As much as we try not to make the drive thru a habit, sometimes it’s unavoidable. (Or, okay, sometimes it’s just too delicious and convenient to ignore.) When you’re crunched for time and short on cash — or you just want to be social — here are a few ways to fill up without springing for the wallet-killing combo meal:
Wendy’s
- Monterey Ranch Chicken Sandwich, $1.49
- Side Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette, $1 (Bonus points if you can get them to throw in the cinnamon-toasted pecans for free.)
McDonald’s
- Grilled Onion Cheddar Burger, $1
- Apple Dippers, $1.25
- OR Fruit & Yogurt Parfait, $1
Burger King
- Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissan’wich and a small coffee, $2.99 OR
- Rodeo Crispy Chicken Sandwich and value-size fries, $2
Arby’s
- Jr. Cheddar Melt, $1.49
- Value-size curly fries, $1.09
Taco Bell
- Double Decker, Doritos and soda meal, $2.99 OR
- Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco and Bean Burrito, $1.39 + $1.09
KFC
- Go Cup 2-Piece Chicken Tenders and Potato Wedges, $2.49 OR
- Macaroni & Cheese Side & 1 Chicken Little, $1.79 + $1.29
Panera
- Cinnamon Crunch Bagel OR Asiago Bagel with cream cheese, $2.35-$2.99
Dunkin’ Donuts
- Bacon, egg and cheese wake-up wrap with a medium coffee, $2.99 OR
- Small iced coffee and a blueberry donut (it has 100 less calories than a blueberry muffin!), $1.99 + 95 cents
Starbucks
- Tall coffee, $1.75
- Asiago Everything Bagel, toasted with butter, $1.25
Checker’s
- Chili Cheeseburger, $1.59
- Value Fries, $1.39
Whataburger
- Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, $2.34 (Seriously, it’s the reason to get up before 11 on Saturdays.)
Subway
- Veggie Flatizza flatbread pizza, $2.50-$2.99 (for a limited time)
*These meals are under $3 before taxes. Prices may vary, depending on where you live. (Like NYC, where the $5 Fill-Up Box at KFC costs $8. We’re not even joking.)