Shrinkflation is very real. Things are getting smaller while staying the same price, and while this trend is happening everywhere, it feels especially bad when it shows up at fast-food chains.
Have you noticed that your burgers, fries, and drinks have shrunk? You’re not alone. Take a look at these seven fast-food chains that have all been hit by shrinkflation.
Arby’s
Fans have been complaining for a while now that Arby’s has been selling smaller and smaller fries and drinks, and one woman’s even gone so far as to sue the chain. Both Reddit and Twitter echo in agreement with the idea that Arby’s is complicit.
Five Guys
Remember the days when a small fries from Five Guys was enough for two people to share? Even though they were served in a tiny cup, there were still a ton more fries dumped on top and all over the bottom of the bag.
Those days are done. You get the one tiny cup now, no more, no less. Same price. Way fewer fries.
Burger King
Burger King’s been in serious trouble for this, especially since they used to claim that it takes two hands to hold a Whopper. Granted, that was a long time ago, but the fact remains: Whoppers are now smaller, and they cost more money. BK was even hit with a class action lawsuit over the size.
Taco Bell
Does it seem like the burritos are smaller? Does it feel like the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes are in a cup that’s both smaller on the top and on the bottom? Some fans have even claimed that those potatoes are being served in a cup, “maybe double the size of a nacho sauce cup.”
McDonald’s
Are Quarter Pounders always a quarter pound of meat? It’s not always obvious, and sometimes, it looks like a full lie. Former McDonald’s chefs have even gone on record to point out how these chains skimp on sizes.
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Chick-fil-A
What does your memory conjure of Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries? They were big, right? Golden? Perhaps even crispy? Sorry, now I’m just getting a little personal about my fry preferences. Moving back on track.
People are angry about the sizes of the fries and sandwiches at Chick-fil-A, of which the latter have seemed to go from bursting out of the bun to rarely reaching the edges.
Chipotle
We’ve covered it before, customers are noticing that Chipotle burritos and bowls are getting smaller. Reddit has gone crazy for it. I even wrote a bean and cheese burrito ranking for you people, and you’ll recall because of your excellent memory and dedicated fandom that my burrito was an absolute travesty for having spent $12. I’m an eyewitness, folks.
More Stories on Fast-Food ‘Shrinkflation’
- The 9 Biggest Fast‑Food Chain Ripoffs — Fast food isn’t cheap anymore, and Redditors say some chains dish up overpriced, sad‑looking meals; this story spotlights the worst offenders.
- 10 Fast‑Food Sides With the Biggest Price Increases — A 2024 study found fast‑food prices have jumped nearly 60% in a decade, with sides like fries and hash browns seeing especially steep hikes.
- The Absolute Worst Mexican Chains in America, According to Customers — Former favorites like Chuy’s and Chipotle have lost their luster; diners gripe that menus have been trimmed, portions are skimpy, and the prices are sky‑high.
