McDonald’s chicken nuggets are shrinking! In a now-viral Reddit threat, one user posted pictures of their 20-piece chicken nugget meal comparing the different sizes of nuggets they received. 15 of them were “tiny, thin nuggets” with 5 “normal-sized” ones. The Redditor, who goes by the name Big_Tony_Two_Toes, set one of each of the nuggets side by side, and in the photo, it’s clear one is much tinier than the other.
Fans protest perceived 'shrinkflation' while McDonald's raises menu prices
This Redditor is not the only person to bring up shrinking food and growing prices at McDonald’s. From Big Macs to McNuggets, it seems like the amount of food is decreasing while prices are increasing. In fact, one McDonald's branch in Connecticut charges hungry customers $18 for a Big Mac combo meal, which includes a Big Mac, medium fries, and a medium soft drink.
McDonald's CFO Ian Borden confirmed in an earnings call with investors that by the end of this year, the price of menu items will have increased by 10% since the start of the year, but has yet to address customers' claims of "shrinking" portions. McDonald's net income rose from $1.9B last year to $2.3B this year, and much of this increase can be attributed to the 8.1% increase in price hikes.
Redditors call for an 'investigation'
In response to Big_Tony_Two_Toes’ post, many users shared their own thoughts and experiences at McDonald's with shrinking foods. "Noticed the exact same thing when I went a couple weeks ago. It was so disappointing. Basically eating pieces of cardboard at this point," one user wrote.
"I noticed that just the other day," another customer agreed. "They’re absolutely thinner than they used to be."
A third user posted, "I had a box of nuggets this thin about 4 months ago. Hardly any chicken to batter," and another person added, "McDonald’s at this point is just a scam."
"They're also just not as juicy anymore," one customer noted. "Prices are absurd, too. I actually thought there'd been an error, but nope."
"They're charging sit-down restaurant prices now," another user posted. "Even if they didn't shrink the portions it'd still be a rip-off. I don't know how anyone can justify going there."
"I'd like to see an investigation!" one enthusiastic user wrote. "The food quality has cratered and the price has gone up...this strategy may work for a minute but in the end they will end up just being another Hardee's or Burger Chef!"
