A customer recently took to TikTok to express his frustration with McDonald’s, stating that the restaurant’s prices have reached a point where it’s “no longer affordable.” He was astonished to find that his regular meal—a Smoky Double Quarter Pounder BLT, large fries, and a Sprite—cost over $16 at his local outlet.
“Has the cost of dining out increased, or is it just my imagination?” He questioned. “It seems even fast food, once an affordable option, has become quite pricey.”
In recent times, the U.S. has witnessed a significant hike in living costs, fueled by inflation impacting food and energy sectors.
Many believed that McDonald’s would always remain a go-to for a budget-friendly meal, yet recent experiences suggest otherwise.
Christopher Olive, in a video posted on YouTube, emphasized this point by showing his receipt from McDonald’s, which included a large fries, a Sprite, and a Smoky Double Quarter Pounder BLT sandwich. The total? A striking $16.10.
“This is more than one would typically expect to pay, even for a large meal,” he observed.
“A few years back, a similar meal would not have exceeded $10,” Christopher noted with surprise, as he reviewed his bill showing the $16.10 total.
In his video, he remarked, “With the current labor shortage, rising wages, among other factors, a $16 price tag for a burger, fries, and drink seems quite high.”
The video attracted numerous views and comments, garnering around 180,000 views on the internet. Views on the issue varied greatly among commenters.
Some argued that $16 is excessively high for a fast-food meal, while others pointed out the impact of rising operational costs throughout the supply chain.
“Are these Five Guys prices at McDonald’s now?” one commenter joked, to which Christopher responded, “That’s crazy.”
“It’s officially more practical to buy ingredients and cook at home,” another viewer advised. Christopher agreed, noting, “I was surprised to find that 90% of my diet is now homemade.”
Still, some believe that Christopher simply chose one of the more expensive menu options.
“You picked the DOUBLE DELUXE BACON quarter-pounder, which is the priciest item on the menu,” a commenter noted. “He ordered the most expensive meal and then was surprised by the cost,” another echoed.
Others suggested a budget-friendly tip: using the McDonald’s app for discounts. “By ordering through the app where deals are frequent, you can spend less than $6 for a meal,” a commenter shared.
“Check the McDonald’s app; they often have deals like 50% off,” another person recommended.
