32 Fast Foods Costing Way More Than 10 Years Ago

For some in the U.S., fast food has become a necessity. For decades, its ease of access and low price made it perfect for busy Americans on the move. 

But in recent years, fast food prices have risen so drastically that many Americans are starting to think twice about their food choices. Fast food menu items that used to cost $1 or were featured on value menus are no longer as cheap. 

FinanceBuzz looks back at how dramatically fast food has risen in price. You might’ve noticed the rise in fast food prices already, but you might be surprised by how big a difference costs are today than years ago.

Measuring Fast Food Prices

FinanceBuzz compiled the list of fast food items that have increased drastically over the last decade by collecting menu item prices from 2014 and 2024. Prices have risen across the board and it’s been reported that fast food chain prices jumped by about 28% between 2019 and 2023. 

High prices not only affect consumers, but they’re also hitting the bottom line of fast food chain owners. The two companies that own Taco Bell and McDonald’s didn’t receive positive financial earnings in the first quarter of 2024. With fast food prices so much more expensive, customers are now more cautious with how they spend their money. But just how drastic a price jump has popular fast food items seen over the last decade?

McDonald’s McChicken

• 2014 cost: $1.00
• 2024 cost: $2.99
• Price increase: 199%

McDonald’s Medium Fries

• 2014 cost: $1.59
• 2024 cost: $3.79
• Price increase: 138%

Popeyes’ Regular Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

• 2014 cost: $1.79
• 2024 cost: $4.19
• Price increase: 134%

Taco Bell’s Beefy 5-Layer Burrito

• 2014 cost: $1.59
• 2024 cost: $3.69
• Price increase: 132%

Wendy’s Small Frosty

• 2014 cost: $0.99
• 2024 cost: $2.09
• Price increase: 111%

Taco Bell’s Chalupa Supreme

• 2014 cost: $2.19
• 2024 cost: $4.59
• Price increase: 110%

Burger King’s Small Icee

• 2014 cost: $1.09
• 2024 cost: $2.19
• Price increase: 101%

Taco Bell’s Cheesy Gordita Crunch

• 2014 cost: $2.49
• 2024 cost: $4.99
• Price increase: 100%

Popeyes’ Popcorn Shrimp Combo

• 2014 cost: $6.19
• 2024 cost: $11.99
• Price increase: 94%

McDonald’s Oreo McFlurry

• 2014 cost: $2.39
• 2024 cost: $4.49
• Price increase: 88%

Chipotle’s Barbacoa Burrito

• 2014 cost: $6.65
• 2024 cost: $12.45
• Price increase: 87%

Jimmy John’s Chips

• 2014 cost: $0.99
• 2024 cost: $1.82
• Price increase: 84%

Panera Bread’s Bread Bowl of Soup

• 2014 cost: $4.99
• 2024 cost: $9.19
• Price increase: 84%

Starbucks’ Bagel

• 2014 cost: $1.25
• 2024 cost: $2.25
• Price increase: 80%

Arby’s Cherry Turnover

• 2014 cost: $1.29
• 2024 cost: $2.29
• Price increase: 78%

Burger King’s Whopper Meal

• 2014 cost: $5.79
• 2024 cost: $9.99
• Price increase: 73%

Chipotle’s Chicken Burrito Bowl

• 2014 cost: $6.25
• 2024 cost: $10.70
• Price increase: 71%

Chick-fil-A’s Southwest Salad

• 2014 cost: $5.69
• 2024 cost: $9.69
• Price increase: 70%

Wendy’s Large Chili

• 2014 cost: $2.49
• 2024 cost: $4.19
• Price increase: 68%

Burger King’s Value Fries

• 2014 cost: $1.19
• 2024 cost: $1.99
• Price increase: 67%

Arby’s Classic Roast Beef Combo

• 2014 cost: $5.49
• 2024 cost: $8.99
• Price increase: 64%

Panera Bread’s Frontega Chicken Sandwich

• 2014 cost: $7.49
• 2024 cost: $12.19
• Price increase: 63%

Popeyes’ 5 Piece Chicken Tender Combo

• 2014 cost: $8.19
• 2024 cost: $13.19
• Price increase: 61%

Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Biscuit Combo

• 2014 cost: $4.45
• 2024 cost: $7.09
• Price increase: 59%

Jimmy John’s 8 Inch Roast Beef Slim

• 2014 cost: $3.50
• 2024 cost: $5.57
• Price increase: 59%

McDonald’s Big Mac

• 2014 cost: $3.99
• 2024 cost: $5.99
• Price increase: 50%

Subway’s 6 Inch Black Forest Ham

• 2014 cost: $3.50
• 2024 cost: $5.25
• Price increase: 50%

Wendy’s Double Stack

• 2014 cost: $1.99
• 2024 cost: $2.99
• Price increase: 50%

Arby’s Classic Beef N Cheddar Sandwich

• 2014 cost: $3.69
• 2024 cost: $5.39
• Price increase: 46%

Subway’s 6 Inch Meatball Marinara

• 2014 cost: $3.75
• 2024 cost: $5.25
• Price increase: 40%

Starbucks’ Tall Mocha Frappuccino

• 2014 cost: $3.75
• 2024 cost: $4.95
• Price increase: 32%

Starbucks’ Grande Caffe Latte

• 2014 cost: $3.65
• 2024 cost: $4.45
• Price increase: 22%

Why Prices Are Skyrocketing

Twenty-two states raised minimum wages in early 2024. In California, fast food restaurants now pay their workers a minimum wage of $20 after passing a new law. Some restaurant chains point to these higher labor costs as a major factor in fast food price increases, but experts note alternative reasons. 

According to one report, the fast food industry’s rising item prices could have been lowered by employers because companies have experienced record profit margins over the last decade. Fast food chains are hoping rewards point programs and mobile app discounts might keep customers coming back despite price hikes. 

Fast Food Health Improvements

Despite having many negative health effects, fast food has improved over the last several years. Because of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, fast food chains must list the nutrition information, such as total calories, fat, sodium, and protein of menu items. 

Some menu items that were previously deep-fried are now grilled, making chicken and fish options healthier. Also, the FDA in 2015 prohibited fast food chains from using harmful trans fats in their foods. 

Fast Food Chain’s Future

Less seating for customers and automated ordering may be part of fast food’s future. McDonald’s, for example, is experimenting with new dining room-less restaurants centered around digital orders and quick pickups. Taco Bell’s new concept restaurant also features no dining room and has four drive-thru lanes where items are delivered to customer’s cars using mechanical lifts. 

At McDonald’s, automated ordering hasn’t completely replaced human workers. The restaurant chain had to shut down their experimental AI drive-thrus after reports of the system misunderstanding customers and, in one case, accidentally adding 260 Chicken McNuggets to one order.

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