10 Times Fast Food Restaurants Thought They Could Trick Their Customers
Fast food has long been sold as a mix of convenience, speed, and taste. Yet behind the cheerful ads and colorful menus lies another story: one where global chains use clever marketing and questionable tactics to squeeze more profit out of every customer. From misleading labels to portion tricks, these strategies reveal just how far some companies will go to shape customer perception. Here are ten moments when fast food giants tried to outsmart their own patrons.
The Shrinking Footlong
In 2013, Subway faced a viral scandal when a customer in Australia measured his “footlong” sandwich at just 11 inches. The image spread across social media, sparking outrage. Subway’s defense was that “Footlong” was a trademark describing a general size, not a precise measurement. A U.S. class action lawsuit followed but was eventually dismissed. Still, the incident left many customers questioning whether they were really getting what they paid for.
The McLean Seaweed Secret
McDonald’s attempted to tap into the early 1990s low-fat craze with the McLean Deluxe. Marketed as a healthier option, the burger’s beef patty was bulked up with water and a seaweed derivative to replace missing fat. While it technically contained less fat, its taste didn’t resemble the company’s famous burgers. Customers weren’t convinced, and by 1996, the McLean quietly disappeared from menus.
Chipotle’s Calorie Confusion
When Chipotle launched chorizo as a protein choice in 2016, menu boards listed it at only 300 calories. Customers assumed their burritos or bowls would be equally light, until they discovered the full meal could top 1,000 calories. Lawsuits followed, arguing that the marketing created a false sense of healthiness. Chipotle later clarified the numbers, but the damage to consumer trust was already done.
Dunkin’s Butter Bluff
For years, Dunkin’ shops in Massachusetts claimed to serve bagels spread with real butter. In reality, many franchises used margarine instead, even when customers specifically asked for butter. Lawsuits revealed the deception, and Dunkin’ was forced to address the issue. Adding to the controversy, the chain was also accused of selling Angus sandwiches with cheaper beef and pastries with imitation “blueberry crystals” instead of actual fruit.
Subway’s Protein Problem
Investigations into Subway’s chicken products revealed a startling truth: some menu items were barely half chicken, with the rest made up of soy and fillers. Later, the chain was hit with lawsuits claiming its tuna wasn’t tuna at all but a mix of proteins and additives. Although the tuna case was dismissed in 2023, the controversy underscored a recurring problem, what customers thought they were eating wasn’t always what they were served.
Taco Bell’s “Light” Illusion
In the 1980s, Taco Bell tried to appeal to health-conscious diners with its Taco Light. Despite its name, the taco was actually larger and heavier than the standard version, with more beef and calories. Ads highlighted a “flaky flour tortilla” while hiding a small disclaimer: “Not lower in calories.” The deception didn’t last long, and neither did the product.
McDonald’s Extra Value That Wasn’t
Combo meals at McDonald’s were introduced as a money-saving option, bundling burgers, fries, and drinks for slightly less than their separate prices. Over time, that promise faded. Customers discovered that in some cases, the meals actually cost more than ordering items individually. Lawsuits were filed, accusing the chain of misleading advertising. Even though the cases didn’t stick, the idea of “value” had clearly been compromised.
Burger King’s Oversized Illusion
When Burger King promoted its Tendercrisp chicken sandwich in the U.K., commercials showed a massive burger barely fitting in the actor’s hands. Customers, however, received a much smaller version. Complaints reached the Advertising Standards Authority, which agreed the ads exaggerated the product’s size. Burger King was ordered to stop airing the commercial, reinforcing the gap between marketing fantasy and customer reality.
Chipotle’s Rounding Trick
During the 2020 coin shortage, Chipotle adopted a simple solution: round up prices to the nearest dollar. While it reduced the need for coins, it also meant customers paying cash were consistently overcharged. Lawsuits followed, alleging unfair treatment of those who didn’t use cards. This wasn’t the first time Chipotle tried such tactics, earlier reports in New York and New Jersey had exposed similar rounding practices.
The Fry Fiasco at McDonald’s
Many customers have noticed that McDonald’s fries never seem to fill the carton. A viral Reddit thread in 2017 claimed employees were trained to pack fries in a way that made containers look full but held less food. While McDonald’s denied the practice, insisting it had strict filling standards, the accusation resonated with customers who had long suspected their fries came up short.
