$3 Hash Brown at McDonald’s Is Not Going Down Well With Customers

Hash browns from McDonald’s might have been a popular choice in the past, but the $3 spiked-up price isn’t as appetizing for customers, according to CNN.

McDonald’s has “repeatedly boasted” about its capability to increase prices on its menu without impacting sales. However, the company’s executives are finally accepting that they need to think more about the impact on customers.

After customers began voicing their outrage over recent price hikes, CEO Chris Kempczinski addressed McDonald’s “affordability” issue and revealed that the chain would reduce prices on some of the items on its menu. This came after the American multinational fast-food chain on Monday reported that sales figures had dropped more than anticipated across all its U.S.-based stores.

Per Kempczinski, “Eating at home has become more affordable.”

According to the latest Consumer Price Index report, the cost of eating out has risen by 5.2% in comparison to grocery prices, which, despite still being high, rose by a lower rate of 1.3%. As a result of this rise, lower-income consumers, who are important customers for the fast-food chain, are under pressure. Referring to customers who make $45,000 or less, Kempczinski added, “We actually saw that cohort decrease in the most recent quarter.”

There was no specific mention from Kempczinski as to when or how much the price drop would be. However, he did acknowledge the fact that affordability led to a shift from just a few months ago.

Previously, he confidently shared how the prices on the menu in the U.S., which increased by as much as 10% in 2023, didn’t lead to a drop in sales. In an analyst call in October 2023, he said, “Even though we’re pushing through pricing, the consumer is tolerating it well.”

While McDonald’s refrained from commenting on the details around the price cuts, it highlighted its commitment to providing an affordable range for consumers on the menu.

Even though the nation has enjoyed a significant slowdown in inflation, prices for everyday essentials are still steep, and consumers are getting disgruntled. McDonald’s has become a regular target for social media users complaining about prices.

It has become the norm on TikTok for McDonald’s consumers to claim that the company has taken things too far. For example, some customers have brought to light the $18 Big Mac meal at a branch in Darien, Connecticut. Others have complained about McDonald’s charging more than $3 for just one hash brown in some branches across the U.S.

One user on TikTok posted a video on the platform titled “McDonald’s has gotten too cocky.” He asked, “Who told y’all y’all was that good to be charging that much for your food?”