The Best Fast Food Dupes at the Grocery Store

Don’t know about you, but my kids were REALLY easy to trick when they were younger, especially when they were hungry. Because they’re so darn gullible, I’m all about finding cheaper ways to create their fast food favorites, especially as fast food is no longer cheap food. So I set out to recreate popular fast food items without the drive-thru price tag. Here are my 18 favorite fast food dupes you can find on grocery store shelves and save BIG in the process.

1. Chicken McNuggets

What kid doesn’t love a box of McNuggets? For a fraction of the cost, you can find grocery store alternatives that taste just as good.

According to this Reddit thread filled with McNugget connoisseurs, the Pilgrim’s Ultimate Nuggets sold at Walmart and Safeway are a dead-ringer, especially for kids lacking a sophisticated palate.

They are made with rib meat which most closely aligns with what McDonald’s has going on with their McNuggets.

Pair them with some BBQ or sweet and sour sauce, and your kids will swear they are eating at McDonald’s.

Savings: 80% cheaper

WHY I CHOSE TO NOT INCLUDE PRICES IN THIS ARTICLE

While researching this article, I debated on whether to include the current prices of these dupes or not. In the end, I decided not to include the price for every item as these days they seem to go up monthly, so I didn’t want an article with a bunch of outdated prices and information. So instead I’m going to include a savings percentage that you can expect by buying these fast food dupes.

2. Five Guys Fries

Five Guys is known for somewhat soggy, yet golden, French fries – and now you can recreate the magic at home.

Five Guys cooks their fries in peanut oil, which gives them a rich, buttery flavor.

The absolute best imitations are Ore-Ida’s Crispy Straight Cut Fries ($8.64 for 5 lb bag) or Alexia’s Crispy French Fries ($6.49 for 28 oz bag) for that same fluffy interior and crunchy exterior.

Just bake them in the oven or air fryer, sprinkle with sea salt, and you’ve got a dupe that’s hard to resist.

Savings: 70% cheaper

PRO TIP: MORE PARENTAL CONTROL IS A GOOD THING

These options not only save money, but also give you more control over the ingredients and portion sizes that your kids are eating. Also, keep an eye out for sales and promotions and stock up if you have a freezer. You’ll be able to stock up on your favorite fast food-inspired treats while sticking to a budget.

See Also: 23 Secret Menus at Five Guys, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and more

3. Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich

It cost me over $70 to take my family of 5 to Chick-fil-A a few weeks ago. So ridiculous.

But kids love this place, so I was excited to discover that you can recreate their iconic Chicken sandwich simply by buying the Member’s Mark FULL Chicken sandwich at Sam’s Club.

You’ll get a box of 10 individually wrapped sandwiches at Sam’s for $21.98 which is $2.20 each,  compared to $6.99 for the original from Chick-fil-A.

Try it, your kids will never be the wiser, especially if they’re 10 or under.

Or you can find copycat sandwich recipe and create the whole thing at home for quarters on the dollar.

Savings: 69% cheaper

PRO TIP: A HEALTHIER OPTION

I have it on good authority that the MorningStar Meatless Chicken Patties are a very tasty substitute. Throw a patty on a sesame seed bun with some veggie mayo and shredded lettuce and you have a healthy McChicken sandwich.

4. Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries

Craving those iconic Chick-fil-A waffle fries? Member’s Mark Southern Style Waffle Fries (available at Sam’s Club) are an excellent dupe.

These fries have the same shape, crispy exterior, and fluffy interior that make them a perfect match for any burger or sandwich.

Just pop them in the oven or air fryer for an at-home version of the fast-food favorite.

Also, create your own Chick-fil-A sauce at home for the TOTAL experience.

Savings: 76% cheaper

PRO TIP: CHEAP CHICK-FIL-A SAUCE DUPE

The Great Value brand Chicken Dipping Sauce sold at Walmart is a dead ringer to the WAY more expensive Chick-fil-A bottle of sauce. You can get a 12 oz bottle for only $2.42, while you have to pony up $4.78 for a 16 oz bottle of Chick-fil-A sauce.

5. Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets

For a Chick-fil-A chicken nugget dupe, try Kirkland’s Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks or Just Bare Chicken Breast Chunks.

These nuggets have the same crispy exterior and juicy interior that make them great for dipping in honey mustard or Chick-fil-A sauce (which is now available in grocery stores).

Savings: 65% cheaper

6. Starbucks Egg Bites

Starbucks egg bites are a popular breakfast option, but you can get a similar meal from the grocery store and save money.

Look for Kirkland Sous Vide Egg Bites or Good Food Made Simple’s Egg White Patties in the frozen section.

They’re packed with protein, and all you need to do is heat them up for a quick, healthy breakfast.

Savings: 40% cheaper

7. Egg McMuffin

If you’re a fan of McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches, you can make your mornings more affordable by stocking up on frozen alternatives.

Jimmy Dean English Muffin Sandwiches or Red’s Egg & Sausage Sandwiches are convenient and deliver the same savory satisfaction.

Just heat them up in the microwave, and you’ve got breakfast on the go.

Savings: 50% cheaper

PREFER FRENCH TOAST STICKS?

When I was a kid, I absolutely loved the French Toast sticks at both Burger King and Carl’s Jr.. They were my go-to breakfast when my parents drove us thru on Saturday mornings heading to our soccer games. So when I tried the Great Value version sold at Walmart I was a bit skeptical. For about 3 bucks a box these things are dam delicious, not gonna lie. Trust me, your kids won’t be the wiser and will want to dip these in maple syrup on the regular.

See Also: Who Makes The Member’s Mark Products at Sam’s Club

8. Chili’s Mozzarella Sticks

When I first met my wife, she would order the mozzarella sticks and Caesar salad from Chili’s and that would be her entire meal. She absolutely LOVED their mozzarella sticks and had no problem paying the hefty price tag.

But a few years ago, she discovered Trader Joe’s Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks and they had the same crunchy bite and stringy cheese goodness for a fraction of the price. She was quite happy to say the lease and nowadays you can always find a bag of these bad-boys in our freezer.

Heat them up in the oven or air fryer for a snack that’ll hit the spot.

Savings: 80% cheaper

9. Wendy’s Chili

Wendy’s chili is known for its comforting flavors, and you can easily replicate it with…guess what….Wendy’s chili.

They actually can their chili and sell it at many grocery stores including Walmart and even at Amazon.

Add a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese for an even more authentic touch.

Savings: 40% cheaper 

10. Panda Express Orange Chicken

If you’re a fan of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken, you’ll love the version at Trader Joe’s. They are a regular at our house and loved by all 3 of my kids.

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken has become a cult favorite and has a very similar crispy chicken texture with that signature sweet and tangy orange sauce.

Another great option is InnovAsian Orange Chicken, which is equally delicious and easy to prepare at home.

Savings: 60% cheaper

PRO TIP: A CHEAP MCDONALD’S SAUSAGE BISCUIT

If you or your kids love the Sausage Biscuit at McDonald’s you can create one as good (if not better) at home for WAY cheaper. Just use Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits, Jimmy Dean sausage patties, and some mild cheddar cheese. You can make a dozen of them for about the same price as buying 4 from Mickey D’s.

11. In-N-Out Animal-Style Fries

For a delicious take on In-N-Out’s Animal-Style Fries, grab Ore-Ida’s Extra Crispy Fries and top them with grilled onions, melted American cheese, then drizzle everything with Bob’s Thousand Island dressing which I think most closely resembles In-N-Out’s.

Bake them until the cheese melts, and you’ll have a loaded fry experience that rivals the real thing.

Savings: 85% cheaper

12. Wendy’s Frosty

Wendy’s Frosty is an iconic treat, but you can easily recreate it at home with Carnation Instant Chocolate Malt powder and some vanilla ice cream.

Adding vanilla ice cream is the secret here as Dave Thomas thought all-chocolate would be too overpowering.

Blend the ingredients with milk to get that creamy, slightly malted taste, and enjoy a dupe that’s just as good as the drive-thru version.

Savings: 70% cheaper

13. McDonald’s Hash Browns

Love McDonald’s hash browns? You can find similar options at the grocery store, especially with the Hashbrowns Shredded Potato Patties from Trader Joe’s.

My kids absolutely loved these growing up and I personally actually thought they were better tasting than McDonald’s version.

These frozen patties crisp up nicely in the oven or air fryer, giving you that golden, crunchy texture perfect for pairing with a homemade egg sandwich or breakfast burrito.

Savings: 80% cheaper

14. Red Robin Onion Rings

Craving the Tower of Onion Rings from Red Robin?

Go straight to the source with frozen Red Robin Crispy Onion Rings sold at Walmart, Kroger, and other grocery stores. 

These frozen rings have a VERY similar crunchy coating and tender onion interior, making them a perfect side dish for any burger night.

Savings: 75% cheaper

PRO TIP: PREFER BURGER KING ONION RINGS?

I’m a big fan of the onion rings at Burger King and the Great Value Onion Rings at Walmart are a VERY convincing alternative. Plus, you can get a 16 oz bag for $4.12 making them way cheaper as a large order at BK will set you back $3.39.

15. Jack in the Box Tacos

I never understood why my mom would always order the tacos at Jack in the Box until a few years ago when I decided to try them for myself.

They’re unlike most tacos in that the tortilla and filling all kinda melt together in a mass of amazingness. If you’ve had them, you know what I mean.

I’ve found that the only taco that comes close to mimicking Jack in the Box’s tacos at home is José Olé Beef & Cheese Tacos.

They’re crunchy, cheesy, and satisfyingly spicy. For a homemade twist, bake them in the oven and serve with shredded lettuce and hot sauce on the side.

Savings: 70% cheaper

16. Krispy Kreme Glazed Donuts

If you’re craving Krispy Kreme’s glazed donuts, you can find them in grocery stores now.

Look for Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donuts in the bakery section of many supermarkets.

They come pre-packaged and deliver that same sweet, melt-in-your-mouth taste that Krispy Kreme is famous for.

They cost about $8 for a dozen at the grocery store, and closer to $20 if you visit an actual Krispy Kreme location.

Savings: 60% cheaper

PRO TIP: SCORE FREE KRISPY KREME

If your kid is a good student, have them take their report card to Krispy Kreme and they’ll give them a free glazed doughnut for every A, up to 6 doughnuts per report card. No purchase is required which is pretty darn cool. They can score free doughnuts every semester.

17. Popeyes Biscuits

To recreate Popeyes’ buttery biscuits, try Pillsbury’s Frozen Buttermilk Biscuits or Mary B’s Southern Style Biscuits.

Bake them up, and you’ll have flaky, golden biscuits that are perfect for breakfast or as a side to any meal.

Savings: 75% cheaper

18. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

For Raising Cane’s chicken finger experience at home, Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips are a great dupe.

These strips are crispy, juicy, and pair well with Ken’s Steakhouse Honey Mustard or a homemade version of Cane’s special sauce (many copycat recipes are available online).

Savings: 80% cheaper

Ask the Reader: What great fast food dupes am I missing? Let me know so I can stuff my face with more delicious food and test it out.

By Kyle James