McDonalds Says $18 Big Mac Meal Was An ‘Exception’ And News Reports Overstated Its Price Increases

McDonalds is pushing back against viral tweets and media reports that it claims to overstate its price increases.

In a message on the company’s website Wednesday, McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger denied rumors that the typical Big Mac’s price had doubled since 2019. McDonald’s reported that the average Big Mac in the United States cost $4.39 in 2019 and now costs $5.29, representing a 20.5% rise.

Mcdonalds | Pixa Bay Image

McDonalds Says $18 Big Mac Meal Was An ‘Exception’ And News Reports Overstated Its Price Increases

“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 stated.

Erlinger said he and several franchisees were frustrated by a post on X last summer about a Big Mac meal in Connecticut that cost $18, referring to the figure as “an exception.” He pointed out that franchisees control and operate 95% of McDonald’s outlets in the United States, determine their prices, and “work hard to minimize the impact of price increases.”

A Big Mac meal, which includes a sandwich, fries, and a drink, currently costs $9.29 on average in the United States.

Nonetheless, the Chicago burger chain stated that the pricing of several items had increased more than the Big Mac. The average price of medium fries was $2.29 in 2019 and is currently $3.29, representing a 44% rise.

Mcdonalds | AP News Image

McDonalds Says $18 Big Mac Meal Was An ‘Exception’ And News Reports Overstated Its Price Increases

McDonalds stated that the average price of all menu items has grown by 40% in the last five years, accounting for a 40% increase in labor, paper, and food costs. According to official data, this is greater than general consumer prices, which have risen 21% since December 2019.

McDonalds suffered a significant drop in in-store visitation in the first three months of this year, as inflation-weary customers in the United States and other major regions ate out less frequently. As a result, the corporation offered additional deals.

Mcdonalds | PixaBay Image

McDonalds Says $18 Big Mac Meal Was An ‘Exception’ And News Reports Overstated Its Price Increases

Next month, McDonald’s is slated to launch a $5 meal deal in the United States that includes a sandwich, a four-piece McNugget, small fries, and a small drink.

Erlinger stated that clients will find the company’s next promotions “meaningful.”

“It’s clear that we — together with our franchisees — must remain laser-focused on value and affordability,” Erlinger stated.

SOURCE – (AP)