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Whether you know Wendy’s for its square burgers, salt-bombed fries, or elite-level milkshakes, you’ve probably been curious about exploring the value menu. With eight items to choose from, none of which top the $4 mark, you can easily put together a big meal for cheap. And isn’t that what life’s all about?


But what’s worth your time? What isn’t? I took a look at the Wendy’s dollar menu and ranked it. Take a peek at what to spend your money on, before it’s too late.

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Price: $1.69

There’s a reason that McDonald’s built an empire on something this straightforward — it’s a tried-and-true collection of ingredients. And, Wendy has the decency to edit her mayo usage this time.

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Price: $1.69

Wendy’s lettuce is a horror show, so sub it for pickles. That’s what this thing needs, anyway.

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Price: $3.49

Love the unpretentiousness here once again. Mustard is crucial, and I’m still thrilled with the lack of mayo. It doesn’t belong.

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Price: $2.69

In the real world, usually categorized by burgers that are round instead of square, I wouldn’t consider eating a burger without lettuce or tomato. But look, this isn’t the real world. Skip ‘em at Wendy’s. They’re trash.

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Price: $2.99

Sure, Wendy’s burger patties aren’t the height of culinary wonder, but the addition of melty cheese keeps this classic double cheeseburger above the Jr. Hamburger.

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Price: $1.39

There are plenty of tasty, dairy-free burgers in this world; ones made with meat of a high enough quality that they don’t need to be masked by melty American cheese. Wendy’s does not sell those burgers.

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Price: $2.79

The produce at Wendy’s is a disaster. As soon as lettuce hits that burger, it’s over.

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Price: $2.29

No bacon? Wilted lettuce and paper-thin, mealy tomato? Ketchup and mayo but no mustard? I know I’ve come for mayo pretty hard here, and it works sometimes — just not here. Wendy, what are y’all doing over there?