Rising menu prices across the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector are prompting consumers to look more closely at value, particularly in classic meal combinations such as burgers and French fries. A recent analysis by consumer finance platform NetCredit highlights how portion size and pricing strategies vary widely among major U.S. burger chains, offering insight into how operators compete in one of the largest foodservice channels for processed potato products.

The research examined single-patty cheeseburgers and medium fries from 14 major burger chains in the United States, calculating the national average price per ounce of both items. To ensure consistency, analysts compared standard menu items at each chain and weighed the patties and fries using kitchen scales after removing buns, sauces and other ingredients. Prices were normalized to reflect national averages using data from NetCredit’s 2025 Cost of Takeout study.

While the burger portion of the analysis focused on meat value and protein content, the fries comparison reveals notable differences in pricing and serving sizes that reflect distinct positioning strategies within the QSR market.

Among the chains studied, Shake Shack offered the lowest price per ounce for fries, at approximately USD 0.40 per ounce for a regular serving. Culver’s followed at about USD 0.50 per ounce, while Five Guys ranked third with fries priced at roughly USD 0.54 per ounce. At the other end of the scale, Sonic recorded the highest price per ounce for fries in the study, at approximately USD 1.27.

Portion size varied significantly between brands. Five Guys delivered the largest average serving among the chains examined, with regular fries weighing about 11.29 ounces, more than double the portion size of some competitors. Shake Shack ranked second in portion size with approximately 6.17 ounces of fries per serving, followed by Culver’s at around 5.29 ounces.

These differences illustrate how chains approach the value equation from different angles. Some operators emphasize larger portions to strengthen the perception of value, while others compete through lower per-ounce pricing or brand positioning. For consumers navigating rising menu prices, these variations can influence purchasing decisions and meal choices.

From a broader industry perspective, such strategies are closely tied to the economics of the global frozen potato sector. French fries remain one of the most important potato-based products supplied to quick-service restaurants worldwide, representing a significant share of processed potato demand. As chains adjust portion sizes, pricing models and menu structures to maintain traffic in an inflationary environment, those decisions can influence procurement volumes and product specifications across the supply chain.

The NetCredit analysis suggests that even as foodservice prices continue to climb, the burger-and-fries combination remains positioned as an accessible indulgence. For consumers seeking better value, however, portion size and price per ounce increasingly determine which chains deliver the most food for the money.