When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Updated: 6/13/2024
McDonald’s “$1 Menu,” a mainstay of budget-conscious customers for decades, is facing criticism for its seeming bait-and-switch tactics. Customers are growing increasingly frustrated that the “value” menu no longer features not one item priced at an actual dollar.
TikToker Anna Arroyo shared a super short video that went viral for resonating with others who felt much the same way.
Anna merely said: “McDonald’s has a dollar menu right now without a single item that costs $1.“
$1 $2 $3 Menu
The chain’s current “Dollar Menu” has morphed into the “$1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu,” with the cheapest options hovering around $2.00 and above. This shift has created outrage on social media. And the recent TikTok video criticized the inflated prices which spurred a wave of comments lamenting the demise of the true dollar menu.
The items on the ‘modern’ menu… that are in the $1 ballpark are all soft drinks or sweet tea, and even then they’re $1.29. At the $2 price point? Frozen Cola, Sprite or Fanta. The McChicken, and small fry, come in each at $1.99. In the $3 territory is a McDouble for $2.89. And lastly, is a 6-pc McNugget for $3.29.
Now compare that with the old $1 menu where everything was $1:
- McDouble
- McChicken
- Parfait
- Side Salad
- Small Fries
- Small Soft Drink
- 2 Pies
- Apple Dippers
- Sundae
- 3 Cookies
Quite the difference, eh?
While McDonald’s defends the concept as offering a range of affordable options, consumers feel the “Dollar Menu” title is deceptive. The price increase is likely a result of inflation, impacting the fast-food industry like many others. But the decision to keep the “Dollar Menu” name has backfired, creating a perception of dishonesty.
One commenter on Arroyo’s video said:
“McDouble, small fry, large drink used to be around 5 dollars where I live. It’s now over 9.”
This isn’t the first time McDonald’s has faced criticism for menu pricing. In recent years (and months) they’ve shrunk portion sizes while raising prices on some popular items. This latest controversy surrounding the “Dollar Menu” could damage the brand’s reputation for affordability, a core element of its appeal.
In fact, video after video has been popping up, each echoing the same sentiment…that McDonald’s is pricing out their customers. A real estate agent highlighted in his own viral video how the chain has become a luxury that many can no longer afford.
And it only gets worse. The latest kerfuffle riling everyone up is their addition of the $5 Value Meal starting June 25th. It includes a choice of either a McDouble or a McChicken, a 4-piece Chicken Nuggets, fries, and a drink. What’s so bad about that you say? According to the chain, it’s only going to be live for one month. The move has prompted intense reactions online from people who are vocally not lovin’ McDonald’s antics anymore. .
What we thought was McDonald’s starting to listen to customers, may only be a false assumption. Even though they recently discussed losing their lower income customers, and strategies to win them back…it looks like they’re more concerned with keeping things the way they are for bigger profits. If bigger burgers, and value meals are actually on the horizon as they claim, then we’ll eat our words but the question still remains would it be…too little too late?
