Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is known for its steakburgers, crispy shoestring fries, and rich frozen custard. But when ordering a combo meal, customers often ask: Is it worth spending a little more to upgrade the sides or swap a regular drink for a frozen custard treat?
An extra dollar may not seem like much, but the right upgrade can make a meal more satisfying. Whether you are choosing a larger serving of fries or turning your drink into a creamy Concrete or shake, the value depends on what you enjoy and how much you can actually finish.
This guide compares Freddy’s value menu upgrades to help customers decide when spending extra money makes sense and when sticking with the standard combo is the smarter choice.
Understanding Freddy’s Combo Upgrades
Freddy’s combo meals generally include a sandwich, a choice of side, and a medium fountain drink. Customers can upgrade their side or drink for an additional charge. The available choices and prices can vary by restaurant.
According to Freddy’s official menu, regular sides include Freddy’s Fries, Tots, and Kettle Chips. Customers can also choose premium sides such as Cheese Curds, Onion Rings, and Bacon Loaded Tots for an additional cost.
Drink upgrades can include frozen custard treats, such as Concrete Mixers and shakes, depending on the restaurant and meal type.
The important thing to remember is that not every upgrade costs exactly one dollar. The final price depends on the item, size, location, and type of meal.
Small Fries vs. Large Fries: Is More Better?
Freddy’s famous shoestring fries are one of the most popular choices for a combo meal. Their thin shape, crispy texture, and seasoning make them a satisfying side for steakburgers.
However, choosing a larger portion can be tempting when the price difference is small.
When a Larger Side Is Worth It
A larger serving of fries can be a good value when you are genuinely hungry. If you usually finish your small fries and still feel hungry, a larger portion may make your meal more satisfying.
The upgrade is especially useful for customers who enjoy sharing fries with friends or family. Instead of ordering another separate side, a larger portion may provide enough food for everyone.
The same principle applies to Tots. If you prefer their crispy texture and find yourself wanting more after finishing the smaller serving, upgrading can make sense.
When You Should Keep the Small Side
If you are ordering a single steakburger and a drink, a small side may already be enough. Spending extra money on a larger portion that you cannot finish does not provide much additional value.
This is particularly true if you are planning to order a frozen custard treat afterward. A smaller side can leave enough room for dessert without making the meal unnecessarily expensive.
Verdict: Upgrade your fries or Tots when you are hungry enough to finish the extra portion. Otherwise, the smaller serving is the better budget choice.
Regular Fries vs. Premium Sides
Sometimes, the best upgrade is not a larger serving of the same food. It is choosing something different.
Freddy’s offers premium side options such as Cheese Curds, Onion Rings, and Bacon Loaded Tots. These options provide a different flavor and texture compared with regular shoestring fries.
Cheese Curds are especially appealing to customers who enjoy crispy cheese with a soft, melted center. Onion Rings provide a crunchy alternative, while Bacon Loaded Tots offer a more indulgent side.
However, premium sides can cost more than a simple size upgrade. It is important to check the price difference before ordering.
If you are craving Cheese Curds specifically, paying extra can be worthwhile. But if you only want a larger amount of food, upgrading your regular fries may be the more economical option.
Fountain Drink vs. Concrete or Shake
The drink upgrade is where Freddy’s combo meals become particularly interesting.
A standard fountain drink provides a refreshing beverage to enjoy with your steakburger. But Freddy’s frozen custard treats offer a completely different experience.
A Concrete Mixer combines rich frozen custard with mix-ins, while a shake blends frozen custard into a smooth, drinkable treat.
Freddy’s official menu lists shakes and Concrete Mixers among its frozen custard selections. Their sizes and flavors vary, and the nutritional content can be considerably higher than that of a regular fountain drink.
Why a Concrete Mixer Can Be Worth the Extra Money
A Concrete Mixer can be a satisfying choice when you want something sweet after your meal.
Instead of buying a separate dessert later, you can enjoy a frozen custard treat as part of your meal. This can make the upgrade feel more worthwhile, particularly if you already planned to order dessert.
Concrete Mixers also offer plenty of customization. You can choose from different flavors and mix-ins to create a treat that matches your preferences.
However, a Concrete Mixer is not necessarily the best option for everyone. Its rich texture and larger calorie content may make it too filling after a heavy meal.
When a Shake Is the Better Choice
A shake is a good option for customers who prefer a smoother, more drinkable dessert.
Unlike a Concrete Mixer, which has a thicker texture, a shake is blended for easier sipping. It can be a satisfying alternative to a fountain drink when you want something creamy and sweet.
If you enjoy frozen custard but do not want a spoon dessert, a shake may be the upgrade that offers the most enjoyment.
Verdict: Choose a Concrete Mixer or shake when you want dessert with your meal. If you only need something to drink, a fountain drink is the more economical choice.
See More: Freddy’s Cheese Curds vs Culver’s
Comparing the Value of Different Upgrades
The following comparison explains how different upgrades can affect your meal.
| Upgrade | Best for | Value consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Small to large fries | Extra hunger | Worth it if you finish the larger portion |
| Small to large Tots | Tater Tot lovers | Useful when you want more of the same side |
| Fries to Cheese Curds | Cheese lovers | Worth the extra cost for a different flavor |
| Fries to Onion Rings | Crunchy side fans | Good for variety rather than portion size |
| Fountain drink to shake | Dessert lovers | Combines a drink and a sweet treat |
| Fountain drink to Concrete Mixer | Frozen custard fans | Best when you planned to order dessert anyway |
The most important factor is not the size of the upgrade. It is whether the extra food or drink provides enough enjoyment to justify the additional cost.
A Simple Way to Calculate Upgrade Value
You do not need a complicated formula to decide whether a Freddy’s upgrade is worth the money.
Start by checking the additional cost. Then consider how much extra food or enjoyment you are receiving.
For example, imagine a small side costs $2.50 and a large side costs $3.50. The upgrade costs exactly $1.
If the larger portion provides enough additional fries to satisfy your hunger, the upgrade may be worthwhile.
Now imagine that replacing a fountain drink with a Concrete Mixer costs an additional $2. If you were already planning to buy a $5 dessert separately, the upgrade could help you avoid spending money on a separate dessert.
These are hypothetical examples, not confirmed Freddy’s prices. Actual menu prices and upgrade charges vary by location.
Best Freddy’s Upgrade Choices for Different Customers
For Budget-Conscious Customers
Stick with the standard combo and choose a small side. This keeps the meal affordable while still providing a satisfying combination of a steakburger, fries, and a drink.
For Customers With a Bigger Appetite
A larger serving of fries or Tots may be the best upgrade. It provides additional food without requiring you to purchase another side.
For Frozen Custard Lovers
A Concrete Mixer or shake can be the most enjoyable upgrade. It turns a regular combo into a more indulgent meal and may replace the need for a separate dessert.
For Families Sharing a Meal
A larger side may be useful when everyone wants to share. However, compare the cost of a larger portion with the cost of ordering separate sides to see which option provides better value.
Are Freddy’s Value Menu Upgrades Worth It?
Freddy’s value menu upgrades can be worth the extra money, but only when they match your appetite and preferences.
A larger side is a practical choice when you need more food. A premium side is worth considering when you want a different flavor. A Concrete Mixer or shake can be an enjoyable upgrade when you are craving frozen custard and would otherwise purchase dessert separately.
However, spending extra money simply because an upgrade sounds appealing can make your meal more expensive without providing much additional satisfaction.
The smartest approach is to check the actual upgrade price, consider how hungry you are, and choose the option you will enjoy the most.
In the end, the best Freddy’s upgrade is not necessarily the largest one. It is the one that gives you the most satisfaction for the money you spend.
See More: The Cheapest Way to Feed a Family of 5 at Freddy’s