In response to recent viral tweets and media reports about inflated prices, McDonald's is fighting back, stating that claims of doubled prices are false. Joe Erlinger, McDonald's U.S. President, addressed the issue in a blog post on the company's website on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of providing accurate information to the public.

Erlinger clarified that the average price of a Big Mac in the United States was $4.39 in 2019 and has now increased to $5.29, representing a 20.5% rise, debunking rumors of exorbitant price hikes. He acknowledged the frustration expressed by franchisees last summer when a post about an $18 Big Mac meal in Connecticut went viral, but asserted that such instances were exceptions.

McDonald's highlighted that franchisees, who operate 95% of U.S. McDonald's locations, have the autonomy to set their own pricing but work diligently to minimize the impact of price adjustments. Despite recent increases, the average price of a Big Mac meal, including a sandwich, fries, and a drink, stands at $9.29.

However, the fast-food giant acknowledged that the cost of some individual items has experienced larger price jumps than the Big Mac. For example, the average price of medium fries was $2.29 in 2019, and it currently stands at $3.29, reflecting a 44% increase.

McDonald's attributed the overall rise in prices to a 40% average increase in the cost of labor, paper, and food over the past five years. This adjustment exceeds the 21% increase in consumer prices since December 2019, according to government figures.

The company has witnessed a slowdown in store traffic during the first quarter of this year, as inflationary concerns have prompted customers in the U.S. and other major markets to eat out less frequently. In response, McDonald's has promised to introduce more deals to entice customers.

Beginning next month, McDonald's plans to launch a $5 meal deal across the U.S., which will include a sandwich, a four-piece McNugget, small fries, and a small drink. Erlinger expressed hope that these upcoming deals will be seen as "meaningful" and highlight the company's commitment to value and affordability.

As McDonald's continues to navigate the challenges posed by rising costs and consumer behavior, the focus remains on providing affordable options to cater to customers' needs and preferences.