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include the price for every item as these days they seem to go up monthly, so I didn’t want an article with a bunch of outdated prices and information.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. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

For Raising Cane’s chicken finger experience at home, try Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips.

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

UPDATE: Thanks to Donald in the comments, the Tyson strips have too much breading to be a Raising Canes dupe. But I found another product that appears to have potential (see screenshot below)…the Great Value Famous Chicken Fingers. Let me know if you’ve tried them.

3. Five Guys Fries

Five Guys is known for their freshly cut and twice cooked 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, making them a little tricky to duplicate.

With that said, the absolute best imitations are Ore-Ida’s Crispy Straight Cut Fries or Alexia’s Crispy French Fries 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 any kid will find 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

4. 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.

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 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.

6. 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

7. 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: 45% cheaper

8. 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

9. 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 least 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

10. 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: 30% cheaper 

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

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

When shopping at Sam’s Club, one of the biggest draws for members is the private label brand known as Member’s Mark. But have you ever wondered who actually makes these products? I decided to take a deep-dive look at the manufacturers behind Member’s Mark products, how much you can save by opting for them, and whether or not they offer the same quality as their branded counterparts.

First of All, What Is “Member’s Mark”?

Member’s Mark is Sam’s Club’s private label, created to offer high-quality products at a fraction of the cost of national name brands.

Sam’s Club, owned by Walmart, uses Member’s Mark as a way to compete with brands by offering products that are just as good—if not better—than those from big names, but at a lower price.

It’s basically what Kirkland is to Costco, if that helps.

Member’s Mark spans across numerous categories, including:

– Groceries (frozen foods, snacks, beverages, fresh produce)

– Clothing (casual wear, activewear)

– Health & Beauty (vitamins, supplements, beauty products)

– Household Products (cleaning supplies, paper products)

– Furniture & Home Decor (bedding, kitchen appliances, furniture)

– Electronics

The Name-Brands That Make Member’s Mark Products

While Sam’s Club doesn’t disclose exactly who manufactures their Member’s Mark products, it’s well known that many BIG name brands make products specifically for Sam’s.

Here are some of the key categories and their manufacturers:

Bottled Water

– Manufacturer: Niagara Bottling

– Details: After some sleuthing, I found an Amazon review of the Member’s Mark bottled water that proved to be my smoking gun that it was indeed made by Niagara. A gal ordered a case and discovered that it’s simply purified tap water. Turns out a bottling plant run by Niagara (in Richmond, VA) purifies it, adds some stuff for taste, then labels and packages it for Member’s Mark.

Coffee

– Manufacturer: Keurig Green Mountain, Westrock Coffee Roasting, and Treehouse Foods.

– Details: Member’s Mark ground coffee is made by Treehouse and Westrock. Their K-cups are made by Green Mountain and Treehouse.

PRO TIP: CALL SAM’S CLUB AND ASK

If there’s a specific Member’s Mark product that you want to know who the manufacturer is, call Sam’s at (888) 746-7726 and there’s a great chance they can get you the information. Perhaps you’ve had an issue with one of their products, or maybe you’re like me, and just curious. Be proactive, call the number, and they should be able to tell you the company that makes it.

Batteries

– Manufacturer: Energizer

– Details: Energizer makes all Maker’s Mark household batteries including AAA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt. A few years ago a Sam’s shopper actually saw an Energizer rep setting up the battery display, they started up a conversation and he confirmed that Energizer indeed makes them and repackages them for Sam’s Club.

Jeans

– Manufacturer: Wrangler

– Details: I thought this one was funny, when you do a Google search for “Member’s Mark jeans” one of the first results is for Amazon. Then when you click on it, it actually goes to their Wrangler jeans page.

PRO TIP: DON’T SLEEP ON THE MEMBER’S MARK STRAIGHT FIT JEANS

For $14.98, these jeans at Sam’s Club are a great deal. I have a pair and they are the most comfortable jeans I own. Way better fit than my Levi 501, American Eagle straight fit, and a pair of expensive J.Crew jeans that I own. Plenty of room in the crotch, the stretch fit makes them very comfortable in the legs, especially the thigh area. If you like Wrangler jeans, you’ll LOVE these jeans.

Dog Food

– Manufacturer: Purina and Mid America Pet Food

– Details: Purina might make some of their dog food, but Mid America definitely makes most of it. Their tops brands include Eagle Mountain and Victor Premium.

Macarons

– Manufacturer: Sublime Desserts

– Details: Back in 2022, Sam’s had to do a recall right before Christmas on their Macarons. In the FDA filing, it listed the high end dessert maker, Sublime Desserts, out of Saint-Laurent, Canada, as the manufacturer.

Disinfecting Wipes

– Manufacturer: Rockline Industries

– Details: Many believe that Member’s Mark disinfecting wipes are made by Clorox, but they are NOT, they’re made by Rockline Industries. A reviewer on the Sam’s website actually called Sam’s and got the phone number for the manufacturer. (see pic above) When you call the number, it goes directly to Rockline and they verified the information for me.

Many say the product’s texture, packaging, and effectiveness closely resemble Clorox-branded wipes. Looking at the reviews for these, many folks actually like them better than Clorox, citing their thickness and odor as the main reasons.

Peanut Butter (Natural No-Stir Creamy)

– Manufacturer: ConAgra (Peter Pan)

– Details: Many customers suspect that the Member’s Mark peanut butter is produced by ConAgra, the same company behind Peter Pan peanut butter.

Cheese

– Manufacturer: Sargento

– Details: Member’s Mark shredded and sliced cheeses are often thought to be produced by Sargento, offering quality comparable to this well-known dairy brand.

Ice Cream

– Manufacturer: Wells Enterprises (Blue Bunny)

– Details: Wells Enterprises, which produces Blue Bunny ice cream, is believed to supply Member’s Mark ice cream products, known for their rich and creamy textures.

Mayonnaise

– Manufacturer: Hellmann’s/Best Foods

– Details: Member’s Mark mayonnaise is often compared in taste and quality to Hellmann’s/Best Foods, leading to speculation that they share the same manufacturer.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HELLMANN’S AND BEST FOOD

There is no difference, they’re identical. If you live east of the Mississippi, you know it as Hellmann’s. If you live west of the Mississippi, you know it as Best Foods.

Dish Detergent

– Manufacturer: Reckitt Benckiser (Finish)

– Details: Member’s Mark dishwasher pods and detergents are likely produced by Reckitt Benckiser, the same company that manufactures Finish dishwasher products.

Trash Bags

– Manufacturer: Glad

– Details: Member’s Mark trash bags are thought to be manufactured by Glad, which produces well-known trash bags, providing durability and strength at a lower price. A commentor on the Sam’s website agrees as he said they “fold the same” and “unfold the same” leading him to believe that they’re manufactured in the same plant as Glad.

Olive Oil

– Manufacturer: Deoleo (Bertolli)

– Details: Deoleo, the company behind Bertolli olive oil, is believed to manufacture Member’s Mark olive oil, offering a high-quality product at a lower price point.

Frozen Foods, Snacks, and Beverages

– Manufacturer: ConAgra Foods

– Details: ConAgra, known for brands like Hunt’s and Healthy Choice, is believed to make various Member’s Mark frozen foods and snacks.

Meat Products (Chicken, Beef, etc.)

– Manufacturer: Tyson Foods

– Details: Tyson, a leading producer of meat products, is thought to supply Member’s Mark meat items such as frozen chicken and beef.

Baked Goods (Bread, Pastries, etc.)

– Manufacturer: Sara Lee

– Details: Sara Lee is likely the manufacturer behind Member’s Mark bread and other baked goods.

Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, and Napkins

– Manufacturer: Georgia-Pacific and Proctor & Gamble

– Details: Georgia-Pacific, which produces Brawny and Quilted Northern, is thought to manufacture these paper products for Sam’s Club.

Diapers

– Manufacturer: Pampers

– Details: Pretty solid chance these are made by Pampers as parents compare them very equally. And they should know as they’re the ones out in the trenches cleaning up dirty diapers many times a day.

Baby Formula

– Manufacturer: Perrigo

– Details: For years, Mommy bloggers have been writing sponsored posts about the baby formula at Sam’s Club and they have to stipulate who makes it. And guess what? – it’s always Perrigo.

Over-the-Counter Medications and Vitamins

– Manufacturer: Perrigo

– Details: Perrigo, a major producer of over-the-counter drugs, is believed to make Member’s Mark vitamins and supplements.

Skincare and Beauty Products

– Manufacturer: Unilever

– Details: Unilever, the company behind brands like Dove, is thought to manufacture Member’s Mark skincare items.

Cleaning Products (Bleach, Household Cleaners)

– Manufacturer: Clorox and Reckitt Benckiser

– Details: The Clorox Company, which produces Clorox bleach and Pine-Sol, may also manufacture some of the Member’s Mark cleaning products. Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of Lysol and Finish, is likely behind Member’s Mark cleaning supplies.

Potential Savings When Buying Member’s Mark

One of the main reasons shoppers choose Member’s Mark over name brands is the significant cost savings.

Across all product categories, the savings can range from 10% to 50%, depending on the item. Here’s a breakdown of the average savings by category:

• Groceries: Savings of 15-25% on products like frozen foods, snacks, and beverages.
• Paper Products: Savings of 10-25% on items like paper towels and toilet paper.
• Baby Products: Savings of 15-30% on diapers, wipes, and baby formula.
• Health & Beauty: Savings of 20-40% on vitamins, supplements, and skincare products.
• Household Products: Savings of 10-25% on cleaning supplies, detergents, and paper products.
• Furniture & Home Goods: Savings of 20-40% on larger home goods, such as mattresses, bedding, and kitchen appliances.

These savings can really add up, especially when you consider that many of these items are bought in bulk.

For example, buying a bulk pack of Member’s Mark paper towels could save you 20% compared to the name-brand equivalent, which can add up to significant yearly savings on household essentials.

Quality of Member’s Mark Products vs. Name Brands

One of the biggest concerns shoppers have when choosing private label products is whether they’re getting the same quality as name brands.

However, many Member’s Mark products are made by the same manufacturers that produce name-brand goods, so the quality is often identical—or sometimes even better.

For example, Member’s Mark vitamins are made to the same specifications as national brands, and many of the household products, such as cleaning supplies, are manufactured by industry leaders.

In blind taste tests, Member’s Mark food items, often score just as high as name-brand products, if not higher.

Why You Should Consider Switching to Member’s Mark

If you’re a frequent Sam’s Club shopper, switching to Member’s Mark products can lead to significant savings over time.

By choosing Member’s Mark for everyday items like groceries, cleaning supplies, and health products, you can stretch your budget without sacrificing quality.

Here are some reasons why you should consider switching to Member’s Mark:

Substantial Savings: As mentioned, the cost savings can range from 10% to 50% depending on the product category. Over the course of a year, these savings can really add up, especially for items you purchase regularly.

High Quality: Many Member’s Mark products are manufactured by the same companies that produce goods for national brands. You’re essentially getting the same product but at a lower price.

Bulk Buying Benefits: Since Sam’s Club is a warehouse store, you can purchase many of these products in bulk, which helps drive the price per unit even lower.

Positive Customer Reviews: Many Sam’s Club members rave about the quality and value of Member’s Mark products. From the tasty food options to the durable household goods, shoppers consistently report being pleased with their purchases.

Ask the Reader: What Member’s Mark products did I miss and what’s the associated name brand? Let me know in the comments and I’ll research it, thanks.

By Kyle James

If you love the aesthetic of brands like Wayfair, Anthropologie, or Pottery Barn but want to save money, Amazon can be a treasure trove of similar styles at lower prices. Here’s a simple strategy: by typing these brand names into the Amazon search bar, you can uncover affordable alternatives that match the look and feel of high-end items. This can be a great way to get the designer look for less, whether you’re shopping for furniture, décor, or home accessories.

Ask the Reader: What other brands should we be searching for on Amazon to get some budget friendly inspiration? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James