This article was originally published on Kueez
We have to admit that we love fast food every once in a while to satisfy the craving for a burger and fries. However, just when you thought your favorite fast food joint couldn't get any better, we found the best ways to upgrade your go-to meals. There are plenty of hacks and secret menu items available at all your favorite chains that you might not know about, and they could save you some money. On your next trip to the drive-thru, try these helpful hacks, and thank us later!
1. Get The Freshest Patty At Burger King By Asking For This
When you eat fast food, do you ever feel like the food isn't hot enough? It might be because most of it sits in a warmer drawer once they have made enough patties. Instead of getting a lukewarm hamburger, you have to ask the employee for a specific patty to get something fresh.
When you ask for an "off the broiler" patty at Burger King, you will get a freshly cooked burger rather than one that has been sitting in a warming drawer for a few hours. It will upgrade your meal without paying extra.
2. Buy McDonald's Nuggets In Quantities Of Four To Save Money
If you have ever felt like you were paying more money, the more nuggets you order at McDonald's, you are right. McNuggets are arguably the best chicken nuggets in the fast-food industry, and people will order them by the tens, but that is not the way to save money.
Instead of ordering in large numbers, order them in quantities of four. This is the cheapest because it is on their value menu, and you get more dipping sauces this way. It is a win-win for you because no one likes having too many nuggets and not enough dipping sauces.
3. Get Free Krispy Kreme Donuts With This Special Trick
When the red light is on at Krispy Kreme, you know that the donuts are piping hot and freshly glazed. There is something special about a warm Krispy Kreme donut, and you can get one for free when you do this simple thing before you go.
Before you go to Krispy Kreme, quickly fill out the customer service survey, and take a picture of the code at the end. The code will get you one free donut, so you could get one every time you go. Free things always taste better, so imagine how good a free donut would taste.
4. Save Money On A Starbucks Latte With This Secret
Starbucks is notoriously expensive, and their coffee is the same as other coffee chains. However, there are ways to save money on your favorite drinks, such as lattes, without making the employee's lives harder.
A grande latte at Starbucks is normally $3.65; however, this simple ordering hack will cut costs. Instead, order a double shot of espresso over ice and then fill it with the milk at the sugar station. This saves you almost two dollars! We are definitely doing this next time we go to Starbucks.
5. Maximize Your Chipotle Order When You Get A Bowl Instead Of A Burrito
Although Chipotle has had some salmonella scandals in the past, people forgive them because their food tastes good. However, when you break down their burritos, it doesn't seem like you are getting much for your money.
Instead of ordering a regular burrito, get a burrito bowl with two tortillas on the side. This way, you can get two kinds of rice, two types of meat, veggies, and corn. As you can see, you are getting the most out of your order.
6. The Right Way To Order Taco Bell Nachos
Nachos are the perfect food because they have melted cheese, salty chips, and fresh toppings. If you are on the go and want nachos, Taco Bell has an average variation on their menu, but there is a better way to order them to save money.
Instead of ordering chips with cheese, ask for the triple-layer nachos without beans or sauce. This way, you will get more chips with cheese already poured on them for less money. However, this isn't the only Taco Bell secret we have!
7. You Get The Freshest Meal When You Go At Peak Hours
No one likes eating cold food that has been sitting out for hours. However, people also don't like waiting in long lines. If you had to pick one or the other, wouldn't you choose to wait a little longer but have fresher food? We would want the best of what the place has to offer.
If you go to any fast-food place during a rush, you are more likely to get a fresh, hot meal. Instead of going at 3 PM, you will get a better quality meal at noon. It will actually be worth it to wait a few extra minutes because the food is freshly cooked.
8. Substitute Fudge For Chocolate Syrup In A McDonald's Frappe
We all know that frappes are not the healthiest item on the menu, but if you are craving a chocolate milkshake, there is a better way to order it, and it will have caffeine to keep you awake even after the sugar crash.
Instead of getting the regular chocolate syrup in the frappe, ask to substitute it with fudge. This will make your drink more chocolatey and delicious. Is anyone else's mouth-watering, or is it just us? Although we might not get a large one, this one looks terrific.
9. Substitute Anything You Want In Your Jamba Juice
On a hot summer day, Jamba Juice is the perfect mid-day pick-me-up. With so many drink options to choose from, there is something for everyone. What people don't know is that you can customize any smoothie on their menu.
You can substitute anything in any of their menu items, so the possibilities are endless. The employees have to abide by the substitution requests and shouldn't be opposed to whatever changes you want in your drink. Just remember to be nice to them when making a bunch of changes.
10. Add Rice To Any Chipotle Meal For Free
No one can deny that getting free things is always a perk, especially with food. Fast food restaurants have plenty of free add-ons that they don't tell you about because they don't want to waste money. However, we are here to spill Chipotle's secret.
You might not know this if you aren't a frequent customer, but you can get free rice with any Chipotle order. We didn't know you could get extra food without paying! They are not advertising that for obvious reasons.
11. The Starbucks Sleeve Is A Handy Place To Hold Your Splash Stick
If you didn't know, those little plastic sticks by the pick-up counter at Starbucks are not for decoration; they are to keep your drink from spilling. They act as a stopper for the little hole in the lid, but what do you do with it while you are drinking?
Instead of losing the stick, which you probably still need, tuck it into the sleeve so you can keep using it in between sips. This way, you won't accidentally spill coffee down the front of your clean shirt while you rush to the office.
12. At McDonald's Ask For The Bun Used On Filet-O-Fish
Although the Filet-O-Fish at McDonald's is not their best sandwich, the steamed bun it comes on is the best one they offer. The bun is softer, fluffier, and not tough like the other ones. You can ask for your sandwich on one of these buns to make your meal better.
If you thought your McChicken or Big Mac couldn't get any better, think again. This will make your meal ten times better without costing you anything extra. Why not make your sandwich the best it could be with one simple substitute.
13. Take Advantage Of The Jack-In-The-Box Value Menu And Save Money On This Special Burger
If you live on the west coast, you are probably familiar with Jack-in-the-Box. They are known for their burgers, and people love the ultimate bacon cheeseburger, but it is more expensive than other items on their menus.
Instead of ordering the ultimate bacon cheeseburger, get two jr. bacon cheeseburgers off the value menu because it is the less expensive version of the ultimate burger. It tastes pretty much the same, but your wallet won't be as empty after.
14. When Monopoly Season Comes At McDonald's Get Free Stickers
Although this is no longer a promotion in the US, other McDonald's worldwide still do the Monopoly promotion. It was discontinued in the US because of a fraud scandal by the people hired to organize and promote the game.
If you do live somewhere that runs the promotion, ask for a large ice water because you will get the stickers without paying for a drink. They usually don't have the large plain cups during this season because no one would think to do this.
15. Use The Lid Of The Fries To Hold Ketchup
When you eat fries on the go, there usually isn't a place for the ketchup. It's frustrating because fries are so much better when they have ketchup on the side, but that isn't an option sometimes, which ruins the fry experience.
When you go to Mcdonald's and order fries, they come in a container with a flip lip. You can use the lid as a ketchup holder, so you have a dip for the delicious fries. Just make sure to bend the edge up, so the ketchup doesn't spill everywhere.
16. Order A Double Cheeseburger At McDonald's And Save Money
Have you ever craved a Big Mac but didn't feel like paying for one? We have a trick to save you almost three dollars. Who doesn't love to save money and get the same amount of food? Do fast-food chains realize most of their food is the same with varying prices?
Instead of ordering a Big Mac, go with the double cheeseburger (McDouble). Then, replace the ketchup and mustard with pickles, extra lettuce, and special sauce. Your craving will be satisfied, and you will have an extra couple of dollars in your wallet.
17. Starbucks Will Give You More Coffee When You Ask For Light Ice
Have you ever ordered from Starbucks and felt like the whole cup was ice with only a drop of coffee? They charge you an arm and a leg for something that is hardly any better than what people can make at home, so why is it mostly ice in the cup instead of the coffee you pay so much for.
Instead of getting a cup full of ice with half the amount of coffee, use this trick to maximize your order. Ask for light ice because they will use more coffee. You will get much more for the price you are paying, and the drink won't get too watery halfway through drinking it.
18. Get More Meat And Less Cheese On A Subway Cheesesteak By Asking For This
When you order a cheesesteak, you want to get something with the right amount of steak compared to cheese. If you wanted a cheese sandwich, you would probably just order one instead of spending money on the steak, right?
The next time you go to Subway for a cheesesteak, ask for a double steak and cheese instead because you get much more meat, and the cheese doesn't overpower the whole thing. Keep scrolling to see how to keep all of that steak securely in your sandwich.
19. Ask For "Old Cut Style" At Subway To Keep The Toppings Inside
Although most people wouldn't consider Subway to be the best sandwich option, we think it is pretty delicious. The only problem we have is that the toppings always fall out of the bread, leaving a big mess and a topping-less sandwich.
The next time you order a Subway sandwich, ask them for an "old cut style" sub. Instead of cutting it straight down the middle, they will slice it in a deep "V" to keep the toppings from falling out of the sides. Then you won't have a huge mess on your plate.
20. McDonald's Has A Secret Apple Pie McFlurry
While most people think apple pie is reserved for Thanksgiving, McDonald's sells its apple pie year-round. You can get your Thanksgiving fix even if it is the middle of summer, and we just discovered a special item that will elevate this experience.
One of McDonald's secret menu items is the apple pie McFlurry. They basically blend a whole slice of their apple pie into a McFlurry, and it is fantastic. It is rightfully the most famous secret menu item, and it is not really a secret anymore.
21. Ask For A Round Egg On Your McDonald's Sandwich
The bacon, egg, and cheese from McDonald's is one of the most classic breakfast sandwiches out there. It's hard to mess up one of these, but there is still a way to order it correctly, so you get the freshest sandwich possible.
When you order an Egg McMuffin, ask for a round egg instead of the folded egg. They cook the round eggs in an egg ring with each order, so you know it is super fresh. The folded egg is probably something from the freezer.
22. Customize Your Order For A Fresh Patty At Burger King
While some people change their order every time they get something at Burger King, others just order straight off the menu. Did you know it's actually better to customize your burger because they have to make it fresh instead of one of the pre-made burgers?
Every time you customize your burger order at Burger King, they get a fresh patty off the grill instead of one that has been in a warmer drawer. You will be able to taste the difference when you try this hack.
23. Avoid Philly Steak Pizza At Domino's
Domino's has many delicious options for the perfect pizza night, but there are certain menu items that employees wouldn't recommend. The next time you place a Domino's order, avoid the Philly steak and American cheese because they aren't fresh.
Employees have said that the steak and American cheese are only used for sandwiches and one specialty pizza, so they often sit out for a long time. This makes them less fresh than other options. It's best to stick with the basics like plain or pepperoni.
24. Get More Meat At Arby's With This Ordering Trick
Arby's is known for its roast beef, so why would you order anything else there?! Some people think the regular sandwiches don't have enough meat on them, and we found a way to get more for your money with this simple ordering hack.
Instead of ordering a regular roast beef sandwich, ask for two junior roast beef sandwiches. You will get double to roast beef without spending more money. If you want to know more of Arby's secrets, keep reading!
25. Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Isn't Gluten-Free
Chick-fil-a is one of the best fast-food restaurants with their crispy chicken sandwiches and crunchy waffle fries. It grew in popularity over the past decade, and new stores have been opening up all over the place. However, if you are gluten-free, it might be a place you should avoid.
Although Chick-fil-a does have grilled options, they aren't necessarily gluten-free. They use the same prep stations for both the grilled and breaded chicken, so there is a lot of cross-contamination in case you are allergic. However, everything else is delicious.
26. Every Fast-Food Chain Has A Secret Menu
If you are not familiar with the term "secret menu," it is a list of foods chains have that are not listed on the menu but can be made if they have the right ingredients. However, some places will not make you these items because they are not trained and have no idea what you are talking about.
There are some items that have become so popular that they are no longer a secret. For example, In N' Out animal fries are technically a secret menu item, but most chains know how to make them. If you order something really out of the box, the employee might refuse.
27. Ask For Equal Portions Of Steak And Chicken At Chipotle Without Paying Extra
Have you ever had a hard time deciding between chicken and steak when you go to Chipotle? Sometimes you are in the mood for both, but if you don't order correctly, they will charge you for an extra protein even though there is an easy way to get both for the price of one.
Instead of asking for steak and chicken, remember to say you want equal parts of the proteins. This ensures that you will get more meat for the exact same price. Try this with our burrito money-saving trick, and your Chipotle order will be top-notch.
28. Ask For A Smaller Drink In A Larger Cup To Prevent Spills At Starbucks
Have you rushed to work because you spent too much time waiting in line at Starbucks only to spill the drink on your clean white shirt? It happens to the best of us, but we learned a secret to prevent spills as we are racing to the bus.
When you order your drink, ask them to put it in a larger cup. You will only pay for the size you wanted, but you will have some room to prevent spills. Unless you order a trenta, this trick will work. They don't have bigger cups than trenta, so those people are out of luck.
29. Ask For Your Food To Be Grilled Twice At Taco Bell For A Crunchier Bite
Nothing is worse than opening up the Taco Bell bag only to find that your food is a soggy, soft mess. If you want to make sure your Taco Bell favorites are hot and crunchy, there is a simple way to improve your order.
When you place your Taco Bell order next time, ask them to grill your food twice. This trick will ensure you get the crunchiest bite and make the food taste so much better. Just look at how perfectly golden brown her wrap is because it was double grilled.
30. Carry Your Subway Sandwich Like This To Prevent Soggy Buns
There is nothing more annoying than getting your Subway sandwich home and finding that one side is drenched in the sauce while the other half is lacking. Sometimes the sauce can take a sandwich to the next level, and too much dressing will make it taste bad.
The Subway bags are made so that it is standing up when you hold your sandwich, but that is wrong. Instead, use this person's trick and make a handle on the side of the bag, so the dressing stays in place while you travel with it.
31. If You Ask For Fries Without Salt, They Have To Make A Fresh Batch
While most people are scratching their heads wondering why anyone would want unsalted fries, there is a good reason to order them like this. We didn't even know it was possible to order unsalted fries at McDonald's until now.
When you order the fries unsalted, they'll have to make a fresh batch, and fresh fries are so much better than the ones that have been sitting out for hours. You can also control the salt level because McDonald's fries are just a tad too salty.
32. Order A Large Domino's Pizza With Toppings Instead Of The Hawaiian Pizza
We are already questioning anyone who would want to get Hawaiian pizza, but if anyone does like it, this will save you some money. This will probably start a debate, but is there anyone who actually likes Hawaiian pizza?
If you want to save yourself a few dollars when you order Domino's, get a large three-topping pizza with pineapple, ham, and bacon instead of ordering the "Honolulu Hawaiian Pizza." You can even add the parmesan and roasted red peppers as extra toppings.
33. Ask For A Cup Of Ice Water At Starbucks Instead Of Paying For A Bottle
We can all agree that water should be free wherever you go, but that is not always the case. For example, a bottle of water at Starbucks is $2, which isn't an outrageous price; however, there are ways to get the same quality water for free if you just ask.
Instead of paying for bottled water, ask for a venti ice water. Starbucks tap water is tripled-filter, so it is just the same, if not better, quality as the bottled water you would have to pay for. The only size they will make you pay for is a trenta, but a venti should be enough.
34. Avoid The Steak N Shake Chili
Steak N Shake is known for its steakburgers, milkshakes, and fries, but there are a few things you should avoid when you go there. Previous employees have said to avoid the BLT because they jip you with the amount of bacon. The bacon is the whole sandwich, and they only give two pieces.
Another former employee said to skip the chili because they never cycle the grease. We guess it's better to stick with the most popular items and get chili and BLTs elsewhere. However, if you are in the midwest, where this chain is popular, check out their steakburger.
35. Wendy's Chili Is Cooked With Special Meat
Wendy's might be the most underhyped fast food restaurant. Their chicken nuggets are much better than McDonald's, and they have better frosties. However, there is one popular menu item that has some questionable ingredients.
Wendy's chili is surprisingly popular, especially in the winter, because it is hearty, warm, and delicious. One thing they don't tell you is that it is made with meat from overcooked burgers throughout the week. The meat could be up to a week old if they don't sell that much.
36. Skip Panera Soup, Get A Sandwich
Panera really changed the idea of fast-food with its seemingly healthier options and more restaurant-style vibe. From their bakery selections to the pick-2 meal, some people forget that it is still under the fast-food category. However, there is one thing former employees say you should avoid.
Although Panera soups are some of its most popular menu items, a former employee revealed that they are not so fresh. The soup comes in frozen bags, and it has to be heated up. When it is transferred to the soup line, they use containers that don't get cleaned very often.
37. Little Caesars' Bread Sticks Are A Hard Pass
If you live on the east coast, you have probably heard of Little Caesars Pizza because of their commercials that advertise insane deals. They usually have some kind of promotion going on, which attracts people, and their pizza is comparable to Pizza Hut or Domino's.
While you are getting a great deal on a pizza combo, you might want to skip their popular breadsticks. According to one employee, they use old butter to coat the breadsticks, and they have seen people pick them up off the floor and add them to an order during busy times.
38. Stick With Baked Goods At Tim Hortons
If you are Canadian, you know that Tim Hortons is superior to the American alternatives, and that debate could go on for days. However, if you haven't been to the popular coffee chain, you might not know that they also sell soup and sandwiches.
Although the baked goods and coffee are good, you should probably avoid their other food options because one person said the soup is not fresh. They come frozen like most places, but a former employee said they found maggots in them. That is not what you want to hear from a food establishment.
39. Fresh Deli Meats Are The Way To Go At Jersey Mike's
If you love a good deli-style sub sandwich, Jersey Mike's will satisfy your craving. They freshly slice their deli meats and make each sandwich right in front of you like Subway, but a bit upgraded. There is only one item that people say to avoid at Jersey Mike's, and it is the chicken parm.
Former employees said the chicken parm is the only thing they wouldn't eat at Jersey Mike's because the chicken patty is microwaved, and it turns to mush within a few minutes. They also said the meatball sub is just as questionable, so stick with the deli meat.
40. The Orange Chicken At Panda Express Has A Hidden Secret
When we see Panda Express, the first thing that comes to our minds is a mall food court where an employee is giving out free samples of the popular orange chicken. Although it is one of their best selling items, the employees shared a secret that might turn you away from it.
Apparently, when business is slow, and the chicken starts to dry up, employees will pour uncooked sauce on the chicken to keep it moist. This might not bother some people, but it is a bit suspicious that they have to hide it.