10 Best Value Meals at Fast Food Chains in 2024

As inflation continues to impact wallets, many fast-food chains started a trend of launching value meals to attract budget-conscious diners. We gathered the 10 best affordable options that offer a satisfying meal for a fair price.

McDonald's launched its $5 menu in June. What should’ve been a promotion for the summer, became a real success, so now you can find it on menus at least until December. This deal lets you choose between a McChicken sandwich or McDouble cheeseburger, and includes small fries, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a small soft drink.

Photo Credit: McDonald's

Not to be outdone, though announcing its promotion later, Burger King rolled it out earlier. You can pick from a Whopper Jr., Bacon Cheeseburger, or Chicken Jr. The meal also includes fries, a 4-piece chicken nuggets, and a soft drink. This deal will be available through October.

Photo Credit: Burger King

Popeyes joined the value meal trend in late September with a simple yet satisfying offer. For just $5, you can enjoy three pieces of their signature bone-in chicken. It's a great option to get crispy flavorful chicken without the need for sides.

Photo Credit: Popeyes

Taco Bell’s value menu is a bit pricier but offers an impressive array of food. You get a Chalupa Supreme taco, a beefy 5-layer burrito, a double-stacked taco, chips with nacho cheese sauce, and a medium drink – a 55% discount compared to buying these items separately.

Photo Credit: Taco Bell

KFC offers three different $5 meals. You can choose from 8 chicken nuggets with fries and two sauces, a Famous Bowl with nuggets, or a two-piece drum & thigh meal with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a biscuit.

Photo Credit: KFC

Carl's Jr. has introduced a "More Bang, Less Buck" menu with ten options under $4. It includes new items like the Cali Jr. and Jalapeno Jr., and classics like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and 6-piece Chicken Stars. There are also dessert options like a chocolate chip cookie or chocolate cake.

Photo Credit: Carl's Jr.

Sonic pushed the value meal concept even further with its $1.99 menu. This includes new Queso Wraps in two varieties: Bacon Ranch and Southwest Crunch. You can also get classics like a Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Coney, or even a 16-ounce shake in any of their 12 flavors.

Photo Credit: Sonic

Jack in the Box has launched a permanent "munchies" menu with items under $4, which includes fan favorites like tiny tacos, curly fries, and various chicken sandwiches.

Photo Credit: Jack in the Box

Jimmy John's offers a pricier option, but it’s a complete meal. For $10, you get an 8-inch Original sandwich of your choice, a bag of kettle-cooked chips, a dessert (cookie or brownie), and a regular-sized fountain drink.

Photo Credit: Jimmy John's

Available through mobile ordering, this meal includes two Crispy Tacos, a Nacho Crunch Beef Burrito, small Potato Olés (their signature round potato bites), and a small drink.

Photo Credit: Taco John's

These value meals show that fast-food chains are working hard to offer affordable options for customers. Whether you're in the mood for burgers, tacos, chicken, or sandwiches, there's likely a budget-friendly meal available at your favorite chain. Remember to check with your local restaurants for availability and any variations in pricing or offerings.