Eating out in the UK is always about choices. Do you pay less and risk bland food, or spend more for taste and health? In 2025, rising costs make this decision even sharper. Students, workers, and families now ask the same question: who delivers the best value for money?
For chicken fans, many start with Nando’s, because flame-grilled flavour feels healthier and worth the price. People often check Nando's Menu And Prices to compare plates before planning a meal. But how does Nando’s stack up against Greggs, Wetherspoons, Pret, and KFC?
For students especially, managing meals outside can be tricky. Eating Out on a Student Budget in the UK has become more than just a trend, it’s a survival skill. Many young diners are learning to balance taste, health, and price when choosing where to eat. That’s why understanding how chains like Nando’s, Greggs, Wetherspoons, and KFC compare can help stretch every pound wisely.
Why Value Matters in 2025
Food inflation in the UK has hit hard over the last two years. Groceries cost more, rent eats into budgets, and meals out are no longer casual luxuries for many.
When prices climb, value becomes about more than pounds. Diners look for meals that fill them up, taste good, and don’t leave them regretting the spend. That’s why portion size, flavour, and health matter as much as the final bill.
Nando’s: Flame-Grilled Balance
Nando’s continues to shine in 2025. Their signature peri-peri chicken remains one of the most popular mid-range meals in the UK. It’s even listed among Best Grilled Chicken Meals In the UK, thanks to its bold spices, perfect char, and healthier cooking style that appeals to students and families alike.
- Price range: £9–£14 for a filling meal.
- Best picks: Quarter chicken with two sides, Butterfly Chicken, or plant-based Imitator Wrap.
- Health: Grilled options are lighter than fried competitors, and sides like corn and salad keep calories under control.
I’ve sat with friends at Nando’s after long workdays, and the difference is clear. A grilled quarter chicken with spicy rice feels both indulgent and balanced. The smoky flavour makes it feel special, even though the price is still student-friendly compared to many sit-down chains.
Wetherspoons: Portions on a Budget
Wetherspoons holds its place as the UK’s go-to for cheap sit-down meals. Walk into any branch, and you’ll see students, retirees, and workers mixing together over affordable plates.
- Price range: £5–£10 for most meals, often with drinks included.
- Best picks: Curry Club meals, all-day breakfasts, and burger-and-drink deals.
- Health: Moderate. Larger portions can mean higher calories, but simple swaps (like grilled chicken breast) help.
I remember ordering a chicken curry at Wetherspoons for under £8 with a pint included. The portion was huge, enough for two, and while the flavour didn’t match Nando’s, the price-to-size ratio made it a clear winner for groups.
Greggs: Cheap and Cheerful
Greggs is unbeatable when you need something fast and cheap. Their sausage rolls and bakes are icons of British food culture, and their vegan range continues to grow.
- Price range: £2–£5 for most items.
- Best picks: Vegan Sausage Roll, Yogurt & Berry Pot, and breakfast baps.
- Health: Low. Filling but higher in fat, and protein content is often less compared to sit-down chains.
Statista reports Greggs sells over 2.5 million sausage rolls every week. I’ve stood in those long queues on Market Street in Manchester, surrounded by office workers balancing coffee and bags of pastries. For pure affordability, Greggs wins. But if you want balance or protein, it’s less impressive.
Pret A Manger: Fresh but Pricey
Pret remains the favourite of office workers in central London. Their grab-and-go model works for busy mornings, but the prices aren’t always student-friendly.
- Price range: £5–£8 for most food items, plus £3+ for drinks.
- Best picks: Avocado Toast, Acai Bowls, and Egg & Spinach Pots.
- Health: High. Fresh ingredients, lighter calories, and good vegetarian variety.
One morning outside Oxford Circus, I ordered their Acai Bowl with banana and granola for £4.95. It was refreshing and energising, but by lunchtime I was hungry again. Pret works if you prioritise freshness, but you’re paying for convenience more than fullness.
KFC: Comfort on the Cheap
KFC remains the comfort food king. While not the healthiest, their value-for-money boxes are still attractive in 2025.
- Price range: £5–£7 for meal deals.
- Best picks: Grilled Chicken Rice Box, Zinger Burger, or snack wraps.
- Health: Low to moderate. Fried options dominate, though grilled boxes are lighter.
The Grilled Chicken Rice Box, around £5.50, felt surprisingly filling. It doesn’t have the smoky taste of Nando’s, but it works when you want quick protein without spending much.
Value-for-Money Table (£10 Spend Example)
| Chain | What £10 Buys You | Portion Size | Health Factor | Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nando’s | Quarter chicken + 2 sides | Medium | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Wetherspoons | Curry + drink | Large | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Greggs | Vegan sausage roll + yogurt pot + coffee | Small-Med | Low | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pret | Avocado toast + latte | Small | High | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| KFC | Grilled rice box + side | Medium | Low-Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Looking at the table, Greggs and KFC clearly win for pure price. But Nando’s offers the best mix of protein, flavour, and balance for under £10.
Observations from My Own Visits
- Nando’s feels like a social meal, a place you enjoy slowly with friends.
- Wetherspoons is about portion size and comfort, good for group nights.
- Greggs is fast, cheap, and practical, but not the most filling.
- Pret offers freshness, but sometimes leaves you still hungry.
- KFC is about taste and late-night cravings, though not much health.
Final Ranking in 2025
- Nando’s: Best balance of flavour, health, and affordability.
- Wetherspoons: Huge portions for the cost, especially with drinks.
- Greggs: Cheapest for snacks, great for students.
- KFC: Comfort food, filling but not always healthy.
- Pret: Fresh and modern, but too pricey for regular meals.
Conclusion
Finding value in UK chains isn’t just about the lowest bill. It’s about what the meal gives you in flavour, health, and satisfaction. For me, Nando’s still leads the pack in 2025. Their grilled chicken delivers both taste and balance, making the price worth it. Wetherspoons is unbeatable for portions, Greggs covers cheap snacks, Pret appeals to freshness lovers, and KFC continues as a comfort staple. In the end, value means walking away full, satisfied, and ready for the rest of the day, without regretting the spend.