1. Order Fresh Fries by Asking for No Salt
Craving fries but hate the soggy, lukewarm ones? Ask for your fries with no salt. This forces the staff to make a fresh batch just for you. Don’t worry—if you like salt, you can add it yourself afterward!
2. Customize Ice Cream Mix-Ins
Chains like Dairy Queen and McDonald’s let you add mix-ins to ice cream. Want Oreos and caramel in your Blizzard or McFlurry? Just ask! It’s like building your own dessert without needing to splurge at a fancy shop.
3. Customize Your Burgers for a Made-to-Order Meal
Fast food places often have burgers prepped in advance, but asking for a small tweak—like no pickles or extra onions—means your burger will be freshly assembled. Bonus: it’ll also feel more like something made just for you.
4. Request “Light Ice” for More Drink
Ever notice how your soda cup is mostly ice? Ask for “light ice” or “no ice” to get more of the actual drink. Pro tip: This works best at places with self-serve drink stations where you can control the temperature.
5. Hack the Value Menu for Bigger Savings
Sometimes the items on the value menu can be combined for a better deal. For example, ordering two single cheeseburgers might be cheaper—and more filling—than a larger combo meal.
6. Use the App for Exclusive Deals
Download your favorite chain’s app, and you’ll unlock a goldmine of coupons, secret menu items, and loyalty rewards. For example, McDonald’s and Taco Bell apps regularly offer free food or significant discounts.
7. Split Meals to Save Money and Calories
Many fast-food portions are huge. Split a large meal with a friend or family member, and it’s kinder to your wallet and your waistline. This is especially smart for oversized fries or shakes.
8. Order Breakfast Late for the Freshest Food
Many chains stop serving breakfast around 10:30 a.m., so if you order close to the cutoff, chances are you’ll get a freshly cooked batch of eggs, hash browns, or breakfast sandwiches.
9. Ask for a “Side” of Secret Sauces
Most fast-food places have a treasure trove of secret sauces that aren’t advertised on the menu. Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out, and McDonald’s are famous for them. Just ask, and you’ll often get free packets to elevate your meal.
10. Mix and Match Drinks at Self-Serve Stations
Let your inner mixologist shine at self-serve soda fountains. Create your own signature drink by combining different flavors—think Sprite with a splash of Powerade or a Coke with a twist of lemonade.
11. Know Which Items Are Made Fresh
Some menu items are prepped in bulk, while others are made fresh. For example, grilled chicken items are often cooked to order. Do a little research on your favorite chain’s menu and stick to the freshest options.
12. Ask for Half-and-Half Pizza Toppings
Many pizza chains let you split toppings on one pizza, so don’t settle for just pepperoni. This lets you try more flavors without committing to two full pizzas—ideal if you’re indecisive or sharing with others.
13. Order Kids’ Meals for Smaller Portions
If you’re not super hungry but still craving fast food, a kids’ meal can be a perfect choice. It’s usually cheaper and comes with a smaller drink, fries, and sometimes a fun little toy.
14. Go Inside for Better Service During Rush Hours
Drive-thru lines are convenient, but they can be chaos during busy times. Walking in often means faster service, plus you can double-check your order before you leave.
15. Take Advantage of “Open Secret” Menus
Some chains are famous for their secret menus. In-N-Out’s Animal Style fries or Starbucks’ Pink Drink are just the tip of the iceberg. Look up secret menu items online and ask for them confidently—you’ll usually get a nod of approval.
16. Go During Off-Peak Hours for the Best Experience
Timing is everything. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon are great times to visit when the rush has died down. This often means hotter food, friendlier service, and fewer mistakes in your order.
These tips make fast food tastier, cheaper, and more fun. Next time you’re indulging, try one (or all) of these tricks—you might just feel like a fast-food pro.
