Fast food hits different in America and so do the hacks. While the rest of the world orders from the regular menu, Americans know how to stretch the dollar, level up flavor, and turn basic items into masterpieces. Here are 9 fast food hacks the locals swear by.
9. The In-N-Out “Animal Style” Transformation
At the West Coast’s In-N-Out Burger, ordering burger or fries “Animal Style” is famously American. A burger ordered this way comes with a mustard-cooked beef patty, extra Thousand Island spread, pickles, and grilled onions. Animal Style fries are just as legendary; it’s smothered in melted cheese, grilled onions, and that signature spread.
8. The “Poor Man’s Big Mac” at McDonald’s
Everyone knows the Big Mac, but did you know you can get a nearly identical taste experience for a fraction of the price? Instead of ordering the iconic double-decker sandwich, you ask for a McDouble but with a few modifications: hold the ketchup and mustard, and add shredded lettuce and Big Mac sauce. The result is a sandwich that captures the flavor profile of a Big Mac.
7. Taco Bell’s “Fresco Style” for a Healthier Fix
At Taco Bell, you can order your favorite item “Fresco Style.” Ordering this way means the kitchen will remove any cheese, sour cream, and creamy sauces, replacing them with freshly prepared pico de gallo. This is a fantastic way to enjoy the Taco Bell flavors you love without the guilt!
6. The Five Guys “All The Way” Perk
At many fast food chains, every extra topping comes with an extra charge. But at Five Guys, generosity shines through. The ultimate American hack here is ordering your burger “All The Way” and getting a mountain of toppings like mayo, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, and grilled mushrooms. And yes, you guessed it; there’s no additional cost.
5. The Chipotle “Half-and-Half” Protein Hack
When ordering your burrito or bowl, instead of choosing just one protein, ask for half chicken and half steak (or any other combination). While you’re charged for the more expensive of the two meats, employees often give two generous “half” scoops that, when combined, add up to more than a single scoop of one meat.
4. The McDonald’s “Round Egg” Upgrade
This hack allows you to get a freshly-cracked egg on any breakfast sandwich. The secret is to ask for a “round egg.” This is the same type of egg used in the Egg McMuffin, and it’s cooked fresh on the griddle right when you order. This small change makes a difference, offering a better texture and a more authentic egg flavor that tastes like it came from your own kitchen.
3. The Chick-fil-A App and “Code Moo” for Free Food
Chick-fil-A has a rewards app that’s basically a goldmine for free food. Beyond the standard point-collection system, savvy Americans look out for special promotions and games. One example is the “Code Moo” game, which periodically offers players the chance to win free food items every week for several weeks. Also don’t forget to take the customer survey printed on your receipt. It often leads to a free sandwich on your next visit.
2. The Subway “Old Cut” for a Better Sandwich Experience
For years, Subway has used a standard cut, slicing their bread horizontally. However, long-time fans know all about the “old cut.” This involves digging a V-shaped trench out of the top of the loaf, creating a trough that holds the ingredients more securely. This prevents toppings from falling out of the sides as you eat.
1. The Starbucks Birthday Reward Maximizer
Getting a free drink on your birthday is a known perk of the Starbucks Rewards program. But the truly American hack is maximizing its value. The birthday reward can be used for almost any handcrafted drink on the menu, regardless of size or the number of customizations. Meaning, you can go all out! To take advantage of this, you must be a member of the rewards program for at least seven days before your birthday and have made at least one purchase in the past year.