Not lovin’ it: Chinese fume at McDonald’s raised prices, costlier ‘poor man’s meal’
Fast-food giant increases menu items by 0.5 to 1 yuan, testing pricing power in a deflationary market where per-capita dining spending has been plunging
McDonald’s China arm has raised prices on most menu items, igniting a social media backlash as consumers grapple with job uncertainty and stagnant wages.
Patrons discovered this week that prices for burgers, snacks and combos rose by up to 1 yuan (US$0.14). While modest, the increase drew attention because the chain’s budget combo has long been dubbed the “poor man’s meal” by frugal young adults.
Some quipped online that “McDonald’s prices are rising, but my salary isn’t”, or that the popular “1+1” value meal, introduced in 2019 at 12 yuan before rising to 13.9 yuan in 2023, “is no longer worth it” as item prices creep upwards.
According to the online menu, the Big Mac, Double Filet-O-Fish and McNuggets are among the items that rose by 1 yuan. Side items such as medium fries, crispy fried chicken and McFlurries increased by 0.5 yuan.
McDonald’s China confirmed the adjustments to Jiemian News, stating it remained committed to “value-for-money choices”. The company did not immediately respond to a Post request for comment.
However, analysts said McDonald’s strong brand allows it to test pricing power. And similarly cautious increases could follow across China’s chain-restaurant sector as pricing strategies are recalibrated.