Budget Challenge: Eat 3 Meals at 3 Fast Food Spots for Under $15
Fast food might not be the healthiest habit—but it can definitely be the most budget-friendly if you plan it right. With rising prices across the board, eating three full meals for under $15 sounds almost impossible. But with a little strategy and smart menu choices, it’s still achievable at select chains. Here’s how to complete the under-$15 fast food challenge without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Meal 1: Breakfast at Dunkin’ – $4.78
Dunkin’ keeps breakfast simple and affordable with customizable deals via the app.
- Sausage Wake-Up Wrap – $2.49
- Classic Donut – $1.29
- Small Hot Coffee (with app reward) – $1.00
Pro Tip: You can also buy a Dunkin’ gift card with cashback to stack even more savings.
Meal 2: Lunch at Taco Bell – $4.84
Taco Bell’s Cravings Value Menu is still one of the most customizable in the fast food world.
- Beefy 5-Layer Burrito – $2.49
- Cheesy Bean & Rice Burrito – $1.19
- Medium Fountain Drink – $1.16
Pro Tip: Order through the Taco Bell app for exclusive discounts and to access limited-time Cravings Boxes. You can also earn cashback at Taco Bell with a Fluz gift card if you’re ordering in-store or online.
Meal 3: Dinner at Wendy’s – $5.00 Flat
Wendy’s $5 Biggie Bag is still a champion of budget meals, offering solid variety and volume.
- $5 Biggie Bag: Includes Bacon Double Stack (or Jr. Cheeseburger), 4-Piece Nuggets, Small Fries, and Small Drink
Pro Tip: Join Wendy’s Rewards to stack points toward free menu items. Prices may vary slightly by location, but most stores still offer the Biggie Bag right at the $5 mark.
Total Spend: $14.62
With room to spare under $15, this challenge proves that you can still eat three full fast food meals a day without blowing your budget. Bonus points if you use a cashback app like Fluz to purchase digital gift cards in real time for each order and earn money back instantly.
Challenge Tips for Success
- Use mobile apps for exclusive prices and daily deals
- Skip third-party delivery to avoid service and delivery fees
- Stack rewards programs with gift cards from cashback platforms for maximum value
- Customize orders for calorie or dietary preferences without adding to the total
Conclusion
The under-$15 fast food challenge is a great way to test your budget-savvy skills while enjoying a variety of meals from popular chains. With smart choices and a little tech help, you can make every dollar count—without skipping your favorite flavors.
