A recent TikTok video highlighting a $25 McDonald’s meal deal has ignited widespread discussion online, reflecting broader debates about inflation and minimum wage increases in California. The video, posted by user @shannon_montipaya on March 27, captured a moment at a Southern California McDonald’s drive-thru where she discovered a 40-piece Chicken McNugget meal with two large fries priced at $25.39. With sales tax, the total would be about $27—noticeably, without a drink included.
“OK, so it’s $25.39 for 40-piece nuggets and two large fries,” Shannon observed in the video. “You couldn’t even throw in the Sprite? You couldn’t even throw in, like, a medium Sprite in there? Holy crap.”
The price point, designed for a meal serving four, has been cited as evidence of rising costs at the fast-food chain. A study by FinanceBuzz reported a 100% price increase at McDonald’s since 2014, noting that a meal that once cost around $5.99 has now doubled.
McFlation? #McDonalds touts $25 deal in #California as #minimumwage increases pic.twitter.com/5fQ9vklcxA
— On the side (@Onthesidemedia) April 10, 2024
This TikTok post quickly went viral, garnering 2 million views and sparking nostalgia in the comments for more affordable days. Amidst reminiscences, some users pointed to California’s recent minimum wage legislation, which raised the wage for fast-food workers from $16 to $20, as a factor contributing to rising costs.
“Remember when 40 pieces nuggets was $5 and a large drink was $1,” one comment read.
“I spent $48 there yesterday…my jaw on the floor,” a third commenter wrote.
Users from other states chimed in.
“50 nuggets here is 15 [dollars],” one Florida resident said.
“It’s $6.19 in Dallas for a 20 piece and 2 large fries,” a Texan wrote.
In response to the broader conversation about fast-food pricing and minimum wage increases, several California-based fast-food chains, including MOD Pizza, have taken steps like closing locations and reducing staff ahead of the wage hike.
McDonald’s USA has responded to claims of inflated prices, emphasizing that individual franchisees determine pricing and vary by location. The company contested the accuracy of the FinanceBuzz report, stating that it does not reflect the actual pricing history or current prices at McDonald’s restaurants and described the 2024 average prices listed as “significantly inflated.”
