Fast food was once the go-to for a quick, cheap meal — but not anymore. Prices are climbing while portions are shrinking, and customers are noticing the drop in value. From sad sandwiches to underwhelming fries, some chains have become notorious for serving less and charging more. Even diehard fans admit that certain spots just aren’t worth it now. Here’s a look at the fast-food giants Reddit users say are the biggest rip offs.
Subway’s Pricey, Skimpy Sandwiches
The days of the $5 footlong are long gone, and customers are not happy. A simple sub, chips, and drink can run nearly $15, with toppings served sparingly. One customer even reported paying $55 for a few sandwiches and drinks for their family. Lawsuits have popped up over the chain’s skimpy portions, adding to the frustration. Many say they now prefer grocery store subs, which pack in more meat for less money.
Five Guys Burgers Cost a Small Fortune
Five Guys has loyal fans, but even they admit the prices are outrageous. A small burger, fries, and drink can cost nearly $20, with no premium experience to justify it. Some customers are frustrated that the chain even prompts them for tips after charging such high prices. Sure, the fries are plentiful, but the bill leaves many with regret. For the same money, you could enjoy a sit-down meal elsewhere.
Panera’s Hospital Food Reputation
Once praised for fresh ingredients, Panera now faces harsh comparisons to hospital or airline food. A chicken Caesar salad and drink can cost $15, and many say it feels like pre-packaged cold food. Customers reminisce about the early 2000s “golden Panera years” when quality matched the price. Today, the steep prices and uninspired meals make it a frequent target for complaints.
McDonald’s Is No Longer Cheap
McDonald’s used to be known for budget-friendly meals, but that’s not the case anymore. Items like the Egg McMuffin have nearly doubled in price in just a few years. Many say the taste doesn’t justify the cost, especially with sit-down restaurants offering better deals. Some families even claim it’s cheaper to eat at Red Robin than McDonald’s now. When fast food rivals casual dining in price, people start to rethink their loyalties.
Chipotle Shrinks Portions, Raises Prices
Chipotle’s burritos once had legendary size and value, but not anymore. Customers complain about paying $10 or more for burritos that are mostly tortilla. Three tacos for $10, half-filled with ingredients, has left many feeling ripped off. Redditors also note that online orders often come in especially skimpy. Meanwhile, competitors like Qdoba offer extras like guacamole and queso for free, making Chipotle’s model look worse.
Burger King’s Decline in Quality
Burger King hasn’t just raised prices — it’s lost the trust of many customers. Once considered a top option, the chain now faces criticism for dirty stores, poor service, and subpar food. Some say the downfall has been years in the making, with consistency gone across locations. Once a competitor to McDonald’s, it now struggles to justify its value at all. Many former fans have walked away for good.
Taco Bell Isn’t the Bargain It Used to Be
Taco Bell built its name on being cheap, but times have changed. Prices have nearly doubled in the past five years, with food quality slipping. Customers remember when tacos cost under 50 cents, making it hard to spend $10. Now, combos feel overpriced compared to the once budget-friendly menu. While fans still crave the flavor, the rising costs leave a bitter aftertaste.
Chick-fil-A’s Overpriced Simplicity
Chick-fil-A enjoys massive popularity, but not everyone is convinced it’s worth the money. Critics say it’s just chicken nuggets or a sandwich with sauce, sold at premium prices. The waffle fries also get slammed as some of the worst in fast food. While fans flock for the service and hype, others see it as overrated. The cost simply doesn’t match the simplicity of the food.
KFC Loses Its Flavor and Value
Customers say KFC has changed for the worse since Colonel Sanders passed. Portions are smaller, prices have doubled, and the chicken no longer tastes the same. Some suspect cost-cutting even reduced the famous blend of herbs and spices. What was once a finger-lickin’ favorite is now criticized as greasy and bland. Many agree that it no longer feels worth the high cost.
Fast Food Isn’t Fast Value Anymore
Rising prices, shrinking portions, and declining quality have turned many fast-food favorites into frustrating ripoffs. While nostalgia keeps some chains afloat, more people are realizing the math just doesn’t add up anymore. From soggy fries to sad sandwiches, the disappointment is real. Which of these chains do you think deserves the “biggest ripoff” title — and are there others we missed? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
