Brace yourself: Find out how much more your McDonald's favorite could cost
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If you love a good McDonald's meal, you might want to prepare for some unwelcome news.
The price of its iconic Big Mac is set to rise, making it a pricier indulgence.
With costs already creeping up over the years, this latest potential hike has many wondering just how much more they'll be paying at the counter.
But what’s behind this change, and how might it affect your next trip to the Golden Arches?
Let’s break it down.
The expected rise in McDonald’s menu prices, including the Big Mac, isn’t just a random decision.
It’s tied to larger economic factors, particularly international trade policies.
Australia’s trade minister, Don Farrell, has indicated that new tax levies could drive up the cost of American hamburgers—including McDonald’s most famous one.
The US government has hinted at imposing tariffs on Australian lamb and beef, a move that could have ripple effects on farming and food production.
Since Australia exports over $5 billion in beef, a significant portion of it going into McDonald's hamburgers, even a slight increase in costs could be passed down to consumers.
Farrell has voiced concerns, explaining that price hikes on Australian beef would likely make fast-food meals more expensive in the US.
While the full impact remains uncertain, many are keeping a close eye on how these changes might affect their wallets.
Even before these potential tariffs, McDonald's had been gradually raising its prices.
Social media has buzzed with claims that the price of a Big Mac has doubled since 2019, but Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald's USA, clarified that the actual increase has been about 21%, with the average price going from $4.39 to $5.29.
"Despite a global pandemic and historic rises in supply chain costs, wages and other inflationary pressures in the years that followed, the average cost is now $5.29. That's an increase of 21% (not 100%)."
However, McDonald's menu prices overall have risen by approximately 40% in the past five years.
McDonald's also increased the prices of Egg McMuffins and hash browns, contributing to a 7% profit growth in early 2024.
Despite these increases, the company continues to thrive, closing 2024 with over $130 billion in global sales.
McDonald’s is set to release its next earnings report on April 29, which may provide more insight into its pricing strategy.
In the meantime, the company is working to keep customers engaged with new initiatives like the McValue platform, including the $5 Meal Deal, aiming to balance affordability with rising costs.
For our GrayVine community, this is a reminder that staying informed about price changes can help with smart budgeting.
While we may not have control over trade policies or corporate pricing, we can make informed choices about how we spend our money.
Read next: Don’t throw out your chocolate boxes—gardeners are loving this surprising trick!
How do you feel about the possibility of paying more for a Big Mac? Would it change how often you visit McDonald's? Do you have any budget-friendly dining tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The price of its iconic Big Mac is set to rise, making it a pricier indulgence.
With costs already creeping up over the years, this latest potential hike has many wondering just how much more they'll be paying at the counter.
But what’s behind this change, and how might it affect your next trip to the Golden Arches?
Let’s break it down.
McDonald's menu prices are on the rise—here’s what’s driving the increase. Image Source: Pexels / Polina Tankilevitch.
What’s causing the price increase?
The expected rise in McDonald’s menu prices, including the Big Mac, isn’t just a random decision.
It’s tied to larger economic factors, particularly international trade policies.
Australia’s trade minister, Don Farrell, has indicated that new tax levies could drive up the cost of American hamburgers—including McDonald’s most famous one.
The impact of new tariffs
The US government has hinted at imposing tariffs on Australian lamb and beef, a move that could have ripple effects on farming and food production.
Since Australia exports over $5 billion in beef, a significant portion of it going into McDonald's hamburgers, even a slight increase in costs could be passed down to consumers.
Farrell has voiced concerns, explaining that price hikes on Australian beef would likely make fast-food meals more expensive in the US.
While the full impact remains uncertain, many are keeping a close eye on how these changes might affect their wallets.
Also read: The Shamrock Shake returns with a surprise guest—discover the secret menu item McDonald's just revived!
Rising costs beyond tariffs
Even before these potential tariffs, McDonald's had been gradually raising its prices.
Social media has buzzed with claims that the price of a Big Mac has doubled since 2019, but Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald's USA, clarified that the actual increase has been about 21%, with the average price going from $4.39 to $5.29.
"Despite a global pandemic and historic rises in supply chain costs, wages and other inflationary pressures in the years that followed, the average cost is now $5.29. That's an increase of 21% (not 100%)."
However, McDonald's menu prices overall have risen by approximately 40% in the past five years.
McDonald's also increased the prices of Egg McMuffins and hash browns, contributing to a 7% profit growth in early 2024.
Despite these increases, the company continues to thrive, closing 2024 with over $130 billion in global sales.
Also read: McDonald’s rolls out surprising new rules–See if you’ll be allowed in
What’s next for McDonald’s—and your budget?
McDonald’s is set to release its next earnings report on April 29, which may provide more insight into its pricing strategy.
In the meantime, the company is working to keep customers engaged with new initiatives like the McValue platform, including the $5 Meal Deal, aiming to balance affordability with rising costs.
For our GrayVine community, this is a reminder that staying informed about price changes can help with smart budgeting.
While we may not have control over trade policies or corporate pricing, we can make informed choices about how we spend our money.
Read next: Don’t throw out your chocolate boxes—gardeners are loving this surprising trick!
How do you feel about the possibility of paying more for a Big Mac? Would it change how often you visit McDonald's? Do you have any budget-friendly dining tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
