Price Increases at McDonald’s China Spark Consumer Backlash

This week, McDonald’s China has implemented price hikes on various menu items, triggering a wave of discontent among consumers on social media. As many people face unstable job conditions and stagnant wages, the price adjustments have provoked discussions about affordability and value.

Details of the Price Adjustments

Customers recently noticed that prices for items such as burgers, snacks, and combo meals have surged by as much as 1 yuan (approximately US$0.14). While this increase may seem slight, it has garnered significant attention due to the chain’s well-known budget combo, affectionately referred to as the “poor man’s meal” by cost-conscious young adults.

Consumer Reactions on Social Media

The response from the public has been vocal, with many taking to social media to express their frustrations. Comments like “McDonald’s prices are rising, but my salary isn’t” highlight the feelings of many who perceive this increase as unjust, given the current economic climate. A well-liked meal deal, known as the “1+1” value meal, first priced at 12 yuan in 2019, currently sits at 13.9 yuan, leading some to lament that it “is no longer worth it.”

Specific Price Changes

According to the online menu, popular categories such as the Big Mac, Double Filet-O-Fish, and Chicken McNuggets have gone up by 1 yuan. Additionally, complementary items including medium fries, crispy fried chicken, and McFlurries have seen increases of 0.5 yuan.

McDonald’s Commitment to Value

In response to the adjustments, McDonald’s China assured Jiemian News that they remain dedicated to providing “value-for-money choices” for their customers. However, the company has yet to respond to other inquiries regarding the reasons behind this pricing strategy.