McDonald's has launched a brand new menu across all of its UK stores. The hotly-anticipated Chicken Big Mac returned to the menu on Wednesday, as did the new Steakhouse Stack and Mighty McMuffin.
Easter-themed McFlurries are also now available to buy, as are mozzarella dippers. But while fans are enjoying the new McDonald's selection, another change has been made that won't be quite as popular.
From the same day McDonald's customers will find themselves paying an additional charge, as prices have risen. McDonald's has increased the price of multiple items on its menu in the second price rise in just two weeks.
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One example is McDonald's black/white coffee, which is going up in price by 20p, from 99p to £1.19. Menu prices and the increases you will see from today will vary across restaurants as some are operated by franchisees. McDonald's can recommend how its franchises set their prices, but can't order them to, says the Mirror.
A spokesperson said the restaurant chain “chose to pass on much of” the temporary VAT cut for businesses in 2020 and had until now “maintained those lowered prices across our coffee range”.
“Although we have now made a small change to these prices, the price of black and white coffee remains below that of early 2020 – and is actually comparable to price in the majority of our restaurants in 2010,” they added.
The latest increase comes after McDonald’s hiked the price of five single menu items on February 15. The Mayo Chicken rose from 99p to £1.19 - the biggest single jump of 20% - while its Bacon Mayo Chicken went from £1.59 to £1.79.
The Bacon Double Cheeseburger increased from £2.49 to £2.69, the Triple Cheeseburger from £2.69 to £2.89 and a Medium Fizzy Drink from £1.39 to £1.49. McDonald’s also raised prices in July 2022 with its classic single cheeseburger going up for the first time in 14 years.
The cheeseburger was increased from 99p to £1.19, with other menu items also being hiked by between 10p and 20p. McDonald’s is not alone in introducing menu price increases over the last few months.
Businesses are putting the price hikes down to an increase in the cost of ingredients and running their restaurants, including higher energy bills and staff wages. The Mirror revealed last month how Nando’s has upped its prices by 16% - just a year after an 8% increase.
A quarter chicken with two sides now costs an extra £1.70 - up from £8.75 to £9.95.Wetherspoon has also increased prices across drinks and food items by around 7.5%, which adds up to 29p on a pint and around 75p on food.
For example, an ultimate burger with alcoholic drink at Wetherspoon has risen from £9.85 to £10.59.And the price of a Greggs sausage roll increased by 5p to £1.20 in January – the fourth time it has gone up in a little over 12 months.
The announcement of the price increase comes as McDonald’s shakes up its menu today, bringing back the Chicken Big Mac and Mighty McMuffin, alongside the new Steakhouse Stack.
McDonald’s is also launching Winning Sips where customers will get the chance to win prizes including £10,000 cash, menu favourites, and limited-edition merch when purchasing a medium or large soft drink. A spokesperson said: “We carefully review and adjust our prices to ensure that while some prices may change, we maintain great value and quality across our menu.
“At the same time, we continue to work hard on how we can provide our customers value where it matters most, from personalised offers and rewards through the MyMcDonald’s Rewards scheme, to promotions such as our newly launched ‘peel to win’ game, Winning Sips.”
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