One of the most popular fast-food chain restaurants, McDonald’s, attracted public attention with a remarkable 14% surge in revenue, soaring to an impressive $6.69 billion in just three months. While this profit is noteworthy for the fast-food titan, it has triggered passionate debate among customers, experts, and economists.

According to the New York Post, McDonald’s credited this colossal figure, initially forecast at $6.58 billion, to “strategic menu price increases.” This explanation did not sit well with everyone. One TikTok user, Christopher Olive, slammed McDonald’s for no longer being affordable due to the rising prices. Olive shared his recent experience of ordering his typical meal—a Smoky Double Quarter Pounder BLT burger, large fries, and a Sprite—only to be shocked by the over $16 bill.

The cost of living in the USA, and most of the world, has increased significantly over the past few years due to sharp inflation. Unfortunately, even takeout options that were once affordable are now quite expensive, making it difficult for Americans to rely on cheap McDonald’s meals. Olive’s TikTok post, which caused a stir and caught many people’s attention, highlighted that just a couple of years ago, this meal cost $10 or even less.

In the clip, Olive expresses his frustration: “So I get there’s a labor shortage, I get there’s wage increases and a number of other things but… sixteen dollars? Sixteen dollars for a burger, a large fries and a drink. It’s just crazy.” The video has received close to 180,000 views and thousands of comments from the internet community. Most users agree that $16.10 for a burger, some fries, and a drink is a rip-off.

Comments like “Five Guys prices at McDonald’s?!?” and “It’s officially not convenient or affordable anymore, might as well go to the store and buy hamburger meat” were common. Another user added, “I make a lot more of my own food these days because of stuff like this,” with Olive replying, “Exactly. I eat 90 percent from food I cook and this really shocked me.”

However, some argued that rising costs impact the entire supply chain. They also pointed out that Olive opted for one of the most expensive items on the menu. Comments such as “Bro ordered the most expensive meal they have and acted surprised” and “Because you got DOUBLE DELUXE BACON quarter pounder, literally the most expensive option on the entire menu” reflect this perspective.

Others shared tips on how to save money at McDonald’s. “Download the app. You can literally eat McDonald’s for under $6 every time,” suggested one user. Another chimed in: “Use the McDonald’s app, sometimes they have a 50% off and other offers.”

The dissatisfaction among consumers fuels allegations of “greedflation,” suggesting that companies capitalize on inflation concerns for profit. Nonetheless, McDonald’s profitability persists in expanding, partly due to elevated prices, signaling enduring consumer demand despite financial pressures. The fast-food chain asserts that its pricing remains equitable, and the ongoing demand for its products indicates a nuanced situation.

What are your thoughts on this?