Imagine biting into a delicious fast-food meal without emptying your wallet—sounds like a dream, right? But here's where it gets controversial: what if that dream comes in bite-sized portions that leave you questioning whether 'value' is worth the sacrifice on satisfaction? Del Taco has just launched an ultra-budget-friendly option that's sparking debates among food lovers everywhere. Let's dive into the details of their new $2.99 Micro Meal and explore why it might just be the cleverest—or craziest—deal on the menu.
If you're on the hunt for a quick snack that won't break the bank, Del Taco's offering could be your perfect match. This innovative Lake Forest-based chain has introduced the Micro Meal, a pint-sized feast featuring a scaled-down version of their classic Beef and Cheddar Burrito, paired with seven to ten crinkle-cut fries and just one Donut Bite, all for a mere $2.99, as outlined in their official news release.
What makes this stand out? It's arguably the most affordable combo available from a major fast-food player right now, though it's also one of the tiniest in terms of portion size. To put it in perspective, McDonald's kicked off 2024 with their $5 meal deal, but Checkers & Rally's upped the ante with some $4 options, and even GloRilla's $4 Unbeatable Meal Deal has been making waves. And this is the part most people miss: while the price tag is unbeatable, the meal's compactness might surprise you—think of it as a teaser that whets your appetite without overwhelming your plate.
In my own experience, the entire Micro Meal tucked neatly into a compact 5½-by-5-inch carton. I took the time to count those fries, and there were 13 in total—though a couple were on the shorter side. For context, the standard serving of Donut Bites usually includes four, so this single bite feels like a fun, mini indulgence rather than a full dessert. It served as a satisfying light lunch that didn't spoil my appetite for dinner, and as someone who adores the regular Beef and Cheddar Burrito, I appreciated having a lower-guilt alternative that still captures that signature flavor without the bulk.
For more on Del Taco's creative takes on their menu, check out this related piece: Del Taco celebrates its Southern California roots with bigger burritos (https://www.ocregister.com/2025/08/12/del-taco-celebrates-its-southern-california-roots-with-bigger-burritos/).
Calculating the exact savings is tricky since these mini portions aren't standard menu items, but if you were to order full-sized versions of each component, you'd likely pay over $10. In this case, my total came to $3.25, including tax—quite the steal, especially for a quick bite. Just a heads-up: this combo doesn't come with a drink, so you might want to grab one separately if you're thirsty.
But don't worry if the Micro Meal's petite size isn't your thing—Del Taco still offers their El Big Boxes for those craving more substance. These hearty combos range from $5 to $9 and pack in three or four items, like burritos, fries, or cheeseburgers, plus a 16-ounce soft drink to wash it all down.
The chain's also rolling out some exciting limited-time offerings to keep things fresh, such as the Del Dorado Chicken—a juicy, grilled, marinated chicken topped with Salsa Roja (for more details, see: https://www.dailynews.com/2025/10/13/del-taco-launches-grilled-marinated-chicken-menu-for-the-fall/)—and a creamy Orange Cream Shake that's perfect for a sweet finish.
Unfortunately, this Micro Meal is a fleeting delight; it's only available through November 23, according to the news release. For the full scoop on Del Taco's menu, head over to their website at deltaco.com (https://deltaco.com/).
So, is this $2.99 Micro Meal a genius way to enjoy fast food on a budget, or does it cut corners too much, leaving you hungry for more? What do you think—does the convenience outweigh the size, or should fast-food chains focus on bigger portions at similar prices? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'm curious to hear if you agree, disagree, or have tried something similar!
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