The conversation around fast food prices just took another turn — and this time, McDonald’s is in the hot seat.
A viral TikTok has sparked outrage after a customer claimed the chain’s iconic Filet-O-Fish sandwich has been hit with “shrinkflation.”
Shrinkflation, for those unfamiliar, is when a product quietly gets smaller while the price stays the same, or in some cases, even increases. And people aren’t happy about it.
TikTok Sparks the Debate
The viral moment began when TikTok user andymachiavelli shared a video showing off her tiny Filet-O-Fish, captioning:
“Just ridiculous @McDonald’s Corporate do better! Why are prices going up but the food is getting smaller. I’m confused.”
The video quickly drew comments from TikTokers who dubbed the sandwich a “fish slider” or a “fish filet jr,” with some joking that it seems to “get smaller every week.”
X Users Add Fuel to the Fire
Over on X (formerly Twitter), customers piled on with their own frustration.
One user accused McDonald’s of “robbing” customers, while another sarcastically predicted the fish sandwich would eventually turn into “a fish nugget on a dinner roll.”
One particularly angry comment summed it up:
“McDonald’s chops the fish down to slider size while prices climb higher than rent.
Americans deserve FOOD not crumbs. Shrinkflation is theft served with fries.”
Not the First McDonald’s Backlash
This isn’t the first time McDonald’s has found itself on the receiving end of customer anger.
Just weeks ago, people were up in arms after discovering sauce limits at some locations.
A Reddit user snapped a photo of a drive-thru sign that read:
-
4 and 6-piece nuggets = 1 sauce
-
10-piece = 2 sauces
-
20-piece = 3 sauces
-
40-piece = 4 sauces
Any extras came with a charge. While not a universal rule, many customers argued the policy was “getting out of hand.”
Rising Prices Add to the Frustration
All of this comes amid ongoing concerns about fast food affordability.
Customers have pointed out that McDonald’s famous $5 meal deal — launched to win back budget-conscious eaters — is already climbing in price.
Some say they’ve seen it jump to $7 in under a month at certain locations.
The meal, introduced in May 2024, quickly inspired copycat deals from rivals like Burger King and Wendy’s.
It was designed to push back against viral complaints of overpriced burgers, including the infamous $17 Big Mac.
In response, McDonald’s promised that starting next year, eight of its most popular combo meals will stay priced 15 percent lower than if purchased separately.
McDonald’s Response and Strategy
Joe Erlinger, head of McDonald’s U.S. business, has acknowledged the frustration:
“Customers are telling us they need more of the everyday value and affordability that defines the McDonald’s brand.”
Still, McDonald’s is moving forward with other strategies to keep its customer base loyal, from reintroducing beloved Snack Wraps to extending store hours and even rolling out AI technology in thousands of restaurants.
The chain also has ambitious plans to open 900 new U.S. locations by 2027.
Shrinkflation Beyond McDonald’s
Of course, this issue isn’t unique to McDonald’s.
Other chains have been accused of the same practice:
-
Chili’s customers complained about “tiny” quesadilla portions, comparing them to kids’ meals or mini pancakes.
-
Chipotle has faced repeated backlash over smaller portions.
-
Arby’s is currently facing a lawsuit after a New York resident claimed the chain shrank fries and drinks without lowering prices.
-
The Cheesecake Factory was also sued earlier this year by a customer alleging cake slices have gotten noticeably smaller.
Even with Chili’s enjoying a strong comeback, accusations of shrinkflation have continued to circle around the casual dining chain for more than a year.
What’s Next for McDonald’s?
The viral Filet-O-Fish debate highlights a bigger tension in the fast food world: rising prices versus shrinking value.
While McDonald’s insists it’s working to provide affordable options, customers on social media clearly aren’t convinced.
With lawsuits, viral posts, and growing discontent across multiple chains, the shrinkflation conversation isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
McDonald’s has yet to comment directly on the viral video — but if the online outrage is any indication, the company may need to act fast before the Filet-O-Fish becomes the poster child for America’s fast food frustrations.