McDonald’s is fighting back against viral social media posts and media reports that it says overstated how much the fast food chain has raised prices in recent years — including a viral post that claimed a Big Mac meal now costs $18 in Connecticut.
In a post on the company’s website Wednesday, McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger directly refuted claims suggesting the price of the iconic Big Mac has doubled since 2019, calling such reports “false.”
Erlinger admitted, though, that the average national price for a Big Mac was $4.39 in 2019 and has risen to $5.29 in 2024 – a 20.5% increase over that four-year span.
“For a brand that proudly serves nearly 90% of the U.S. population every year, we feel a responsibility to make sure the real facts are available,” Erlinger wrote.
He acknowledged franchisees set local pricing, but said they “work hard to minimize the impact of price increases” even as operating costs have risen sharply.
While providing some perspective, McDonald’s did confirm its prices have climbed at a faster rate than overall U.S. inflation during the same period. The average price for menu items has increased around 40% over the last five years according to McDonald’s own figures.
This accounts for a 40% rise in expenses like labor, food, and supplies that franchisees have had to absorb, compared to the 21% increase in the government’s Consumer Price Index since late 2019.
Some McDonald’s items have seen particularly steep hikes, like medium fries going from $2.29 on average in 2019 to $3.29 currently – a 44% jump.
The pushback comes as McDonald’s saw a notable sales slowdown in the first quarter of 2024 as inflation-weary customers cut back on restaurant spending.
In response, the Chicago-based burger giant says it will be rolling out more aggressive nationwide deals soon, including an upcoming $5 value meal that includes a sandwich, McNuggets, small fries, and a small drink.
“It’s clear that we – together with our franchisees – must remain laser-focused on value and affordability,” Erlinger stated, hoping the new discounts will resonate with budgets.