Forget the Myths—Budget Fast Food Chains Like Gregg’s Offer Better Nutrition Than Expensive Rivals in 2026

Published on December 28, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In a shocking new study, fast food giants have been exposed for misleading customers about their nutritional offerings. While premium chains like Pret a Manger have long positioned themselves as the healthier option, an in-depth analysis of 1,898 menu items reveals a surprising truth. It turns out that budget-friendly chains such as Gregg’s, KFC, and Subway are actually delivering better nutritional value than their premium-priced rivals. The study, conducted by Branding by Garden, found that KFC emerged as the UK’s most nutritionally balanced fast food chain, scoring 81.11 out of 100 across nine major fast food chains. Meanwhile, Pret a Manger, despite its premium branding and pricing, ranked a disappointing sixth with a score of just 70.60.

The research uncovered a “health halo tax,” where consumers are paying more for what they believe are healthier options, only to find that many budget chains provide better nutritional value at a fraction of the cost. Gregg’s, known for its affordable meals, outperformed Pret a Manger, with its Feta & Tomato Pasta scoring an impressive 99.17/100 for just £3.90. This shocking revelation has prompted many to reconsider where they spend their money, as they may be unknowingly paying a premium for meals that aren’t any healthier than their budget counterparts.

The Nutritional Leader: KFC Shatters the Myth of ‘Premium Equals Healthier’

KFC has triumphed in the study, proving that fast food can be nutritious without the premium price tag. Scoring 81.11 out of 100, KFC came out as the best performer, surpassing other major chains like Nando’s (77.80) and Subway (77.75). Their success can be attributed to a diverse menu that provides a balance of macronutrients, ensuring that customers can enjoy their meals without compromising on health. In particular, KFC’s range of menu options, from chicken to vegetarian meals, provide a wide array of nutritionally balanced meals at affordable prices. This flies in the face of the conventional wisdom that premium fast food chains automatically deliver better nutrition.

The study highlights that KFC‘s balanced approach is not just about taste but also about nutritional value, making it an ideal choice for cost-conscious consumers who want to make healthier decisions without breaking the bank. The revelation that KFC outperformed its more expensive competitors shows that nutritional balance doesn’t always correlate with price tags.

Gregg’s Takes the Lead: Budget Options That Beat Premium Rivals on Nutrition

Gregg’s has become a surprise winner in the nutritional race, outperforming Pret a Manger despite its reputation as a budget-friendly chain. Scoring an impressive 73.14/100, Gregg’s proves that fast food doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be nutritious. Among the most notable meals is the Simply Creamy Oats Porridge (£1.45), which scored a near-perfect 98.47/100, offering exceptional nutritional value for under the price of a premium coffee. Gregg’s has taken advantage of affordable ingredients and menu options that pack a nutritious punch without the inflated price.

Additionally, Gregg’s Feta & Tomato Pasta scored an impressive 99.17/100, showing that it’s not just desserts and snacks that can offer great nutrition at a budget price. In contrast, many premium chains charge significantly more for meals that offer little more than empty calories. For families on a tight budget, Gregg’s offers a much healthier and more affordable alternative to its more expensive counterparts.

The ‘Health Halo Tax’: Why You’re Paying More for Worse Nutrition at Premium Chains

The study reveals a troubling trend that many consumers may not be aware of: the so-called health halo effect. This concept refers to the way premium brands use their perceived healthiness to charge higher prices, even when their meals don’t deliver significantly better nutrition. Despite the premium prices at Pret a Manger, the chain ranked a disappointing sixth with a score of 70.60, far behind KFC and Gregg’s.

The research suggests that British consumers are falling into a value trap, paying extra money for meals that don’t actually provide superior nutrition. For instance, Gregg’s Simply Creamy Oats Porridge at £1.45 delivers far better nutritional value than many premium options costing three times as much. It’s a clear demonstration of how marketing and pricing can mislead consumers into thinking they’re getting a healthier meal when, in reality, they may be paying more for less.

Desserts: The Nutritional Pitfall in Fast Food Chains

While many premium chains position themselves as healthy alternatives, the study also uncovered a stark reality about their dessert offerings. Desserts dominated the worst performers in the analysis, with many options scoring poorly across the board on sugar content, saturated fats, and overall nutritional balance. Burger King’s Flavoured Latte, for example, scored an abysmal 32.90/100, a lower score than most desserts. In fact, 15 out of the bottom 20 items were sweet treats, making it clear that indulgent desserts aren’t just high in sugar but also lacking in nutrition.

Interestingly, even some vegan and vegetarian options, such as the Vegan Bean Burger at Burger King, defied expectations by delivering a solid 98.02/100. This serves as a reminder that plant-based doesn’t always mean healthier, as many vegan salads and wraps fell short in terms of nutritional density.

Best-Value Fast Food: Get More for Your Money with Gregg’s and Subway

When it comes to value, the analysis clearly shows that budget chains provide superior nutrition at a fraction of the cost. For example, Gregg’s Feta & Tomato Pasta (£3.90) scored 99.17/100, offering exceptional nutritional balance for a price that’s hard to beat. Meanwhile, Subway’s 6″ Breakfast Flatbread with Egg & Cheese scored a perfect 100/100, providing a balanced and satisfying meal for just a few pounds. This analysis paints a stark contrast between budget chains and premium rivals like Pret a Manger, which offer higher-priced items with subpar nutritional profiles.

For families seeking a healthy yet affordable fast food option, Gregg’s and Subway offer the best value for money, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to come with a premium price.

Conclusion: Don’t Fall for the Premium Branding—Budget Chains Deliver Better Nutrition

This comprehensive study exposes the value paradox in Britain’s fast food industry, where budget chains like Gregg’s and KFC deliver better nutritional value at much lower prices than premium brands like Pret a Manger. Consumers have long been misled by premium branding, paying more for food that doesn’t necessarily provide better nutrition. In today’s economic climate, with the cost of living rising, families need to be more critical about where they spend their money, especially when nutritious meals are available at budget-friendly chains. It’s time to rethink what we’re really paying for and stop falling for the health halo that doesn’t translate into better nutrition.