McDonald’s enthusiasts are expressing frustration following a widely shared post indicating that the price of a hash brown has nearly hit £2 in select outlets. The post features an image of a McDonald’s menu board displaying the £1.99 price tag for a hash brown at that specific location.
The viral post, garnering over 459,000 views, was accompanied by a remark stating, “£2 for a single hash brown. We’re calling it quits.” Responses included one person commenting on the sudden increase, noting that McDonald’s used to be an affordable choice. Another individual suggested opting for a sausage sandwich at the same price point, while a third simply labeled the situation as “madness.”
Additional comments expressed disappointment at the £2 price point for the beloved hash browns, with one person reminiscing about when they were priced at 59p.
In response, a McDonald’s representative explained that franchisees, who operate a significant number of their restaurants, have the autonomy to set prices, leading to variations in individual item costs. However, the company emphasized its dedication to delivering a high-quality dining experience and value for customers across all outlets.
This price uproar comes amidst McDonald’s announcement of upcoming changes to MyMcDonald’s Rewards, where the points required for redeeming free items will see an increase. Currently, popular items like a Big Mac, Double Fillet of Fish, Double Sausage and Egg McMuffin, and Nine Chicken Nuggets require 5,500 points. Starting March 17, the redemption threshold for these items will be raised to 6,500 points, with customers earning 100 points for every £1 spent at McDonald’s.
Moreover, the loyalty scheme adjustments extend to other menu items, with the points needed for a Medium Coffee or Small Fries set to rise from 1,500 to 2,000 points. The points requirement for items like a regular McFlurry or an Apple Pie will increase from 2,500 to 3,500 points, while a Double Cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich will now cost 5,000 points, up from 4,000 points.
McDonald’s justified these alterations by citing escalating food and supply expenses. Despite the point increases, the company highlighted the introduction of new redemption options including Chicken Selects, Cheese sides, and the newly launched Sausage Sandwich to cater to diverse customer preferences.