Why fast food value menus aren’t as good a deal as you might think [Video]

Value is the new buzzword at fast-food chains nationwide.Video above: What can you really get for $1 at fast-food joints?After rising prices turned customers off, the restaurants recently responded by unveiling value menus.For instance, McDonald’s has a $5 value meal, which includes a McDouble cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, plus small french fries, 4-piece chicken nuggets and a small soft drink.At Taco Bell, you can now get two different kinds of tacos, a five-layer burrito, chips with nacho cheese sauces and a medium drink for $7. That’s 55% cheaper than ordering the items individually. Like McDonald’s, Burger King is offering a $5 meal bundle where customers can select one of three kinds of burgers to pair with chicken nuggets and a beverage.But just how much value is there in these kinds of “value” meals?Well, actually, not as much as you may think, since prices for many key ingredients used in …