Build Your Own Value Meal: What to Order and Where
With rising prices and smaller portions becoming the norm, fast food value meals don’t always deliver the savings they used to. But with a little creativity, you can still assemble your own budget-friendly combo using à la carte menu items. From breakfast to dinner, here’s how to build your own value meal across major chains—and which combinations give you the best bang for your buck in 2025.
- McDonald’s: The Mix-and-Match Dollar Duo
McDonald’s continues to offer select items for $1 to $3 in many regions. Pairing an any-size soft drink ($1.39) with a McChicken or small fries is an easy way to stay under $5.
Bonus tip: Use the McDonald’s app to unlock daily app-only deals and additional custom combos.
Sample DIY meal:
- McChicken – $2.49
- Small Fries – $2.19
- Any-size Soft Drink – $1.39
Total: ~$6.07
- Taco Bell: $5 Box Alternative
If the Build Your Own Cravings Box isn’t available in your area, you can create a similar meal manually.
Sample DIY meal:
- Spicy Potato Soft Taco – $1.29
- Cheesy Bean & Rice Burrito – $1.69
- Regular Nachos – $1.99
- Medium Drink – $1.99
Total: ~$6.96
View more options on the Taco Bell Value Menu
- Wendy’s: Beyond the Biggie Bag
If you want to swap out the Biggie Bag items for something different, you can assemble your own combo from Wendy’s à la carte options.
Sample DIY meal:
- Jr. Cheeseburger – $2.19
- 4-Piece Nuggets – $1.99
- Small Fries – $2.19
- Small Drink – $1.89
Total: ~$8.26
Check latest pricing via the Wendy’s app
- Burger King: Customize the “2 for” Strategy
Burger King often runs 2 for $5 or 2 for $6 deals, but if those don’t apply in your region, you can create a low-cost combo using small sides and sandwiches.
Sample DIY meal:
- Value Hamburger – $2.29
- Value Onion Rings – $2.39
- Small Fountain Drink – $1.89
Total: ~$6.57
Find more local prices in the BK app
- Subway: Mini Meals and App-Only Deals
Subway’s pricing varies heavily by location, but a 6-inch Veggie Delite with a fountain drink and cookie can still form a filling combo.
Sample DIY meal:
- 6″ Veggie Delite – $4.99
- Cookie – $0.99
- 21oz Drink – $1.89
Total: ~$7.87
Order ahead and earn points through Subway Rewards
How to stretch your savings even more
If you want to push your value even further, consider paying with a digital gift card purchased from a cashback platform like Fluz. You can buy a Taco Bell gift card with cashback, or pay with a Wendy’s or McDonald’s gift card and earn instant savings on top of your custom combo. Buying gift cards for the exact amount due keeps your budget tight while still unlocking cashback rewards.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to stick with pre-built combo meals to save money. By building your own from value menus and leveraging loyalty apps or cashback gift cards, you’ll get more food for less. With a little planning, every fast food stop can still feel like a deal.
