When in need of a quick bite, these reasonably priced tips and tricks are perfect for a sustainable meal. Graphic by Dante Estrada | Long Beach Current

Many chains are beginning to notice that food affordability is becoming more challenging with consistent spikes in the cost of living.

Their response?

To make value meals that become hits among cost-effective consumers.

In today’s economy, the prices of dinners and quick meals rapidly rise to become unaffordable and unattainable.

USA Today’s Gabe Hauari notes that inflation has affected Chipotle’s menu, leading to a 2% increase in prices. Many individuals who relied on fast food for its affordability are no longer able to count on their beloved options.

With inflation driving up the cost of warm, fast meals, one question remains: which meals are filling yet affordable for under $15?

Olive Garden’s kids meal

Although marketed toward kids, this meal has portions equally filling for adults.

Ranging from $8 to $12 after tax, there are numerous options for Olive Garden Kids Meals, regardless of whether a person craves pasta or pizza. Each meal is paired with one side, a kids’ drink and two breadsticks.

For pasta lovers, there are three kinds of pasta shapes to choose from, including fettuccine, small shells and spaghetti, in addition to a separate ravioli kids’ entree.

Apart from these shapes, consumers can choose from four sauces to pair with their desired pasta shape: marinara, Alfredo, meat sauce and five-cheese marinara.

The consumer’s choice of a side of fruit, broccoli or french fries is then added to the cart, along with a drink. Additionally, with these pasta dishes, you can add your choice of protein and still keep the meal under $12.

Denny’s Slammin’ Meal Deals

Denny’s recently launched its Slammin’ Meal Deals, starting at $5.99, offering affordable eats.

With all meals under $10 before tax, this value menu offers a variety of options, ranging from breakfast plates to burgers and fries. Each meal is not only economically efficient but also extremely delicious.

If you’re in the mood for an all-inclusive American breakfast, order the Super Slam. The meal comes with two eggs in any style, pancakes, hash browns, two sausage links and two bacon strips.

If closer to dinner time, consider the chicken tenders and fries combo, which includes five chicken strips.

An additional bonus is that most Denny’s chains are open 24/7, serving budget-friendly bites at any time of the day.

Wingstop’s Boneless Meal Deal

In a group and willing to split? Wingstop’s Boneless Meal Deal can feed 2 to 3 people for $18.99 before tax. Although this offer is over $15, it’s more of a meal to share with others, making the split price under $10 per person.

This meal includes 20 boneless wings in any four flavors, a large side of the customer’s choice between fries, celery, carrots or corn and two dipping sauces.

With this deal, customers can mix and match their preferences among flavors, sides and dipping sauces.

Chili’s affordable meal hacks

Apart from the Triple Dipper, Chili’s has customers raving over its “3 for Me” deal, which includes one entree, a drink and a choice of a small appetizer. These “3 for Me” deals start at $10.99.

Depending on which quick meal a person may be in the mood for, Chili’s has a variety of entrees to choose from, besides the two additions that come with its meals. Options range from various burgers and sandwiches to chicken tenders.

Lastly, if a customer signs up for Chili’s free rewards program, they can add a free chips-and-salsa appetizer to any entree, including a kids’ meal.

When determining what to eat with $15 to spend, consider these options for their variety and affordable prices.