The Role of Ingredients and Supply Chain Factors

Trying to follow what’s making prices jump is like herding cats. Corn, oil, whatever—every ingredient is on its own rollercoaster. Supply chain? Forget it. There’s always a new “temporary shortage” or price spike, so “cheap” fast food just keeps getting sneakier.

The Cost of Ingredients Like Corn

Corn is everywhere. Seriously, it’s in the oil, the bread, the soda. U.S. corn futures shot up 30% in mid-2024, so every menu quietly gets more expensive. The kid at the counter doesn’t blink, but you know the price is up.

All the corn derivatives—high-fructose syrup, cornstarch—show up in buns, ketchup, tortillas. Dr. Linsey Ganson (ag economist, which sounds exhausting) says when corn jumps, chains scramble to rewrite contracts or just cut corners. Smaller boxes, less filler, whatever. They’ll tell you it’s about “health,” but come on.

If you think it’s about corn on the cob, you’re missing the point. Chicken tenders are basically corn and mystery meat, right?

Ingredient Sourcing and Price Fluctuations

Honestly, feels like the industry spins a wheel every morning: inflation or supply drama? The global supply chain is a mess—ships stuck, fuel bouncing all over—so chains just hide the chaos behind “limited time” deals.

A franchise manager told me, “We’re stuck in contracts, then eggs double or avocados disappear. HQ just updates the app.” Scale sounds great until you realize you can’t just switch suppliers when things get weird.

Isn’t it weird that my burger probably traveled farther than I did last year? Every step adds a little cost. No warning, just a price bump or a missing promo. Inflation gets blamed, but who actually knows?

Frequently Asked Questions

Ever feel like the cashier’s just making up fees while you fumble with your wallet? Delivery, takeout—totally different fee universes. Prices for the same meal jump if I order on my phone instead of paying cash. Some 2023 study said Chick-fil-A’s online prices were almost 30% higher than in person (Eat This, Not That!—look it up).

What’s included in a restaurant’s service charge for takeout orders?

Oh, those “service charges”—they’re everywhere now. Sometimes they cover nothing. The clerk barely looks up. Supposedly it’s for packing or prepping, but I never see anyone hustling. My friend says it’s just standard now because of post-COVID staffing. I asked one owner, and he just shrugged. “Keeps the lights on.” But if I’m standing in line, why pay more? My dog’s in the car, judging me.

Is it common for restaurants to add packaging fees to my bill?

Yeah, even the little places tack on a $1 or $2 “packaging” fee for takeout, and the containers are never as “eco-friendly” as the sign suggests. I talked to a food accountant (yes, that’s a thing)—foam and plastic cost maybe 20 cents per order. Where’s the rest of the money going? Not to better napkins.

Last week, my salad place gave me compostable utensils that snapped as soon as I tried to use them. Still got charged the “green” fee. Honestly, I don’t know what compostable means anymore.

Can customers opt out of paying extra fees when ordering takeout?

I’ve tried. The cashier just shrugs. Big chains say nope, everyone pays the fees. Sometimes a local spot will skip it if you bring your own bag, but that’s rare.

Chef friend says: ask anyway. It’s awkward, but sometimes they’ll cut the fee if you look annoyed enough and order in person. Doesn’t always work. Last month I got charged for a bag I didn’t even take because I brought my own. Figures.

How do fast food chains justify additional charges for to-go orders?

They spin it as “operational necessity.” Heard that a million times. Food costs, cleaning, supply chain drama—whatever’s trending. Justification changes every quarter, but the fees never go away. Public earnings calls talk about “efficiency,” not customer perks.

SANITATION FEE. For one napkin. Still got billed.

Are there hidden fees I should watch out for when getting fast food delivery?

Oh, yeah. Delivery apps are a minefield. My chicken wrap went up $4 between menu and checkout, and it wasn’t just “delivery.” Watch for admin fees, small order surcharges, “regulatory fees” (whatever that means). PYMNTS says delivery customers pay almost double. I once saw an “integration fee.” Integrating what, exactly? My lunch with my dwindling bank account?

Sometimes the same meal at the same place costs more just because I’m ordering from my couch. Ridiculous.

What should I know about to-go fees before I place an order?

Honestly, I just tell everyone—look at your receipt. Every single line. Don’t trust those totals, because suddenly there’s an “environmental compliance” fee sitting there, and you’re like, what even is that? I mean, sure, some states have rules about plastic bags, but nobody’s talking about that weird extra charge for a straw or a cup lid. My neighbor works at a law office and says people keep calling in, mad about a $1 sauce packet, like anyone’s gonna sue over ketchup. (Would you? I wouldn’t. But maybe you would. People are wild.)

And, yeah, picking up your food in person sometimes dodges those annoying app fees. Worth it? Maybe, if you remember to wear shoes. I didn’t. Last month. Not my brightest moment.