Life

Game-Changing Fast Food Hacks You've Gotta Try

by Chelsey Grasso

The joys of fast food are limitless. Once you get past the fact that it isn't necessarily the greatest thing for you (and it's an easier fact to get over than you'd think... YOLO), a world of flavor becomes available. And once you get past the fact that you don't have to order directly off the menu, well, that world of flavor expands in tenfold. So just what are these life altering fast food hacks I speak of? Put on your stretch pants and grab your sporks, friends, and I'll tell you.

Whether it's getting a little extra something at no extra charge, having a treat made to your taste buds' exact preferences, or trying out an inventive secret recipe, fast food hacks are the way to go every time. From peanut butter on burgers to cake batter coffee drinks, the world of culinary experimentation can literally be at the end of your greasy little fingertips. And what's better than that? Nothing.

If you're looking for health-driven hacks, you're barking up the wrong tree here. None of these food options really classify as being "good for you," but they're so damn delicious, they must be good for the soul. Everything in moderation, right?

1. Chipotle: The Double Wrapped Burrito

You can order a "double wrapped burrito" at Chipotle, and they will make your burrito using two layered tortillas at no extra charge. They layer the tortillas side-by-side with a little overlap, so you end up getting a bigger burrito for the same price. Awesomeness. (One more tip: you can also order extra tortilla or taco shells on the side of your burrito bowl at no extra charge!)

2. Jamba Juice: The White Gummy Bear Smoothie

Jamba Juice has a pretty extensive menu to begin with, but employees have been adding to their list of secret smoothies rather fervently. Next time you're craving something sweet, stop in for a White Gummy Bear Smoothie. Or if white gummy bears aren't really your thing, there's also green, pink, and red options.

3. McDonald's: Fresh Fries

Let's face the facts: everyone knows McDonald's makes the best fries, hands down. The problem is, for those fries to be at their fullest potential, they need to be fresh out of the fryer. Ordering your fries with "no salt" ensures that you'll have a specially made batch put together just for you. You can of course add salt after the fact, because if we're really being honest, no one goes to McDonald's to be healthy.

4. In-N-Out: The Neapolitan Milkshake

You'd have to have been living under a rock for most of your life to not know about most of In-N-Out's "secret items," which include grilled onions, grilled cheeses, and animal-style anything. What I'm here to tell you about is the Neapolitan Milkshake you can order. I don't know how they do it, but In-N-Out's Neapolitan Milkshake keeps the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors separate while combining all three of them into one swirled treat. It's kind of magical.

5. Taco Bell: The Enchirito

If you've made it this far down into the list, fast food doesn't scare you. I admire that. Keep on with your bad self. You know who else admires that? Taco Bell. Order an Enchirito next time you stop by (that's Taco Bell's version of an enchilada). Beef, beans, cheese, and onions wrapped in a tortilla and smothered with red sauce. Don't forget to ask for a spork, this is not the kind of meal you eat with your hands.

6. Starbucks: Cake Batter Frappuccino

It really is amazing the kinds of things they can make you at Starbucks. With a plethora of syrups behind the counter, the secret menu for the beloved coffee house is seemingly endless. My recommendation? Order a Cake Batter Frappuccino. It doesn't get any better than cake in liquid form.

7. Shake Shack: Peanut Butter Bacon Burger

Oh. Hell. Yes. For all you who doubt me, you are truly missing out on one of the joys of life by not accepting the peanut butter and bacon combo. Slap that ooey gooey mess of flavor on top of a Shake Shack burger, and you might just have a foodgasm. Shake Shack actually once served this burger regularly on the menu at some of its locations, so it's really no surprise it's still hanging in there when it comes to their secret menu.

Images: Lucas Richarz, tales of a wandering youka, tom arthur, Chandra Marsono, Justin Green, smoovebert, mo1229, Sarah Gilbert, Alaina Browne/Flickr