In Joe Biden's America, the familiar "I'll have fries with that" has become a considered purchase. In fact, just buying that is now a "luxury" for nearly 80 percent of Americans.

Yet, embattled Biden continues to insist that the U.S. economy — via Bidenomics™ — is "the best economy in the world." Horsey hockey, according to a new survey.

A non-probability random-sampling survey conducted by LendingTree found that 78 percent of consumers now consider fast food to be a "luxury" purchase due to how expensive the meals have become.

While a majority of Americans love fast food – three out of four Americans typically eat fast food once a week – the survey showed that 62 percent of respondents are munching it down less frequently due to rising costs. 

Sixty-three percent of those surveyed said fast food should be cheaper than eating at home, but 75 percent said it's no longer the case. Moreover, 46 percent said a meal at a fast-food restaurant costs about the same as one at their local sit-down restaurants, and 22 percent said fast food is now more expensive.

There's more:

• Are burgers the new Birkins? 78% of consumers view fast food as a luxury because it’s become increasingly expensive. Additionally, half of Americans say they view fast food as a luxury because they’re struggling financially. This is especially true among Americans who make less than $30,000 a year (71%), parents with young children (58%), Gen Zers (58%) and women (53%).
• Surge pricing and tipping leave a bad taste in consumers’ mouths. 78% of Americans are concerned about surge pricing at fast-food restaurants, but 72% admit they’d be more likely to eat fast food at off-hours if there was a discount. Additionally, 44% of Americans say they’ve been asked to tip on fast food in the past six months, and 43% of those asked refused to add gratuity.
• Not all fast-food chains are rated equally, but apps help to lure some customers to return for more. Americans rank Chick-fil-A as the most high-end fast-food chain (25%), followed by Starbucks (22%) and Chipotle (21%). Further, 46% of Americans use apps for fast-food establishments that entice them to visit more often.

Yet again, serial-lying Joe Biden and the equally serial-lying quasi-official Democrat media continue to tell us not to believe our lying eyes, and instead to embrace the emperor's new clothes.

Even more:

Fast-food price hikes have outpaced inflation in recent years. Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis shows the cost of fast-food meals is up 41% from 2017, while the consumer price index has risen by 35.9%.

Columnist Dan O'Donnell of the MacIver Institute wrote in a blog post last Thursday:

[Prices on] basic items like McDonald’s cheeseburgers and Chick-fil-A nuggets have risen as much as 200% in less than five years with dire consequences for the lower- and middle-class families who make up much of the fast food customer base.

Fast food patrons are generally lower-income earners — many with young children — who rely on a quick, affordable meal before soccer practice or a band concert. 

When prices at these restaurants spike from $35-$40 for a family meal to $65-$70 in just a few years, those families either have to sacrifice a night out or extend themselves just a little further to afford it.

But hey, while tens of millions of hardworking Americans continue to struggle to make ends meet, with everything from prices at the gas pump to the grocery store to even fast food, Joe Biden and the Democrats remain obsessed with the sham trials of Donald Trump. Go figure.

Related:

$17.50 for a Burger and Fries?! Get Outta Here!

US Restaurants, Bars Are Falling on Hard Times Because of Bidenomics

Latest Data About Buying Conditions Shows Biden's Economy Is Off the Rails