I don’t know about you, but my kids were really easy to fool when they were young, especially when they were hungry. Because they are so gullible, I am eager to find ways to make their favorite fast foods cheaper, especially since fast food is no longer cheap food. So I decided to recreate a popular fast food item without the drive-thru price tag. Here are 18 of my favorite fast food ducks 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? You can find equally delicious grocery store alternatives for a fraction of the cost.
According to this Reddit thread full of McNugget enthusiasts, Pilgrim’s Ultimate Nuggets, sold at Walmart and Safeway, are very appealing, especially to children who lack sophisticated palates.
These are made with rib meat, which is most consistent with what McDonald’s does with their McNuggets.
Pair it with barbecue sauce or sweet and sour sauce and your kids will swear they’re eating at McDonald’s.
Savings: 80% cheaper
Why I decided not to list prices in this article
While researching this article, I debated whether to include current prices for these ducks. Lately, prices seem to be going up every month, and I didn’t want to include outdated prices or information in the article, so I ultimately decided not to list prices for all products. So instead, we’re including the savings you can expect by purchasing these fast food ducks.
2. Grow Cane Chicken Fingers
For a Raising Cane chicken finger experience at home, try Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips.
These strips are crunchy and juicy, and pair well with Ken’s Steakhouse’s homemade version of honey mustard or Ken’s signature sauce (many copycat recipes are available online).
Savings: 80% cheaper
UPDATE: Thanks to Donald in the comments, Tyson’s strip has too much crumb to be a Raising Canes duck. But I’ve found another product that seems to have potential (see screenshot below): Famous Chicken Fingers, which are a great value. Please let me know if you have tried it.
3. Five Guys Fly
Five Guys is known for its freshly cut and twice-cooked fries, and now you can recreate that magic at home.
Five Guys cooks their fries in peanut oil, which creates a rich, buttery flavor that’s a little difficult to recreate.
That said, the absolute best copycats are Ore-Ida’s Crispy Straight Cut Fries or Alexia’s Crispy French Fries, with the same fluffy inside and crispy outside.
Simply bake in the oven or air fryer, sprinkle with sea salt, and you’ve got duck that any child will find hard to resist.
Savings: 70% cheaper
Pro tip: More parental controls are a good thing
These options not only save you money, but also give you more control over the ingredients and portions your child eats. Also, keep an eye out for sales and promotions, and stock up on your freezer if you have one. You can stock up on your favorite fast food-style treats while staying on budget.
Related article: 23 secret menus from Five Guys, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and more
4. Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich
A few weeks ago, it cost us over $70 to take our family of five to Chick-fil-A. That’s so ridiculous.
But my kids love this place, so I was excited to discover that you can recreate the iconic chicken sandwich by simply purchasing a Member’s Mark full chicken sandwich at Sam’s Club.
You can get a box of 10 individually wrapped sandwiches for $21.98 at Sam’s. Chick-fil-A’s original sandwich costs $6.99, but it’s $2.20 each.
Give it a try. Children are never wiser, especially children under the age of 10.
Or you can copy the sandwich recipe and make it all at home for a few quarter dollars.
Savings: 69% cheaper
Pro tip: Healthier options
I’m convinced that Morningstar’s Meatless Chicken Patties are a very tasty alternative. Place the patty on a sesame seed bun, add vegetable mayonnaise and shredded lettuce, and you have a healthy McChicken sandwich.
5. 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 a great duck.
These fries are the same shape, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them the perfect accompaniment to any burger or sandwich.
Just pop it in the oven or air fryer and enjoy an at-home version of the fast food favorite.
Also, make your own Chick-fil-A sauce at home for a total experience.
Savings: 76% cheaper
Pro Tip: Cheap Chicken Fillet Duck with Sauce
The Great Value brand chicken dipping sauce sold at Walmart is much better than the more expensive Chick-fil-A bottled sauce. You can get a 12-ounce bottle for as little as $2.42, while a 16-ounce bottle of Chick-fil-A sauce will cost you a hefty $4.78.
6. Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
For Chick-fil-A chicken nugget ducks, try Kirkland’s lightly breaded chicken breast chunks or whole chicken breast chunks.
These nuggets are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them perfect for dipping into honey mustard or Chick-fil-A sauce (now available in grocery stores).
Savings: 65% cheaper
7. Starbucks egg bite
Starbucks egg bites are a popular breakfast option, but you can buy similar meals at the grocery store and save money.
Look for Kirkland Sous Vide Egg Bites or Good Food Made Simple egg white patties in the frozen section.
It’s packed with protein, so just heat it up for a quick and healthy breakfast.
Savings: 45% cheaper
8. Egg McMuffin
If you’re a fan of McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches, stock up on frozen sandwiches for a more affordable way to spend your mornings.
Jimmy Dean English Muffin Sandwiches and Red’s Egg & Sausage Sandwiches are convenient and offer the same flavor satisfaction.
Just heat it up in the microwave and you can have breakfast on the go.
Savings: 50% cheaper
Prefer stick French toast?
When I was a kid, I loved French toast sticks from Burger King and Carl’s Jr. It was my go-to breakfast on Saturday mornings when my parents drove me to the soccer game. So when I tried the bargain version sold at Walmart, I was a little skeptical. At about $3 a box, these are really delicious, I’m not going to lie. Trust me, your kids would be none the wiser and want to dip these in maple syrup on a regular basis.
See also: Manufacturers of Sam’s Club Member’s Mark products
9. Chili mozzarella sticks
When I first met my wife, she ordered mozzarella sticks and a Caesar salad at Chili’s and that was all she had to eat. She loves mozzarella sticks and had no problem paying the high price for them.
But a few years ago, she discovered Trader Joe’s breaded mozzarella sticks. It had the same crunchy bite and stringy cheesy goodness for a fraction of the price. She said Reese very happily. And now we always have a bag of these bad guys in our freezer.
Heat in the oven or air fryer for a ready-to-eat snack.
Savings: 80% cheaper
10. Wendy’s Chili
Wendy’s chili is known for its pleasant flavor, which is easy to recreate. It’s easy to recreate using Wendy’s chili.
They actually can their chili and sell it at many grocery stores including Walmart and even Amazon.
Add lots of sour cream and shredded cheese for an even more authentic taste.
Save: 30% cheaper
11. Panda Express Orange Chicken
If you’re a fan of Panda Express’ orange chicken, you’ll love the version at Trader Joe’s. It’s a regular at our house and all three of our children love it.
Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a cult favorite, featuring a signature sweet and tangy orange sauce and a very similar crispy chicken texture.
Another great option is InnovaAsian Orange Chicken. This is equally delicious and easy to prepare at home.
Savings: 60% cheaper
Pro tip: cheap McDonald’s sausage biscuits
If you or your kids love McDonald’s sausage biscuits, you can make just as delicious (if not more) sausage biscuits at home for less. Just use Pillsbury buttermilk biscuits, Jimmy Dean sausage patties, and mild cheddar cheese. You can make 12 for about the same price as buying 4 from Mickey D’s.
12. Animal style fries
For a delicious take on In-N-Out’s animal-style fries, pick up Ore-Ida’s Extra Crispy Fries, topped with grilled onions, melted American cheese, and the best version of In-N. Top with all the Bob’s Thousand Island Dressing you want. -It’s out.
Bake until the cheese melts for a rich frying experience that rivals the real thing.
Savings: 85% cheaper
13. Wendy’s Frosty
Wendy’s Frosty is an iconic treat, but it’s easy to recreate at home with Carnation’s instant chocolate malt powder and vanilla ice cream.
The secret here is to add vanilla ice cream because Dave Thomas thought chocolate alone was too strong.
Blending the ingredients with milk creates a creamy, slightly malty flavor that’s just as delicious as the drive-thru version.
Savings: 70% cheaper
14. McDonald’s Hash Browns
Do you like McDonald’s hash browns? You can find similar options at grocery stores, especially Trader Joe’s Hash Browns Shredded Potato Patties.
My kids loved these growing up, but I personally actually thought they tasted better than McDonald’s version.
These frozen patties crisp up nicely in the oven or air fryer, giving them a golden, crispy texture that’s perfect for pairing with homemade egg sandwiches or breakfast burritos.
Savings: 80% cheaper
15. Red Robin Onion Rings
Do you want a tower of onion rings from Red Robin?
Get frozen Red Robin Crispy Onion Rings from Walmart, Kroger, and other grocery stores and go straight to the source.
These frozen rings have a very similar crunchy coating and soft onions, making them the perfect side dish for burger night.
Savings: 75% cheaper
Pro tip: Prefer Burger King onion rings?
I’m a big fan of Burger King’s onion rings, but Walmart’s bargain onion rings are a very compelling option. Plus, bulk orders at BK cost $3.39, so you can get a 16-ounce bag for $4.12, which is a lot cheaper.
16. Jack in the Box Tacos
I never understood why my mom always ordered tacos at Jack in the Box until a few years ago when I decided to try tacos for myself.
Unlike most tacos, the tortilla and filling all meld together for a great flavor. If you’ve ever owned one, you’ll know what I mean.
It turns out that the only taco you can duplicate Jack in the Box’s tacos at home is the Jose Ole Beef & Cheese Taco.
It’s crunchy, cheesy, and satisfyingly spicy. For a homemade twist, roast in the oven and serve with shredded lettuce and hot sauce.
Savings: 70% cheaper
17. Krispy Kreme Glazed Donuts
If you’re craving a Krispy Kreme glazed donut, you can now find it at your grocery store.
Look for Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donuts in the bakery section of many supermarkets.
Pre-packaged, they deliver the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth flavor that Krispy Kreme is famous for.
A dozen at the grocery store costs about $8, or closer to $20 at an actual Krispy Kreme store.
Savings: 60% cheaper
Pro Tip: Improve your Krispy Kreme score for free
If your child is in high school, have them take their report card to a Krispy Kreme store. Get one free glazed donut for every A, up to a maximum of six per report card. No need to purchase. This is very cool. Earn free donuts every semester.
18. Popeyes Biscuits
To recreate Popeyes’ buttery biscuits, try Pillsbury’s Frozen Buttermilk Biscuits or Mary B’s Southern Style Biscuits.
Baking produces crispy, golden-brown biscuits that are perfect for breakfast or as an accompaniment to meals.
Savings: 75% cheaper
Ask our readers: What great fast food ducks am I missing? Let me know because I’d love to stuff my face with more delicious food and try it.
Written by Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save money at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Costco. Ta. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and The New York Times for my money-saving tips. (learn more)
