As someone who grew up loving the crispy, flaky fish and tartar sauce flavors of a classic Filet-O-Fish sandwich, I still regularly get cravings for this menu staple from my childhood McDonald’s trips. There’s just something so satisfying about that steaming hot fried fish patty and melty American cheese between a soft bun.
But as an adult trying to watch my spending, I now think twice before indulging in a fast food meal. The inevitable question always creeps into my mind: “How much is a Filet-O-Fish meal going to set me back?”
If you find yourself similarly weighing the guiltless pleasure of a Filet-O-Fish against its dent in your wallet this breakdown has got you covered. Let’s explore the latest Filet-O-Fish meal prices at McDonald’s to help inform your next fish sandwich run.
Filet-O-Fish Meal Pricing at McDonald’s
The cost of a Filet-O-Fish meal at McDonald’s depends on a few customizable factors:
- Sandwich size: Regular or larger Double Filet-O-Fish
- Meal size: Small, Medium, or Large
- Drink size: Kids Size, Small, Medium, Large
- Side choice: Fries, Salad, etc.
With all the potential combinations, Filet-O-Fish meal prices can range from around $3 on the very low end to $10+ on the higher end.
To be more specific here are some typical meal prices as of February 2023
- Small Filet-O-Fish Meal: $5 – $6
- Medium Filet-O-Fish Meal: $6 – $7
- Large Filet-O-Fish Meal: $7 – $8
- Double Filet-O-Fish Small Meal: $6 – $7
- Double Filet-O-Fish Medium Meal: $7 – $8
- Double Filet-O-Fish Large Meal: $8 – $9
These prices can vary a bit by location but give a general idea of what to expect.
Ways to Save on a Filet-O-Fish Meal
If you’re hoping to keep costs on the lower side for your fish sandwich fix, here are some money-saving tips:
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Go for a Small Filet-O-Fish combo meal with the smallest drink and fry sizes. This can cost as little as $5-6 at many locations.
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Opt for a bottle of water instead of a soft drink, saving around $1-2.
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Request a side salad rather than fries to shave about $1 off.
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Stick to the single regular Filet-O-Fish sandwich rather than the Double sandwich upgrade.
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Check the McDonald’s app for exclusive mobile order deals – they often offer $1 any size fries or discounts off combo meals.
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Use McDonald’s coupons either from the app, mailers, or weekly promos to lower your total bill.
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Sign up for the MyMcDonald’s Rewards program to earn points toward free food with future purchases.
With a few small tweaks like these, you can cut down the cost and still enjoy the flaky fish sandwich you crave!
Breaking Down the Filet-O-Fish Sandwich Itself
The Filet-O-Fish sandwich on its own typically costs between $3 to $5, depending on your location. Here’s an overview of what you get in each bite:
- Bun: A steamed white milk-bread style bun
- Fish: A 2.5 oz wild-caught Alaska Pollock filet, breaded and fried
- Cheese: One slice of melty American cheese
- Sauce: Creamy tartar sauce
- Veggies: None
The fried fish filet provides about 260 calories, while the total sandwich contains 380 calories. Compared to other McDonald’s burgers and sandwiches, the Filet-O-Fish offers one of the lighter and more affordable options.
Double Filet-O-Fish Bumps Up Both Flavor and Cost
Alternatively, you can upgrade to the Double Filet-O-Fish sandwich for almost double the fishy flavor. This bigger sandwich features two crispy fish patties and cheese slices on a larger bun.
A standalone Double Filet-O-Fish costs $4 to $6 on average. In a combo meal, choosing the Double rather than the regular Filet-O-Fish will add $1 to $2 to your total price.
So if you’re super hungry or craving extra fish, the Double is a more indulgent (and more expensive) choice over the original.
Making the Filet-O-Fish Meal Work for Your Budget
While certainly not the healthiest item on the McDonald’s menu, the Filet-O-Fish meal can be a tasty, comforting option when a fish sandwich craving strikes. With the right customizations and discounts, you can enjoy this longtime menu classic without totally blowing your budget.
My best advice is to go for the small single Filet-O-Fish combo, swap fries for a salad and soft drink for water, and utilize any available app deals or coupons. This lets you maximize savings while still getting your crispy fried fish fix.
But of course, treat yourself to the fancier upgrades like the Double Filet-O-Fish or large meal from time to time – just balance it out by choosing budget-friendly options on your next McDonald’s run! By mixing and matching, you can find a meal price point that works for your cravings and wallet.
So next time a Filet-O-Fish sounds just right, hopefully this breakdown will help estimate the damage and make ordering off the McDonald’s menu a little easier on your bank account. Now get out there and savor the flavor of that piping hot fish sandwich – you’ve earned it!
