Later on hamburgers or burgers, pizzas, shakes and ice-cream became very popular and it was only after the 1950s that these became the choicest fast food items all over the world. In the early stages fast food was only associated with burgers, fries, fish and chips, shakes and ice cream items. However now all types of food including Chinese, Indian, Far Eastern, Mexican and European food have been associated with fast food items.

In order to promote their sales, fast food companies offer their customers free food coupons on purchases made by them for some fast food items. Coupons are certificates that give consumers a price savings when they purchase a specified product. Coupons are frequently mailed, placed in newspapers, or dispensed at the point of purchase.

Discounts and free meals are also offered on these coupons which can be redeemed by the customers as and when they wish. However, most coupons have to be used within the expiry date. One of the most popular free fast food coupons are the printable coupons. Printable coupons are online coupons that are available either in the form of an image or downloadable PDF or MS Word document and are available for many different food items ranging from burgers to shakes and other restaurant take out items. Printed coupons have been in use for decades, primarily distributed through newspaper inserts and special direct mail pieces. With the rise in Internet usage, printed coupons have now become printable right in your own home using a personal computer and printer. Many websites are now devoted to helping consumers find and print coupons from the Internet. As the process has become more popular, more and more retailers have started to issue their own printable coupons on their websites.