whether this feels like a complete meal. Without fries or a drink included, you’re either doubling down on sandwiches or tacking on extras, which can push the cost higher. That kind of setup makes it feel more like a partial discount and less like a meal deal.
There are some positives here, nonetheless. The mozzarella sticks, for instance, were surprisingly great crispy, cheesy, and filling. Having those with a roast beef sandwich provided me with variety and left me fairly full. But against other chains that package everything in one neat bundle, Arby’s restricted flexibility positions this deal lower on the list. It’s fine for a snack or sharing with a friend, but as a complete “value meal,” it falls short.
3. KFC Taste of KFC
KFC’s “Taste of KFC” promotion is notable for its uncomplicatedness. For $4.99, you receive a drumstick, a thigh, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a biscuit. It’s a humble comfort meal in reduced form, costing just under $5 something that’s infrequently found nowadays. If you’d like a brief taste of the Colonel’s secret recipe without breaking the bank, this is the way to go.
The primary downside is the inflexibility. No substitutions, no selection of sides, and no ability to exchange cuts of chicken. You get what you see. That may not concern some, but within the realm of a “value war,” wherein rivals are offering customization and choice, it comes across as restrictive. And without the beverage, you’re practically sure to pay more to finish the meal.
However, for the cost, it’s difficult to complain about what you receive. The chicken provides KFC’s signature flavor that mysterious mix of herbs and spices with a crispy, golden brown exterior. The mashed potatoes and gravy provide comfort, and the biscuit is soft enough to complete the meal. While it falls short of the best due to its stiffness, it’s one of the better deals if you’re looking for flavor on a budget.
4. Pizza Hut My Hut Box
Pizza Hut’s My Hut Box caters to the individual diner with a personal pan pizza or half-Melt and a side of fries or wings. At first glance, it seems like a genius fix for those of us who simply want pizza without ordering an entire pie. The element of variety makes it attractive, particularly with offerings such as boneless wings in various sauces.
Sadly, local pricing and implementation hold it back. Although the offer is promoted as beginning at $6.99, in states such as California it almost immediately rises to $8.99 before tax and drink. That differential makes it less easy to view as a bargain. Added to that are packaging faux pas such as buffalo sauce spilling over the box that can make what is supposed to be a treat an unpleasant mess.
Key negatives of the My Hut Box:
- costs too much in different areas, basically making it not such a “deal” after all.
- Problems with packaging, particularly with items that have sauces, can spoil the experience.
- Inconsistency makes it less dependable than competitors.
All that being said, the cuisine itself is tasty. The pepperoni pizza provides the usual cheesy comfort, and the wings, although bite-sized, are tasty. If Pizza Hut could streamline its packaging and implement standard pricing, this value would be a lot more compelling. As it is, it’s a respectable choice for one person but not the most consistent entrant in the value wars.
5. Popeyes Big Box
The Popeyes Big Box is one of the most inclusive packages in the game. For $6.99, you get to select between tenders or bone-in chicken, two sides, and a biscuit to cap it off. The quantity of food alone makes this a deal for anybody with a big appetite.
One of its greatest qualities is that it can be customized. Popeyes allows you to have spicy or mild chicken and provides sides from fries to red beans and rice. That freedom allows you to make a meal that truly satisfies your desires. For my meal, the dark meat chicken with fries and mashed potatoes was like a banquet lots of food and rich in flavor.
But there’s a catch: the promotion is frequently only accessible in the app or online. Go in the restaurant, and you may not even notice it on the menu board. For those who like drive-thru, that limitation is annoying. Aside from the access issue, the Popeyes Big Box is irrepressibly one of the greatest deals available by volume, quality, and options.
6. Papa Johns Papa Pairings
Papa Johns adds value to the pizza market with its Papa Pairings menu. For $6.99 per item, you can combine pizzas, wings, Papadias, sides, or desserts. The offer must have at least two items, so you’re at a minimum of $13.98 more than some others but a bargain when portion size is considered.
The diversity is where this bargain excels. You don’t have to stick to pizza; you can mix and match with wings, a Papadia, or even a dessert. For a group of people, it’s a great way to satisfy more than one craving without spending a fortune. Even as a single person, leftovers help make the steeper price more palatable.
The drawback is that it’s not the best if you only need one speedy, affordable meal. Having to commit to two items makes it more expensive initially than individual-person bundles. However, for parties or meal preparation, Papa Pairings provides both convenience and good value.
7. Domino’s Choose Any 2 or More
Domino’s mirrors Papa Johns with its “Choose Any 2 or More” offer for $6.99 per item, minimum two items. The major draw here is diversity: pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, chicken, breads, and desserts are all included. Essentially, it’s a build-your-own banquet for cheap.
Where Domino’s gains the advantage is in delivery. Its sandwiches, such as the Philly cheesesteak I had, are actually delicious cheesy, meaty, and filling enough to be on par with the pizza itself. The value added with two toppings on pizzas is more than some competitors, making the customization worth it.
The tradeoff, again, is the higher entry point. Solo diners may find the $13.98 minimum a bit steep, especially without drinks included. But if you’re splitting with someone or want variety, Domino’s nails both taste and savings, placing it firmly in the top half of the rankings.
8. McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal
McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal is a no-frills but efficient package: a McDouble or McChicken, four-piece nuggets, little fries, and a little drink. It’s all you desire in a fast food meal, wrapped up neatly at a steal. Even with local markups bringing it closer to $6, it still amounts to considerable savings over buying the items à la carte.
What makes this deal shine is balance. You’re not just getting one sandwich you’re also treated to nuggets, which feel like a bonus. Pair that with McDonald’s fries, widely considered some of the best in the business, and you’ve got a satisfying spread.
Why the McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal works:
- Includes both a sandwich and nuggets for added variety.
- Comes with fries and a drink, making it a complete meal.
- Still within budget despite small regional price hikes.
The one disadvantage is consistency. While the nuggets and fries tend to get it right, the McDouble can occasionally fall short of flavor. Nevertheless, as an under-$6 full meal, it’s an easy pick. It’s not flashy, but it’s a solid value every time.
9. Burger King $5 Your Way Meal
Burger King counterattacks McDonald’s head-on with its $5 Your Way Meal. You choose a main Whopper Jr., bacon cheeseburger, or Chicken Jr. then add nuggets, fries, and a drink packaged together. The packaging is almost identical, but flavor and texture provide Burger King with an ever-so-slight advantage.
I chose the bacon cheeseburger and was impressed with its rich flavor and filling bite. The nuggets were smaller than McDonald’s but boasted a good kick of seasoning that complemented dipping sauce wonderfully. Burger King’s fries won’t necessarily convert McDonald’s faithful, but the quality of the burger made up for the meal.
What tips the scale is trust. The price reliably rings up at $5 with no surprise markups, making it feel more reliable. Include the powerful sandwich options, and it beats out McDonald’s by offering a little better variety for the same price.
10. Taco Bell Build Your Own Cravings Box
Taco Bell’s Build Your Own Cravings Box is also the most customizable value meal available. For $5.99, it includes a specialty item, a classic item, a side, and a drink. The number of potential combinations is daunting, making it a genuine choose-your-own adventure.
The inclusion of vegetarian-friendly options makes it especially versatile. Whether you’re craving a Crunchwrap, burrito, tacos, or cheesy fiesta potatoes, there’s something for everyone. The Baja Blast alone feels like a Taco Bell signature worth the price of admission.
The only downer is accessibility: it’s an online-only. You can’t simply approach the counter and have it. Nevertheless, the sheer amount of variety, taste, and quantity make it one of the most solid bargains in fast food right now, falling just shy of top spot.
11. Wendy’s Biggie Bag: The Champion
Wendy’s Biggie Bag is the king of value meals. For $5, you receive a sandwich (with choices such as the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or Double Stack), four-piece nuggets, fries, and a drink. Even when the cost increases to $6 or $7 for high-end sandwiches, the quality is well worth it.
The variety of sandwiches sets Wendy’s apart. Unlike some chains where the main feels like filler, the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger and Double Stack are satisfying, hearty options that stand on their own. Add in the nuggets and fries, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels substantial without being overpriced.
Accessibility also raises its game you can buy in-store, online, or via the app. Occasionally there are even treats such as a free Frosty with online purchases. With quality, quantity, and flexibility found in perfect harmony, the Biggie Bag isn’t merely a good value it’s the greatest of the fast food value menu offerings out now.
