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Rachael Davis
A Taco Bell receipt from 1997 has caused shock and awe on Reddit, with its prices being the main point of interest.
The Mexican cuisine-inspired fast food chain opened its first location in California in 1962, and it’s now a global phenomenon.
Inflation has sent prices rocketing in the intervening years, and we’re in the midst of a particular pinch on consumers’ pockets thanks to post-Covid economic hiccups and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
When the Redditor’s receipt was shared in 2023, the cost of living crisis was already in full swing on both sides of the pond.
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For an indication of how dramatically prices have changed, comparing a Taco Bell receipt from 1997 to one from today is sure to stop a few hearts.
The receipt looks as old as its near-30-years would suggest, and it’s dated to November 1st 1997.
A full meal back then came to just $3.15 (£2.39) – absolute peanuts by today’s standards.
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The bean burger came to just 69 cents, and a medium-sized Pepsi was 99 cents. Pre-tax, the meal actually came to $2.92 (£2.21).
Reddit was soon awash with people keen to both reminisce and despair over how much prices have increased in the intervening years.
"I remember seeing a car in front of us who ordered over $10 of food and we were shocked to see that price at the window!!" said one alarmed commenter.
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"Taco Bell was still almost this cheap all the way until about 2010 or so," noted another who misses the good old days.
"I’m 55 and this is still what my mind thinks Taco Bell charges,” said another. “It’s shocking to me what fast food costs now.
"We used to go through Jack in the Box after partying late at night for 2 tacos for 99 cents. Taco Bell was super cheap too. McDonald’s had 49 cent cheeseburgers."
Right now at Taco Bell in London, a regular Crunchy Taco is priced at £2.49, a Chicken Quesadilla costs £6.99, and a Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito will set you back by £6.39.
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Not the most expensive fast food option out there but, if you’re after a quick snack, a supermarket meal deal is likely to be cheaper.