Fast-Food Favorites That Shrunk Without You Noticing
Remember when a fast-food combo actually felt like a meal? Somewhere along the way, those once-generous portions started shrinking. It’s called “shrinkflation” – and so many of your fave restaurants have it now.
McDonald’s
Fries and burgers just don’t pack the same punch they once did. Portions have quietly slimmed down, and even the iconic Big Mac seems noticeably smaller compared to the hearty versions people remember from the ’90s. What used to feel like a filling meal now feels more like a snack.
Burger King
Burger King is still a popular restaurant, but the Whopper isn’t anywhere near as, well, whopping these days.
Wendy’s
Frosty cups have gotten noticeably smaller over the years, and some have said the same thing of the nuggets and fries.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell tacos now seem lighter and less stuffed. The same goes for those delicious, but no longer filling, burritos.
Subway
Those famous “footlongs” don’t quite live up to their name anymore. In many cases, the sandwiches measure a little shorter than twelve inches, and the generous fillings that once made them feel hearty now seem noticeably lighter. What used to be a meal that kept you full all day often feels skimpy by comparison.
Domino’s
Pizza slices are thinner, with toppings spread more sparingly. You get less bang for the same buck, and pizza lovers are disappointed.
Pizza Hut
Some report that the crust is fluffier, but toppings feel skimpy. Plenty of fans have expressed annoyance at less pepperoni.
KFC
Those finger-lickin’ chicken pieces now look smaller in the bucket, and sides are portioned a bit tighter too.
Popeyes
Those famous biscuits and sides feel like they’ve been cut down by at least half. And what happened to the sauce?!
Arby’s
“We have the meats,” but not as much of it as previously advertised. Sandwiches are noticeably lighter and people are leaving still slightly hungry.
Jack in the Box
Tacos have somehow gotten tinier and less filled, and even the value menu feels skimpy. Fans are starting to get annoyed.
Sonic Drive-In
Milkshake sizes at Sonic are noticeably smaller, and everything else on the menu feels a bit less generous too.
Dairy Queen
Blizzards look smaller with fewer mix-ins. Sundaes are also more modest. It’s not going to keep that “Queen” title at this rate.
Five Guys
Fry bags aren’t overflowing like they once were. The restaurant still has fans, but they’re starting to roll their eyes a bit.
In-N-Out
The In-N-Out burgers stayed tasty but are definitely thinner than before. Animal Style fries aren’t as stuffed either.
Carl’s Jr.
Burgers here shrink while the wrappers stay the same size. And if you ask for extra cheese, it’s barely “extra” at all.
Hardee’s
Portions at Hardee’s rarely match the commercials anymore, and folks on Reddit are especially disappointed with the loaded omelette biscuit.
White Castle
Sliders at White Castle have always been small, but now they’re even less filling. The combo meals feel like they’re skimpier too.
Del Taco
These days, Del Taco burritos seem to be mostly tortilla with just a modest amount of filling inside. The tacos don’t escape the cutbacks either—what once looked like a generous pile of meat, cheese, and lettuce now feels a lot less packed. It’s hard not to notice that the portions don’t deliver the same satisfaction they used to.
Little Caesars
Hot-N-Ready pizzas appear smaller than they used to, and toppings are spread thinner too. What’s a pizza fan to do?
Papa John’s
They perhaps shouldn’t try Papa John’s. There’s now fewer pepperoni slices on pizza, and crusts feel lighter as well.
Culver’s
Culver's burgers shrank over time – definitely enough for people to notice – and the fries have shrunk as well.
Shake Shack
Burgers are skinnier than before, and fries aren’t piled as high. The milkshakes seem to be the same though, at least!
Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s subs have shrunk considerably recently, and cheese lovers might come away disappointed as well.
Jimmy John’s
Sandwiches here are still fast, but not as filling. One Reddit user expressed serious disappointment in their tuna sub.
Quiznos
Subs here are smaller with fewer toppings. Toasting doesn’t make up for the difference.
A&W
Root beer floats got disappointingly downsized here. Burgers and fries are feeling the shrinkflation too.
Checkers/Rally's
Fries aren’t piled as high as they used to be, and Reddit users are decidedly unimpressed with the amount of sauce you get.
El Pollo Loco
Chicken portions have been trimmed considerably, leaving you with a hole in your stomach to match the one in your wallet.
Boston Market
Sides like mashed potatoes and vegetables are smaller now. Entrees feel less hearty as well.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s burritos don’t feel as hearty as they once did. The tortillas are the same size, but the fillings inside seem noticeably lighter, leaving fans expecting a big, flavorful bite a little let down. For many regulars, it’s clear the portions just don’t deliver the same satisfaction anymore.
Chipotle
“$4.25 side order of chips & guacamole,” wrote a Redditor, “only got 10 (maybe) chips in a little bag.”
Panera Bread
Everything on sale here, especially the bread bowls, has just shrunk to disappointing proportions.
