For months, McDonald’s $5 meal deal was the saving grace for budget-conscious fast food lovers, offering a small reprieve from the sting of rising burger prices.
But now, loyal customers are venting on social media after spotting a sharp price hike in some locations — with some claiming it’s jumped to as high as $7 in under a month.
From Budget-Friendly to Price Shock
The four-item deal, first launched in May last year, was McDonald’s answer to customer frustration over soaring menu costs — like the now-infamous $17 Big Mac that became the poster child for fast food inflation.
Initially, the strategy worked wonders. Customers flocked back to McDonald’s 18,000 U.S. restaurants, and competitors like Burger King and Wendy’s quickly rolled out similar offers.
But the goodwill appears to be wearing thin as prices creep up in certain areas.
Fans Vent Over Sudden Price Hikes
One Reddit user summed up the frustration: “I stopped going to McDonald’s for a couple of years because of the prices, but the $5 meal deal seemed fair.
Well, a couple of weeks ago it became $6. And today it’s $7. Forty percent more in less than a month is wild. I’m done again.”
The deal includes a sandwich — McChicken, McDouble, or Daily Double — plus four chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink.
Depending on location and choice, opting for the Daily Double can push the total even higher.
Divided Opinions Among Customers
While some are accusing McDonald’s of “dropping the ball,” others argue that the meal still offers decent savings — often 40 to 50 percent cheaper than ordering each item separately.
In some areas, the deal is still holding steady at $5. One customer said, “Mine is still $5 for the McChicken meal, plus free nuggets or a Big Mac if the Phillies win or Eagles get a sack. I think that’s a really good deal.”
Another pointed out that combining it with promos makes it worth it: “These meal deals were only supposed to be around for a month anyway.”
Sales Bounce Back, But Concerns Remain
The pricing debate comes as McDonald’s recovers from a first-quarter slump, with U.S. sales rising 2.5 percent.
Boosts came from limited promotions like the Minecraft Meal and the launch of McCrispy Strips.
Still, fears of skyrocketing menu prices have some customers skipping McDonald’s entirely in favor of other restaurants.
Nostalgia Meets Employee Frustration
McDonald’s recently introduced the McDonaldland Meal — a nostalgia-heavy, limited-time offer bringing back characters like Grimace, Ronald McDonald, Birdie, Fry Friends, Hamburglar, and Mayor McCheese.
While customers loved the idea, employees weren’t thrilled about the timing, as it landed just a month after the much-hyped Snack Wrap relaunch.
One worker vented online, “Seriously?! One more thing to shove in my already overloaded tiny walk-in cooler!”
Bigger Plans for Growth and Jobs
Despite the chatter online, McDonald’s isn’t slowing down.
This summer, the chain permanently extended operating hours in most locations and launched its biggest hiring push since 2020 — aiming to recruit 375,000 workers across more than 13,000 U.S. locations.
The company is also preparing to open 900 new restaurants globally by the end of 2027, with some expected to feature new AI technology, although details remain under wraps.
Striking a Balance on Price
McDonald’s says it’s working with franchise owners to keep menu prices affordable while continuing to grow.
Whether the $5 meal deal remains a bargain or becomes another casualty of inflation may depend entirely on where you live — and how much you’re willing to pay for fries and a burger.
