McDonald’s faces backlash online over $8 nugget combo meal due to affordability, quality, and service complaints

Earlier this year, McDonalds CEO highlighted that combo meals at the global fast-food giant were priced too high, signaling plans to introduce more affordable options for budget-conscious customers. Despite these efforts, the online response has been lukewarm.

In November, McDonalds launched a limited-time $8 10-piece Chicken McNugget value meal. On November 14, the company promoted this offer on X (formerly Twitter), but the post attracted numerous complaints. Users criticized the price, citing inflation, perceived declining quality, and long drive-through waits. One comment read, Since when is $8 a fair price for 10 small nuggets, a handful of fries, and a drink?

McDonalds responded to several complaints in the thread, asking users to send their contact information via direct message to address concerns. Despite this, the post accumulated hundreds of negative reactions. The company could not provide an immediate comment to Fortune due to the holiday weekend.

This backlash emerges as McDonalds works to restore its reputation for affordability amid rising menu prices. Last year, the chain faced criticism for price increases since 2019, even drawing attention from House Republicans. Claims circulated that prices for medium fries rose 167.6% and Big Mac meals by 103.5% under President Joe Biden. McDonalds refuted the figures, stating the average menu item increased about 40%, attributing the rise to higher operational costs, including wage hikes of up to 40% and increased food and packaging expenses.

Over recent years, the company has repeatedly faced scrutiny from budget-conscious customers online. A 2023 X post showing an $18 Big Mac combo went viral, sparking debates over affordability. McDonalds USA president Joe Erlinger responded, describing the meal as an exception and maintaining that prices had not outpaced inflation.

CEO Chris Kempczinski also acknowledged that combo meals over $10 were negatively shaping value perceptions. During the second-quarter earnings call, he told investors that the menu board remains the single biggest driver of consumer perceptions of value. Kempczinski noted that in the U.S., low-income customer traffic dropped by nearly double digits in the first quarter, with similar declines among middle-income consumers. He attributed this trend to the combined effects of inflation and economic anxiety.

Despite the criticism, McDonalds global comparable sales rose 3.6% in the third quarter, with U.S. sales increasing 2.4%. Were fueling momentum by delivering everyday value and affordability, menu innovation, and compelling marketing that continue to bring customers through our doors, Kempczinski stated in the third-quarter earnings release.

Author: Sophia Brooks