Fast food is a staple for many, but who doesn’t love a good deal? With these insider tips and tricks, you can save money and get more out of your favorite fast food spots. From McDonald’s to Starbucks, here’s a guide to help you hack your way to cheaper meals and free extras.
McDonald’s Hacks to Save Money Every Visit
McDonald’s is a favorite for many, and you can stretch your dollar further with these clever hacks:
- Order from the Value Menu: McDonald’s value menu has several affordable options like the McDouble, McChicken, and small fries. These can be combined to create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- Customize Your Meal: Ask for no cheese or extra pickles. Small changes can sometimes lower the cost, especially if you’re trying to reduce costs or avoid extra charges.
- Use the App: The McDonald’s app often has exclusive deals and coupons. Download it and check regularly for promotions.
- Ask for Fresh Food: Sometimes asking for your fries or burger to be made fresh can get you a better product, and it might not cost extra.
Tip: Check out the “Deals” section in the McDonald’s app for daily offers and discounts.
Best Chick-fil-A Hacks for Cheaper Meals
Chick-fil-A is famous for its delicious chicken, but you can make your meals more affordable with these tips:
- Secret Menu Items: Ask for secret menu items like the “Spicy Char” or “Chicken Quesadilla.” These items aren’t listed on the regular menu but can be made if you know to ask.
- Kid’s Meals for Adults: Sometimes, ordering a kid’s meal can be cheaper and still provide a satisfying amount of food.
- App Rewards: Chick-fil-A’s app rewards you with points for every purchase. Accumulate points to earn free food and discounts.
- Free Extras: Chick-fil-A offers free sauces. Don’t hesitate to ask for extra sauces or sides at no additional cost.
Tip: Follow Chick-fil-A on social media for updates on new promotions and limited-time offers.
Money-Saving Tips for Ordering at Wendy’s
Wendy’s is known for its fresh, never frozen beef. Here’s how to save on your next visit:
- Frosty Key Tags: During certain promotions, Wendy’s offers Frosty key tags that let you get free Frosties for a year with a purchase.
- Value Menu: Wendy’s value menu includes affordable options like the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger and small fries. These are perfect for a budget-friendly meal.
- Combo Deals: Look for combo deals that offer a burger, fries, and a drink at a reduced price compared to ordering each item separately.
- Use Coupons: Wendy’s often releases coupons through their app or website. Keep an eye out for these to save on your next order.
Tip: Check Wendy’s app for daily deals and new promotions.
How to Get Free Starbucks Drinks with Hacks
Starbucks lovers, rejoice! Here’s how to score free drinks and save money:
- Join Starbucks Rewards: By joining the Starbucks Rewards program, you earn points on every purchase. Accumulate enough points to get free drinks and food.
- Birthday Rewards: Sign up for the rewards program to receive a free drink on your birthday.
- Referral Bonuses: Sometimes, referring friends to the rewards program can earn you bonus points or free drinks.
- App Offers: The Starbucks app frequently has exclusive offers and deals. Download it and check for promotions.
Tip: Save up your points for a larger reward or special drink to get the best value.
Chipotle Ordering Hacks for Bigger Burritos
Chipotle is known for its customizable burritos. Here’s how to make your burrito even better:
- Ask for Double Rice or Beans: You can get extra rice or beans without a significant price increase. This makes your burrito larger and more filling.
- Get a Burrito Bowl: Order a burrito bowl and ask for a tortilla on the side. You get more food for the same price, and you can use the tortilla to make your own burrito.
- Add Free Sides: Ask for extra salsa, guacamole, or cheese at no additional cost. Many of these extras can be added to your meal without a charge.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix and match different ingredients and ask for half-and-half options to get more variety in your burrito.
Tip: Check out Chipotle’s app for any limited-time offers or special discounts.
How to Save on Culver’s Meals with Kid’s Menu Tricks
Culver’s is known for its ButterBurgers and custard. Here’s how to save money:
- Kid’s Meal Hacks: Order kid’s meals for smaller portions at a lower price. Kid’s meals often include a burger, fries, and a drink.
- Use Coupons: Look for Culver’s coupons in local newspapers, online, or through their app.
- Share a Meal: Split a larger meal or order a double burger to share. This can be more economical and satisfying.
- Free Custard Samples: Sometimes, Culver’s offers free custard samples. Ask if they have any available during your visit.
Tip: Sign up for Culver’s eClub for exclusive offers and promotions.
Best Hacks for Getting Free Extras at Five Guys
Five Guys is known for its generous portions and customizable burgers. Here’s how to score some free extras:
- Free Toppings: Five Guys offers free toppings on all burgers. Load up on extras like grilled onions, mushrooms, and bacon at no additional cost.
- Order the Little Size: Order the “little” burger size for a smaller portion at a lower price, but still get the same free toppings.
- Peanut Bar: Take advantage of the free peanuts available at the restaurant while you wait for your food.
- Customize Your Fries: Ask for “Cajun” seasoning or other free toppings to make your fries even tastier.
Tip: Check out Five Guys’ website or app for any available promotions or discounts.
How to Score Free Frosties for a Year at Wendy’s
Wendy’s Frosties are a favorite treat. Here’s how to get them for free:
- Purchase a Key Tag: During certain promotions, Wendy’s offers a Frosty Key Tag that gives you free Frosties for a year with the purchase of the tag.
- Check for Special Promotions: Keep an eye out for seasonal or special promotions that might include Frosty offers.
- Use Rewards: Occasionally, Wendy’s rewards program might offer Frosties as part of their rewards system.
Tip: Purchase your key tag during promotional periods to get the best deal on Frosties.
Starbucks Hacks: How to Make a Cheap Caramel Macchiato
Love caramel macchiatos but don’t want to spend a lot? Here’s how to enjoy a cheaper version:
- Order a Vanilla Latte: Instead of a caramel macchiato, order a vanilla latte and add caramel syrup. It’s often cheaper and just as delicious.
- Skip the Whipped Cream: Skip the whipped cream to save a few extra dollars.
- Use Your Rewards: Use points from Starbucks Rewards to get a caramel macchiato for free or at a discounted price.
- DIY Caramel Drizzle: Ask for caramel drizzle on the side to add as much or as little as you like, making it more customizable.
Tip: Experiment with different milk options or sizes to find the best price for your caramel macchiato.
Saving Money on Taco Bell with the Taco Pass
Taco Bell offers the Taco Pass, which can be a great way to save money:
- Purchase the Taco Pass: The Taco Pass offers a certain number of tacos per day for a set monthly fee. Check if your local Taco Bell is participating.
- Plan Your Visits: Use the Taco Pass to maximize your savings by visiting Taco Bell frequently to get the most value out of the pass.
- Combine with Other Deals: Use the Taco Pass in combination with other Taco Bell promotions or app deals to save even more.
Tip: Read the fine print on the Taco Pass to understand any restrictions or limitations.
How to Order Cheaper Meals at Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is famous for its Blizzards and burgers. Here’s how to save on your next visit:
- Look for Combo Deals: Dairy Queen offers combo meals that include a burger, fries, and a drink at a lower price than ordering each item separately.
- Use the App: The Dairy Queen app often has exclusive deals and discounts. Download it and check for any available offers.
- Check for Value Menu Items: Dairy Queen has a value menu with affordable options like the “5 Buck Lunch,” which provides a great meal for a low price.
- Happy Hour Specials: Some locations have happy hour specials on drinks or snacks. Check the hours and take advantage of these deals.
Tip: Look for any local promotions or special events at your nearest Dairy Queen.
Raising Cane’s Hacks for Free Texas Toast
Raising Cane’s is known for its chicken fingers and Texas toast. Here’s how to score free toast:
- Join the Caniac Club: Sign up for Raising Cane’s Caniac Club for special offers, including free Texas toast or other menu items.
- Ask for Extras: Sometimes, you can ask for extra Texas toast with your meal. It’s not always free, but it’s worth asking.
- Watch for Promotions: Keep an eye out for promotions or deals that might include free Texas toast.
Tip: Follow Raising Cane’s on social media for updates on new promotions and special offers.
Ordering Secret Items from In-N-Out’s Hidden Menu
In-N-Out is famous for its secret menu. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Order “Animal Style”: The Animal Style burger includes pickles, extra spread, and grilled onions. It’s a fan favorite and not listed on the standard menu.
- Try the “Flying Dutchman”: This burger features two beef patties and two slices of cheese, with no bun. It’s a great option if you’re low-carb.
- Ask for “Protein Style”: For a low-carb option, ask for your burger “Protein Style” to have it wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.
- Get a “Neapolitan Shake”: Mix all three milkshake flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—for a unique treat.
Tip: Don’t be shy about asking for these secret items. The staff is used to special requests and will be happy to help.
How to Get Free Donuts at Krispy Kreme with Report Cards
Krispy Kreme loves to reward students. Here’s how to get free donuts:
- Turn in Your Report Card: During certain promotions, Krispy Kreme offers free donuts to students who bring in their report card with good grades.
- Check for Local Promotions: The specifics of this promotion can vary by location, so be sure to check with your local Krispy Kreme.
- Look for Back-to-School Deals: Sometimes Krispy Kreme runs back-to-school promotions that include free donuts for good grades.
Tip: Make sure your report card is recent and that you meet any promotional requirements.
Fast Food Hacks for Getting Free Fries at McDonald’s
Everyone loves free fries. Here’s how to get them at McDonald’s:
- Use the App: The McDonald’s app often has promotions for free fries with a purchase. Download the app and check for current offers.
- Order with a Coupon: Look for coupons or promotions that include free fries. These are often available online or in local newspapers.
- Join the Rewards Program: McDonald’s rewards program sometimes offers free fries as a reward or part of a deal.
- Ask About Promotions: When ordering, ask if there are any current promotions that include free fries.
Tip: Always check the app or ask about new promotions before placing your order.
How to Make Your Own Sausage McMuffin at Home
Craving a Sausage McMuffin? You can make your own at home with these tips:
- Ingredients: Get English muffins, sausage patties, eggs, and cheese. You can find these at your local grocery store.
- Cooking Instructions: Cook the sausage patties and eggs in a skillet. Toast the English muffins. Assemble the muffin with sausage, egg, and cheese.
- Customize: Add extras like avocado, tomato, or hot sauce to make it your own.
- Batch Cooking: Make several sandwiches at once and freeze them for quick breakfasts.
Tip: Use a round egg mold to get the egg in the perfect shape for your muffin.
How to Save on Fast Food Breakfast Sandwiches
Breakfast sandwiches are a great way to start the day. Here’s how to save on them:
- Value Menu: Check the value menu for breakfast sandwiches that are often cheaper but still satisfying.
- Combo Deals: Look for breakfast combo deals that include a sandwich, hash browns, and a drink.
- Use Coupons: Find coupons for breakfast sandwiches online or through fast food apps.
- DIY at Home: Making breakfast sandwiches at home can be cheaper and allows you to customize to your liking.
Tip: Look for restaurant-specific apps that offer discounts on breakfast items.
Free McDonald’s Sauce Hack Using the App
McDonald’s sauces are a favorite. Here’s how to get them for free:
- Download the App: The McDonald’s app often has promotions for free sauces with your order.
- Check the Deals Section: Look for any offers that include free sauces or discounts on your favorite dips.
- Use Rewards Points: Sometimes, you can redeem rewards points for free sauces or other extras.
- Ask at the Counter: If you’re not sure about the app offers, ask the staff if any sauce promotions are available.
Tip: Experiment with different sauces to find your favorites and get the most out of your free sauce offers.
Best KFC Hacks to Save on Chicken Meals
KFC is known for its fried chicken and sides. Here’s how to save on your next KFC meal:
- Check for Bucket Deals: KFC’s bucket deals often provide a lot of food for a lower price. Great for families or sharing with friends.
- Use Coupons: KFC frequently offers coupons online or through their app. Look for these to save on your next meal.
- Order the Colonel’s Club: Join KFC’s loyalty program for exclusive deals and rewards.
- Mix and Match: Combine different meal options to get the best value. For example, mix a bucket of chicken with individual sides.
Tip: Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions or limited-time offers at your local KFC.
Secret Subway Menu Hacks for Custom Subs
Subway has a secret menu that can make your subs even better. Here’s how to customize:
- Order “The Beast”: This sub is loaded with all the meats, making it a hearty choice if you’re very hungry.
- Try the “Melt”: Ask for a sub to be made as a melt with all the cheese melted together for a gooey treat.
- Get a “Subway Club”: This secret menu item features a delicious combination of meats, cheeses, and veggies.
- Customize Your Bread: Ask for different bread combinations or toasting options that aren’t listed on the menu.
Tip: Be creative and don’t be afraid to ask for unusual combinations. Subway staff are usually happy to help with custom requests.
With these restaurant hacks and secrets, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite meals while saving money and getting extra perks. Use these tips to make the most out of your fast food experience!