These are fast food chains that raised their prices most last year

There was a time when the “fast food” was synonymous with “cheap food” but that is not always due to increasing inflationS Of course, driving dinner is still cheaper than sitting in a stachaus, but prices have risen in 2024 in some of the most famous fast food chains, which makes it less affordable than in recent years.

In particular, a restaurant has doubled the prices of its menu over the last decade. According to a study conducted by TogetherWho investigates 2000 Americans, 78% of participants say they now look at fast food as a luxury, not a way to get a quick and cheap bite to eat while on the move.

The question is whether these prices for fast foods will continue to increase until 2025? Here’s all you need to know about fast food inflation, including which chains raised their prices last year and what can be on the horizon.

Source: Financebuzz

What fast food chains have increased their prices most in the last decade?

In the last decade, McDonald’s has increased its prices by a huge 100% in the United States, making it the most relevant fast food chain in the country, according to information collected by FinancebuzzS But their menu prices are not only increased in countries. According to SpineMcDonald’s increased its prices in Canada by nearly 140%.

In the US, a quarter pound with a cheese eating costs $ 5.39 in 2014 and in 2024, it costs $ 12, Financebuzz. The second and third restaurant with the most priced prices were Popyes and Taco Bell in the US and Panera and Wendy’s in Canada. At Popeyes in 2014, you can hit a four -piece chicken dinner for $ 7. By 2024, this price increased by 97% and now cost $ 13.79.

These results are slightly different from 2022. When Wendy and Chic-Fil-A had the highest inflation rate And Burger King’s chicken fried potatoes were an inflated number one element in all chains.

According to a new study by Lendingtree, 46% of participants said they now believe that prices at their local fast food restaurants are already in line with restaurants. Even more surprisingly, 22% of these participants believe that fast food was actually now higher Prices in comparison.

What causes fast food inflation?

Inflation at fast food restaurants is a “multilayer phenomenon”. Valerie sourcesAssistant at the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Partyu, CNET told.

Kilders cites increased minimum wages for low -wage workers and “increasing total food prices” as two major factors contributing to increased prices for fast foods.

“After the pandemic, we saw that workers with the lowest salary that included those who usually work in restaurants for fast food, saw the fastest salary growth,” Kilders explained, adding that from January 2025 to 2025 “The prices of livestock increase by 20.6%and the beef.

“The increased prices of operators are transmitted to consumers,” she added.

AS Egg prices continue to riseEconomists point to bird flu As an associate of the high egg prices we see in grocery stores and restaurant menus. This week, Main American tariffs against Canada and Mexico They came into force under the Trump administration and with them could be even more increased prices in the grocery store and after.

Although President Donald Trump said the country that imports the goods would pay the rates or tax on the things, Economists disagreeS According to TaxationWhen the United States imposes tariffs, US enterprises pay the US government tax. Like fast food chains, when the company does not pay the increased prices they are facing, these prices are transmitted to the consumer.

25% rates against Mexico and Canada started on March 4, and the previous 10% tariff for China has already doubled to 20% as per Associated PressS According to US Department of AgricultureIn 2023, 72.5% of US agricultural imports came from Mexico. This includes 25% of drinks, including beer and tequila, 14% of fruits, 13% of vegetables, 6% of avocado and more.

And 63.8% of US agricultural imports comes from Canada, including 19% of animal products and 12% of fruits and vegetables.

According to EconofactThe 2018 Trump Administration’s tariffs, which were then preserved by the Biden administration, did not lower prices for Americans.

Will prices continue to rise in fast food restaurants?

“The short answer is that it is too early to say,” Kilders said.

However, she says that not only fast food chains increase their prices. It happens everywhere.

“If we just look at the increase (in the consumer prices index) for food away from home, this increase was about 3.4% in the last year and there is no big difference between restaurants with full service and restaurants with limited service,” Kilder explained.

Although it may seem that McDonald’s goes to his prices more than the olive garden or chilli, this is not necessary. More recently, when the famous cheap fast food restaurant raises prices, it will always be more obvious to the consumer.

As for the future prospects for food prices, there are various factors that must be taken into account.

“How will the labor costs develop? Will we see an additional increase in food prices? Will we see any kind of interventions at the level of politics that can affect all those factors that play a big role in how demand will develop,” Kilders said, “and then, how supply and prices will develop.”

According to Forecasts for USDA Nutritional Price PriceCited by Kilders, it is estimated that consuming food at home will increase about 3.3% next year, which means that Moreamericans will choose to miss the driving or sit restaurants and cook at home in an attempt to save a few dollars

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