Who said “There's no such thing as a free lunch.”?

Misattributed

Not Milton Friedman. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundNot by Milton Friedman. Earliest known source: Saloon 'free lunch' talk; popularised by a 1938 newspaper fable.

Evidence: Quote Investigator · Wikiquote · How we check

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“There's no such thing as a free lunch.”
MisattributedNot by Milton Friedman. Earliest known source: Saloon 'free lunch' talk; popularised by a 1938 newspaper fable. · evidenceWork
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Cite this quote

APA

“There's no such thing as a free lunch.” [Quotation attributed to Milton Friedman]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/39938-theres-no-such-thing-as-a-free-lunch/

MLA

“There's no such thing as a free lunch.” Attributed to Milton Friedman. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/39938-theres-no-such-thing-as-a-free-lunch/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“There's no such thing as a free lunch.” Attributed to Milton Friedman. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/39938-theres-no-such-thing-as-a-free-lunch/.