Introduction
Welcome to Eat This Not That, where we provide you with the latest news and information about fast food prices. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at how much more you’ll be paying for fast food in 2022. We’ll be examining the current prices of popular fast food items, as well as the projected prices for 2022. We’ll also be discussing the factors that are driving up the cost of fast food, and what you can do to save money on your next fast food meal. So, let’s get started!
Here’s How Much More You’re Paying For Fast Food In 2022 — Eat This Not That
Fast food prices are on the rise, and it’s not just because of inflation. According to a recent report from the National Restaurant Association, the cost of fast food is expected to increase by an average of 4.3 percent in 2022. That’s more than double the rate of inflation, which is currently estimated to be around 2 percent.
The reason for the increase is largely due to rising labor costs. As the minimum wage continues to increase in many states, restaurants are having to pay their employees more, which is driving up the cost of food. Additionally, the cost of ingredients is also on the rise, as the cost of commodities like wheat, corn, and soybeans have all increased in recent years.
The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to save money on fast food. Many restaurants offer discounts and promotions, and there are also plenty of apps and websites that can help you find the best deals. Additionally, you can also look for restaurants that offer discounts for ordering online or using a mobile app.
If you’re looking to save money on fast food, it’s important to remember that the cost of food is only one part of the equation. You also need to consider the quality of the food, the convenience of the location, and the overall experience. Eating out can be a great way to enjoy a meal with friends or family, but it’s important to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
No matter how much you’re paying for fast food in 2022, it’s important to remember that eating healthy is still the best way to go. Eating a balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is the best way to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need without breaking the bank.
Inflation has hit fast-food menus—and how! A new report from the National Restaurant Association shows that we haven’t seen prices of our favorite burgers, fries, and shakes grow this steeply in over 40 years.
Compared to the same time last year, prices at fast-food restaurants are currently more than 7% higher, part of an industry-wide increase of 6.9% in average menu prices. The 6.9% jump, which includes price growth for full-service restaurants, is the steepest increase for the restaurant industry since 1981. The decades-high increases were driven by higher costs of food and labor, according to the report, which used data collected by the National Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For more, don’t miss 5 Fast-Growing Restaurant Chains Customers Are Flocking To.
Many leading fast-food chains have made headlines in the past year with news of price hikes. Starbucks came under scrutiny a few months ago when it announced “pricing actions” scheduled for sometime this year, as did Chipotle last summer, when it dialed up menu prices by 4%. And the price of a McDonald’s Big Mac has mirrored industry-wide trends, growing by 7% in 2021.
Fast food getting more expensive is nothing new. The Economist has been tracking fluctuations in the price of the Big Mac for decades. But industry-wide increases in the past six months have been unusually high, according to Matthew Goodman, an analyst interviewed by The New York Times.
“In recent years, most fast-food restaurants had, maybe, raised prices in the low single digits each year,” he said. “What we’ve seen over the last six-plus months are restaurants being aggressive in pushing through prices.”
According to the National Restaurant Association, the cost of food was up 15% in February, and hourly wages for restaurant employees grew by 12.1% over the same 12-month period. Increases in overall consumer prices, meanwhile, were “largely driven by a 48.0% surge in gas prices.”
As the New York Times report points out, price hikes do not seem to have slowed sales at leading fast-food chains. Earlier this year, McDonald’s reported its highest revenue since 2016, and Chipotle beat expectations for earnings in its most recent quarter.
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