To save a couple of bucks on your ice latte, order a double espresso and ask for it in a large cup with ice. Then just add your own milk at the condiment station.
Rather than ordering a triple cheeseburger, you can order three single cheeseburgers for the same price and get a lot more food.
Everyone knows that the fries are all premade at fast-food chains. They can be sitting there for a long time until they make it to your plate. But the fries are almost always made with salt, so if you ask for fries with no salt, they will have to make a brand new batch to complete your order!
Nuggets are a staple item: you really can’t go wrong. The trick to getting more for cheap is simple: order the big box
A 10-piece McNuggets order costs US$5.19, whereas a 20-piece order costs $6.99. You’re essentially doubling the number of nuggets you get for less than two dollars.
When ordering your meal at Chipotle, order half beans and half rice. Most of the time they will give you almost double what they would if you asked for one.
The same applies to meat. They’re used to giving a certain amount of things so they rarely will cut the serving fully in half because it would look tiny on their serving spoon.
What’s better than a lovely side of guacamole at Chipotle? If you pass on meat or the sofritas protein option, you can get guacamole for free.
If you’re not willing to pass up the meat or the sofritas protein, then ask for your guacamole on the side–they tend to give you much more than they would in your burrito.
If you order a burrito bowl and ask for a taco on the side at Chipotle, it should be free.
If you download the apps to your favorite fast-food restaurants, you’re usually opening yourself up to a lot of opportunities to enjoy special meals and the best deals on your order.
Other apps can help you on your journey to a happy belly. For instance, when you download the Dairy Queen app, you can get a free small Blizzard treat.
There are also a bunch of rewards programs from chains like Domino's. You can earn points through your orders and then redeem for free food. It might seem tedious, but it adds up fast.
Chipotle also offers kids’ meals, but you don’t have to be a child to enjoy these options. You could build a meal with rice, beans, steak, and two tortillas for around US$5.
Starbucks is pretty expensive as far as coffee goes. There are some options though. You can order the daily brew, which is usually filter coffee and is much cheaper.
If you’re sick of your Subway sandwiches spilling and spewing their toppings from the sides when you take a bite, then you need to order an “old-style” sandwich. This means they cut the bread in a V slice, which creates a boat-like crevice.
If you need breakfast in a rush, then order an Egg McMuffin at McDonald’s and when you do, order a round egg. It will be fresher and easier to manage on the go.
At Taco Bell, if you ask for your burrito to be toasted, they’ll do it for you free of charge. This means you get a nice crispy golden tortilla just like Crunchwraps, but for free.
When you’re ordering at Chipotle, remember that extra rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and lettuce are all free. Ask for more and the likelihood is that you’ll get it!
Everything at Qdoba, even guacamole and queso, is included in the price of a burrito. Tortillas or chips on the side of a burrito bowl should be free, too.
This is probably one of the more obvious ones, but if there are free refills at a restaurant, always order a small drink.
If you’re really hungry and find that your tortilla wrap often springs a leak, then order one that’s double wrapped. They’ll most often do it for free (or for very little extra).
To make sure that your sandwich hasn’t been sitting there for ages, find out what the special order is. It will usually have to be made from scratch.
If you like Taco Bell, get the app or order online to get the “My Cravings Box.” You can get specialty entrees like a Crunchwrap Supreme or black bean Chalupa, plus a taco or burrito, side dish, and drink.
Pretty much every burger at fast-food chains is premade and waiting for you to collect. If you want one that’s piping hot and ready to grab, then the best way to ensure that is by sacrificing an ingredient. If you don’t mind losing the pickles or onions, ask for one without.
With your newfound power to get a lot more for your money at various fast-food restaurants, you should keep in mind that it's important to eat in moderation.
Sources: (Eat This, Not That!)
Fast food ordering hacks you need to know
This list gathers some of the smartest tricks to assist you
FOOD Restaurants
Tired of ordering the same thing at your favorite restaurants? Then look no further! This list compiles some of the most genius (and legal) tricks that help you get more bang for your buck when ordering out. If you’re looking to save on your order or ensure you get the freshest food, there’s a hack for it. To learn more, click through the gallery and read on.