We are trying to cut back on eating out, but honestly, on some busy days, fast food is the only option. When you do hit the drive-thru, what are your tricks to save money or pick healthier(ish) options?
We've had luck with Burger King's 'Have it your way'... customizing saves money.
My rough take on fast foods is that a meal runs maybe $10. In my grocery stores you can buy prepared full meals that you just pop in the oven at home in sizes for about two or four people. Probably comparable in price, but much healthier. And there's always store bought rotisserie chicken that can be a meal with a simple side dish or two. My frugal take is pulling out frozen meals from the freezer and microwave.
"what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Mary Oliver
I get it, sometimes you're just not home - when you planned to be! and everyone is "starving". For fast food, we usually get a chicken or fish sandwich. I try to always have a sweet and/or salty snack in my bag - a container of nuts or trail mix, pack of granola bars, bag of puffed corn (hull-less popcorn), pretzels, etc. And we almost always have a bottle or two of water per person, and a travel mug of coffee. So those cover drinks and sides, are better for us (mostly) than fries, and cheaper. Sometimes there are two-fer deals at the fast food joint, which is an additional help.
McD’s seems to have the best deals in its app. Chick-Fil-A has few specials. I like Panera but they’re more expensive. Not sure about Taco Bell. I would download the apps for the places your family likes best and see what offers they have.
Market Basket's prepared food dept makes pizza, burgers, sandwiches etc to order. They are very busy around lunch time, because their stuff is good and prices are amazing. You can buy a full-size submarine sandwich/grinder/hoagie (we call them "subs") for $4.99!
That just reminded me that pretty much any grocery store will have prepared sandwiches ready to go, which may be a cheaper option that the drive thru.Originally Posted by rosarugosa
We don't do it often at all, so when we actually are going to order in, we'll usually do some Chinese takeout.
To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer." Mahatma Gandhi
Be nice whenever possible. It's always possible. HH Dalai Lama
In a world where you can be anything - be kind. Unknown
These are all such nice tips, thank you. I usually keep freezer-meals on hand too, but being readily available, they vanish soon. I will definitely try Market Basket's "sub" next time. Sounds cheaper and fresher.
Yeah, I checked some fast food apps and some do have good deals like McD's $3 menu and Wendy's menu $5 Biggie bag and free fries options etc. Taco Bell's $5 box is also a nice deal.
But they are just occasional treats for the kids or what I call... mom's exhaustion backup plan.
Last edited by ButterflyWings; 5-23-25 at 10:23am.
Great tip. Thanks! I do keep some snacks with me to calm down 'hangry' kids but this is a very frugal way of using them as sides with burgers or sandwiches.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote