The rapidly rising prices on fast food menus have been the subject of debate and complaints for years. There’s even a Subreddit dedicated to the issue of “shrinkflation,” in which meals decrease in size while rising in price. McDonald’s prices, in particular, have been stirring quote the buzz among customers online, especially as fans notice changes to the once-beloved “Dollar Menu.”
One TikTok by user Clyde (@bonnetclyde) ignited frustration over the loss of the once-beloved $1 drinks at McD’s. Clyde ranted about his experience an unexpected surcharge on his drinks, and commenters chimed in to echo his sentiments.
@bonnetnclyde #stitch with @Willie T McDonald’s count your days. Because I used to ride for you HARD! #McDonalds #DollarMenu #ADollarSweetTea #Surcharge #DrinkSurcharge #ExtraChargeAtMcDonalds #WhatAreTheseExtraChargesFor #Fastfood #m#mcdonaldsdollardrinksm#mcdonaldsdollarmenu original sound – Clyde
McDonald’s Customers Complain About Rising Drink Prices
Clyde’s video was a response to a TikTok by @williet_ent, who pointed out the irony of many fast food menus. “You have a dollar menu when nothing on your menu is a dollar. I mean nothing,” Willie T said.
Clyde’s jumped in, calling out the fast food giant for the rise in their drink prices: “No, but for real. I went to McDonald’s the other day and tell me why there was a surcharge for my drink? I think I got like a Diet Coke. It was a surcharge. An extra 30-something cents.”
He went on to express disbelief at the additional charge on another drink as well: “And I got sweet tea. It was an extra surcharge on that. I was like, when did sweet tea stop being a dollar? You used to be able to get a large sweet tea for one dollar. Any drink from McDonald’s was $1. And now y’all got surcharges?”
Fans quickly chimed in below in the comments section, with many agreeing that McDonald's drink prices have been creeping up. Several users pointed out that the days of $1 drinks are long gone. Many noted that drinks have not been $1 for some time now, citing prices like $1.59 and $1.79.
One user shared their frustration: "That’s why I stopped eating out."
Inflation was a common theme in the comments. One user simply stated, "Inflation," while others lamented the rising costs across fast food chains. Despite the price hikes, some users suggested ways to navigate the changes. "Get the mobile app, way better and perks," one person suggested, referring to the exclusive deals available through McDonald’s app. In fact, some pointed out that the rising prices are because of the fact that McDonald's once you to use the app.
Regardless, McDonald's may be losing loyal customers as their prices skyrocket. "I might have to just have food at home. Y’all messing up," Clyde concluded. It seems many feel the same.
