These Are the Most Expensive Fast-Food Chains Due to Inflation
Updated: Aug. 10, 2023
Wendy's and Chick-fil-A are among fast-food chains with the highest price hike this past year. But some favorite items have dropped in price.
Most of us know that food prices are rising. Many have also noticed that restaurant portions are shrinking while tipflation is increasing. But a recent survey from Pricelisto reveals that fast-food prices are spiking even faster than the overall price of groceries, with menu prices growing at 13% versus groceries at 12%. It might make consumers question whether fast food is truly the inexpensive option it once was.
Which Fast-Food Prices Rose the Most?
While Chick-fil-A prices rose more than 15% from 2021 to 2022 and Taco Bell rose almost 15% during the same period, that was nothing compared to Wendy’s. During that same year, Wendy’s prices almost doubled, with a 35% spike. Wendy’s now overtakes Burger King as the most expensive fast-food chain.
Chicken, which faced shortages, was hit especially hard by inflation. Chick-fil-A‘s grilled chicken sandwich shot up 10% in 2022. Burger King‘s chicken fries, for instance, were the single most inflated menu item in the industry. Check out Chick-fil-A’s secret menu.
Some Good News: Some Prices Dropped
It’s not all gloomy news in fast food. McDonald’s actually managed to get cheaper in 2022, with menu prices down by 5% versus the previous year. Wendy’s popular Baconator burger dropped in price by a whopping $2.51.
Fast-Food Copycat Recipes You'll Love
Inspired by: McDonald's Burger, Fries and a Shake
Make a fast food feast at home with our recipes for Burger Americana, Skinny Fries and Thick Strawberry Shakes. After just one bite you'll never go back to drive-thru fare.
Inspired by: Wendy's ChiliThis hearty slow-cooker chili recipe can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It's so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Inspired by: SONIC Corn DogOne of the best parts of the many fairs and festivals in Indiana is the corn dogs! My family loves corn dogs, so I fix them fairly often at home. —Sally Denney, Warsaw, Indiana
Inspired by: Culver's ButterburgerIt’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.
My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Inspired by: McDonald's Shamrock ShakeSave a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
Inspired by: Burger King French FriesThese fries are always popular with my meat-and-potatoes bunch. The cheesy seasoning can easily double as a flavorful baked potato topper, too.—Maribeth Edwards, Follansbee, West Virginia
Inspired by: Chick-Fil-A Waffle Potato FriesMake any dinner fun with my Loaded Waffle Fries, topped with a savory blend of cheese, scallions and bacon. I copied this family-favorite recipe from a local restaurant, and it's great with hot dogs, burgers or by itself. —Jeffrey Viccone, Decatur, Illinois
Inspired by: McDonald's Chicken McNuggetsMy 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Inspired by: McDonald's Egg McMuffinI turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier that you could even enjoy for dinner. We pile toppings like salsa and avocado—mayo and ketchup, too—on the homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Inspired by: Culver's Vanilla CustardI think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and is the perfect splurge on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas
Inspired by: Dunkin' Glazed DonutThe light coffee flavor in these tasty sugar-glazed doughnuts makes them a perfect start to the morning...on Christmas Day or any day. You'll find that the recipe is a delectable way to use up leftover potatoes. —Pat Siebenaler, Random Lake, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Panda Express Chow MeinSome years ago, our daughter welcomed me home from a hospital stay with this Asian dish and a copy of the recipe. Now I freeze leftovers for fast future meals. —Kay Bade, Mitchell, South Dakota
Inspired by: SONIC Hand Made Onion RingsThese onion rings cook to a crisp, golden brown. This is one of those foods you never tire of and a great side dish to so many meals. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Originally Published: January 23, 2023
