McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its price increases.

In a post on the company’s website Wednesday, McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger said reports suggesting the price of the average Big Mac has doubled since 2019 were false. McDonald’s said the average U.S. Big Mac was $4.39 in 2019 and now costs $5.29, a 20.5% increase.

Erlinger acknowledged that he and many franchisees were frustrated by a post on X last summer about a Big Mac meal in Connecticut that cost $18, calling the price “an exception.”

McDonald’s saw a marked slowdown in store traffic in the first three months of this year as inflation-weary customers in the U.S. and other big markets ate out less often.

“It’s clear that we — together with our franchisees — must remain laser-focused on value and affordability,” Erlinger said.

  • Dudewitbow@lemmy.zip
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    5 months ago

    the price of the burger reletive to other chains isnt as egrigious. the price increase is mostly in the cost of the fries and drink which have inflated.

    i learned about it when i had to compare burger and burger combos from various joints in my area.

    • TexasDrunk@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      You’re right about the price in comparison. But it’s always been seen as the lowest acceptable quality, even in comparison to other fast food. So it needs to be priced much cheaper to justify it, not just comparable.

    • gregorum@lemm.ee
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      5 months ago

      Just because everyone is screwing you doesn’t mean it’s not egregious