McDonald’s customers have been left furious by news that a single hash brown now costs almost £2 in some areas. Diners spotted the change at a number of the fast food chain‘s UK branches, with the issue gaining traction on social media after photos of the now-£1.99 menu item went viral, attracting 450,000 views in just 48 hours. One post was accompanied by the caption: “£2 for one solitary hash brown. We are officially done.”
“It’s just gone bonkers,” another user replied. “I don’t visit very often but it was always a cheap option, maybe change from a fiver. Maybe primary school children will become trimmer at these prices.” Others dubbed the price increase a “rip off”, “madness” and “a step too far”.
Hash browns usually cost between £1.59 and £1.69 – already a sizeable jump from their modest price mark of just 89p in 2019.
The restaurant chain told Metro that the £2 cost has been introduced in less than 5% of its branches across the country.
Prices have risen more uniformly where delivery is concerned, however, with a hash brown on Just Eat setting customers back £2.39 a piece before delivery.
McDonald’s has previously attributed other cost hikes to ingredients becoming more expensive, including sourcing “100% British and Irish beef and Chicken McNuggets being made from 100% chicken breast”.
But a spokesperson blamed the hash brown increase on decisions made by franchisees – which own around 95% of the chain fast food restaurants worldwide.
“A significant proportion of our restaurants are owned and operated by franchisees, who set their own prices,” they said.
“As a result, the price of individual items may vary; however, all share our commitment to providing customers with a high-quality restaurant experience and great value for money.”
