McDonald’s: Our prices haven’t risen as much as you think

McDonald’s has a message for America: Rumors of Big Mac inflation are greatly exaggerated. Recently, there have been viral social posts and poorly sourced reports claiming that McDonald’s has significantly raised prices beyond inflationary rates. However, Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, clarified in an open letter that the average price of a Big Mac in the U.S. has increased by 21% since 2019, not 100%.

Despite the global pandemic and rising supply chain costs, wages, and inflationary pressures, McDonald’s emphasizes that the high-priced burgers that have been highlighted are not the norm. Customers have expressed frustration over higher prices, leading to decreased spending and slower fast food sales.

McDonald’s is focused on affordability, with CEO Chris Kempczinski stressing the importance of upholding their leadership in value within the industry. To attract consumers, the burger chain is considering introducing a $5 value meal to the menu for a limited time, aiming to address concerns about pricing and offer more affordable options to customers.

As discussions around McDonald’s prices continue, the company is launching national and local programs to provide meaningful solutions to customers. The possibility of a national $5 value meal reflects McDonald’s commitment to maintaining affordability and addressing consumer needs.