The Fast Food Menu Hacks Employees Secretly Approve
Some of the best fast food orders aren’t even on the menu. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your go-to combo or unlock hidden items that insiders swear by, fast food menu hacks are the not-so-secret way to get more flavor, value, and satisfaction from your next drive-thru run.
We’ve gathered the most employee-approved and customer-tested menu hacks you can actually order—no eye rolls or awkward explanations required.
- Order a “Poor Man’s Big Mac” at McDonald’s
Want a Big Mac but don’t want to pay Big Mac prices? Here’s the hack: order a McDouble and ask for no ketchup or mustard, but add shredded lettuce and Big Mac sauce. You’ll get the flavor of a Big Mac for nearly half the price—minus the extra bun.
- Get Animal Style Fries at In-N-Out
This one’s classic but still gold. Ask for your fries “Animal Style” and they’ll come loaded with melted cheese, grilled onions, and secret spread. It’s not on the board, but every In-N-Out employee knows what it means.
- Customize Your Crunchwrap at Taco Bell
Crunchwraps are already genius, but you can customize them way beyond what’s listed. Add nacho cheese, swap beef for black beans, or make it spicy with jalapeños and Diablo sauce. Use the Taco Bell app for the easiest customization options.
- Add a Hash Brown to Your Breakfast Sandwich at Starbucks
Starbucks isn’t just for coffee. If you’re grabbing a breakfast sandwich, add a side hash brown into the sandwich. Many locations are used to this request, and it adds crunch and carbs that actually make it feel like a real meal.
- “Well-Done” Fries at Five Guys
Want crispier fries? Ask for them “well-done.” It’s a quiet secret known to regulars—and one most employees will happily do if the kitchen isn’t slammed. You’ll get golden, extra-crispy fries that hold up longer, especially for takeout.
- Burger King’s “Frings” Combo
Can’t decide between fries and onion rings? Ask for “Frings”—an off-menu mix of both. It’s not official everywhere, but many Burger King locations will create a half-and-half order if you ask at the register.
- Ask for “Steamed Buns” at McDonald’s
If your McDonald’s burger bun ever seems dry or stale, try this trick: ask for a “steamed bun.” It makes your burger softer, warmer, and honestly more satisfying. Employees do this automatically for Filet-O-Fish orders, but you can request it for any sandwich.
- Add Buffalo and Ranch to Anything at Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A’s sauce game is elite, and employees are used to wild combinations. Try adding both Buffalo and Ranch sauces to a spicy chicken sandwich—it’s like having a whole new menu item.
- Build Your Own Bowl at Chipotle (and Get More Food)
Instead of ordering a burrito, build a bowl with half rice + half beans + double fajita veggies. Then ask for two salsas and both sour cream and cheese. You’ll get more food for the same price, and it’s easier to eat on the go.
- Follow TikTok for Weekly Hacks
Fast food lovers and employees regularly share new hacks and combinations on TikTok. Follow tags like #fastfoodhacks or #menusecrets to discover what’s trending at your favorite chains.
Final Thought
Fast food doesn’t have to be boring—or overpriced. With a little creativity and the right lingo, you can eat like a pro while stretching your dollars further. Try one of these insider-approved hacks on your next trip through the drive-thru, and you might never go back to the regular menu again.
