US expat’s shock at Australian McDonald’s prices, portion sizes

An American living in Australia has expressed her shock at the difference in price of McDonald’s here, compared to her home country.

An American living in Australia has expressed her shock at the difference in price of McDonald’s here, describing it as expensive compared to her home country.

Annika Swanson pointed out the difference in a recent TikTokvideo, flagging as well that portions here are smaller, and there’s a time limit on when certain items can be purchased throughout the day.

“We’re at Australian McDonald’s. I cannot get over the McChicken is $7.35,” Swanson said.

“It’s way cheaper in America.

“You also can’t get McChicken's after certain times. Oh brother.”

An American living in Australia has expressed her shock at the difference in price of McDonald’s here, compared to her home country. Picture: TikTok/fitnessbyanni

‘I cannot get over the McChicken is $7.35. It’s way cheap in America. You also can’t get McChicken's after certain times. Oh brother.’ Picture: TikTok/fitnessbyanni

A number of McCafe menu items – including ham and cheese or cheese and tomato toasties, sparkling water, and macarons – aren’t available in the US, she added.

“They also have three piece McNuggets, which they don’t have in America, which is what I’m getting,” Swanson said.

The verdict – at least where the nuggets were concerned – was that they were “teensy”.

A number of McCafe menu items also aren’t available in the US. Picture: TikTok/fitnessbyanni

“Good flavour, too small,” Swanson said of her order. “It just tastes like McDonald’s chicken nuggets.”

A friend she was dining with pointed out the size of the sauce tub that accompanies the chicken, saying the amount offered “seems illegal”.

The fast food giant was hit with claims last September it had raised its prices, after a comparison using the website Frugal Feeds, which is not affiliated with the restaurant, claimed that a number of items had risen in cost since 2019.

’It just tastes like McDonald’s chicken nuggets.’ Picture: TikTok/fitnessbyanni

A McDonald’s Australia spokesperson told news.com.au at the time that like all businesses, outside factors – such as a franchisee’s ability to set their own prices and rising costs of produce – had impacted prices over the last few years.

“As individual businesses, McDonald’s prices are set at a restaurant level,” they said.

“Like all businesses, we review menu prices from time-to-time and consider several factors, including the higher-cost environment we are operating in.

“While this may result in slight changes, Macca’s is committed to delivering great value for our Aussie customers.”

As the cost of living has risen, many Australians have observed they can now go to their local pub for a sit-down lunch for the same price or less than a meal at a fast-food restaurant.

An average large burger combo at McDonald’s, KFC, Hungry Jack’s and Red Rooster all now cost more than $12.

Originally published as US expat’s shock at Australian McDonald’s prices, portion sizes