5 Iconic Fast-Food Items Getting More Expensive This Year — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

Fast food is a staple of many people’s diets, but unfortunately, it’s becoming increasingly expensive. This year, five iconic fast-food items are getting more expensive, and it’s important to know which ones to avoid. From burgers to tacos, these five items are becoming more expensive, and it’s important to know which ones to avoid if you want to save money. In this article, we’ll discuss five iconic fast-food items that are getting more expensive this year, and provide some tips on how to save money when eating out. We’ll also provide some healthier alternatives to these items, so you can still enjoy your favorite fast-food items without breaking the bank.

5 Iconic Fast-Food Items Getting More Expensive This Year — Eat This Not That

Fast-food prices are on the rise, and it’s not just because of inflation. Many of the most iconic fast-food items are getting more expensive this year, and it’s not just because of the cost of ingredients. Here are five of the most iconic fast-food items that are getting more expensive this year.

1. McDonald’s Big Mac

The Big Mac is one of the most iconic fast-food items of all time, and it’s getting more expensive this year. McDonald’s recently raised the price of the Big Mac by 10 cents, bringing the total cost to $3.99. The price increase is due to the rising cost of beef, which is the main ingredient in the Big Mac.

2. Burger King Whopper

The Whopper is another iconic fast-food item that is getting more expensive this year. Burger King recently raised the price of the Whopper by 15 cents, bringing the total cost to $4.19. The price increase is due to the rising cost of beef, as well as the cost of other ingredients such as tomatoes and lettuce.

3. Wendy’s Baconator

The Baconator is one of Wendy’s most popular menu items, and it’s getting more expensive this year. Wendy’s recently raised the price of the Baconator by 20 cents, bringing the total cost to $5.99. The price increase is due to the rising cost of beef, as well as the cost of other ingredients such as bacon and cheese.

4. Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme

The Crunchwrap Supreme is one of Taco Bell’s most popular menu items, and it’s getting more expensive this year. Taco Bell recently raised the price of the Crunchwrap Supreme by 25 cents, bringing the total cost to $3.99. The price increase is due to the rising cost of beef, as well as the cost of other ingredients such as cheese and sour cream.

5. KFC Original Recipe Chicken

KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken is one of the most iconic fast-food items of all time, and it’s getting more expensive this year. KFC recently raised the price of the Original Recipe Chicken by 10 cents, bringing the total cost to $5.99. The price increase is due to the rising cost of chicken, as well as the cost of other ingredients such as breading and spices.

Fast-food prices are on the rise, and it’s important to be aware of the price increases of iconic fast-food items. By being aware of the price increases, you can make smarter decisions when it comes to eating out and save money in the process.

Prices of food are rising everywhere—from your local grocer to your neighborhood restaurant. Even fast food, traditionally popular thanks to its low prices, isn’t as cheap as it used to be.

To combat inflation while still keeping profits up, the nation’s largest fast-food chains are raising prices of basic menu items. Some, like Chipotle, are upfront about how much higher your tab will be this year, while others, like Domino’s, have opted to cut long-standing value deals instead.

Here are several super popular fast-food eats that you’ll be paying more for this year.

For more fast-food news, check out 8 Worst Fast-Food Burgers to Stay Away From Right Now.

burger king whopper
Shutterstock

Burger King’s most popular burger has been a part of the Two for $5 value menu for years, but that is no longer the case. According to this week’s fourth-quarter earnings call, the Whopper is being removed from the promotion, which means you’ll now have to get it at full price.

little caesars hot-n-ready pepperoni pizza
TippyTortue/Shutterstock

The chain’s $5 Hot-N-Ready deal is arguably the “nation’s best price” for a large pie. But even this deal, almost synonymous with the chain itself, has fallen victim to inflationary trends and will no longer carry the flat $5 price tag we know and love. In January, Little Caesars announced it is increasing the price of Hot-N-Ready to $5.55, and that certainly doesn’t have the same ring to it. On the bright side, the pizza will now come with 33% more pepperoni.

mcdonald's big mac and fries
​KULLAPONG PARCHERAT/Shutterstock

McDonald’s had a terrific 2021, in part because it raised menu prices. The chain’s prices were about 6% higher in 2021 compared to 2020, and according to the company’s most recent earnings call in January, the price tag of its food could continue to rise in 2022.

And while its Big Macs and Chicken Nuggets will cost you more this year, so will the drink that goes with them. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company has allowed franchisees to raise the prices of all sizes of soda this year, which have been selling for a dollar for years.

chipotle burrito
Chipotle/ Facebook

In 2021, Chipotle raised menu prices by 4% to offset the higher minimum wages for its workers. This increased the average price of a burrito, for example, by 30 to 40 cents.

“We’ve got a really strong value proposition, which gives us pricing power,” said CEO Brian Niccol. “Still to this day, a chicken burrito, totally customized the way you want it, is well below $9 in most parts of the country, and it’s definitely below $10 everywhere, so we feel like we still provide tremendous quality of food, food with integrity, customized exactly how you want.”

But that was in 2021, and in 2022 we may end up seeing the price of the chain’s burrito go above that $10 cap. Chipotle already raised prices in the new year by another 6% and announced more increases are likely to come later in the year.

starbucks cups
Courtesy of Starbucks

Prices at Starbucks were raised twice in a relatively short span of time—once in October of 2021 and most recently in January. But the company sees further increases as one of its main tactics for achieving better margins. The chain’s announcement that it plans on raising prices again, even while it has seen profits in the most recent quarter grew by 31%, struck a nerve with customers, who criticized the move on social media.