McDonalds has overheads eg shop rent, fixtures and fittings, and insurance and paying the staff which all contribute to the total cost of buying a burger, a burger van's costs will be much less so they can charge less. Why do you go in McDonalds then, if you think it's so much rubbish?
Boxtops I try not to, unless I have to, such as when we stopped there on the way back from an art trip, or we arrived home at about 7am, we had no food and it was the only place where we could get hot food . . .
I wouldnt touch them, look at the article in the daily mail today about the happy meal that has not gone mouldy in 6 months! can you imagine what stuff its pumped with to keep it "fresh" it also makes you wonder how old the products sold to you are if they can keep for so long without a visual sign of spoilage.. :o
I think the thing about Mc Donalds is that when you go in you know what you are getting as they are the same everywhere. Whereas a burger van or even cafe differ from place to place.