Fast food prices are creeping up to the point where they’re almost as expensive as what you’d pay at a sit-down restaurant.
According to FinanceBuzz, menu prices have jumped between 39% and 100% from 2014 to 2024. That means today, you could be paying nearly double for the same meal compared to a decade ago.
People are starting to notice these price hikes. Recently, a woman shared her shock on TikTok after revealing the amount she paid for a family dinner at KFC.
Woman Stunned by KFC Meal Cost
TikTok creator Shannon Wilson (@shannonwilson013) recently posted a video where she vented her frustration with KFC’s pricing. The clip, which has racked up over 205,500 views, shows Wilson sitting in her car, looking worn out and disappointed.
“I’m seriously about to throw up right now,” she says. “I’m exhausted.”
Wilson explains that it was a Friday evening, and she decided to pick up dinner for her family at KFC. She told:
“I bought a 16-piece meal with four sides and added three chicken tenders. And guess what the total is? $59.04.”
She attributes the steep price to inflation, concluding her video with, “Guys, this inflation. It’s getting me.”
TikTok’s Latest Trend: These Viral AI Cat Videos Are Making Everyone Cry!
What’s Driving KFC’s High Prices?
While inflation is definitely pushing fast food prices up, FinanceBuzz points out that these increases have generally outpaced inflation, which was 31% over the same period.
McDonald’s, for example, has doubled its prices since 2014, outpacing inflation by 69%. Interestingly, KFC isn’t singled out in FinanceBuzz’s latest report, suggesting their prices have stayed more in line with inflation. So, what’s really going on?
One possible reason is the impact of avian influenza or bird flu. Between 2022 and 2023, 72 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds raised for food were killed or disposed of, according to Vox.
However, despite these challenges, KFC’s price increases haven’t been significantly higher than its competitors. In some cases, their prices even undercut the competition.
While rising fast food prices are frustrating, inflation seems to be the main culprit, driven by factors like rising labor costs, supply chain issues, and problems sourcing ingredients.
What Would You Do? Amazon Leaves a Giant Green Bin at Customer’s Door!
Commenters Weigh In
In the comments section of Wilson’s video, reactions were mixed. Some were shocked by the price, while others seemed resigned to these new norms.
“It’s crazy to eat these days. $60 at KFC is crazy,” wrote one user. Wilson replied, “I was seriously sick to my stomach.”
Another commenter added, “This life is not sustainable much longer!”
“KFC has been a ripoff for quite some time now,” remarked a third.
One user offered a practical solution: “Go to Costco and get a $5 rotisserie chicken. Convenience costs $$$$.”
Think Twice Before Buying Candy: Popular Candy Products Recalled for Safety Concerns!
The rising costs of fast food are certainly giving people something to talk about—and rethink their dining choices.