McSmart Meal: McDonald’s launches cost-of-living meal deal

The fast-food giant is listening to growing complaints about its rising prices, releasing a new meal deal that’s only available in Australia.

McDonald’s has added a new “smart” meal to its menus as Aussies continue to struggle through the current cost-of-living crisis.

The McSmart Meal offers two burgers – a choice between two Cheeseburgers or two Chicken ‘n’ Cheese or one of each – Small Fries and a Small Soft Drink for $6.95 – and “is only available in Australia”.

It comes after many fed-up consumers revealed they were thinking twice about hitting the drive-through or ordering UberEats due to rising cost-of-living pressures.

“We know how much it means to our customers to offer value, and that has never been more important than it is today,” Tobi Fukushima, Marketing Manager for McDonald’s Australia, told news.com.au.

“Customers can now make the smart choice at Macca’s with the McSmart Meal, as part of our ongoing commitment to serving the taste that customers know and love, but with even greater value.”

McDonald’s Australia has launched the McSmart Meal in response to rising cost of living pressures. Picture: Supplied

The McSmart Meal will become available for order across Macca’s restaurants nationwide and through the MyMacca’s app from 5 June.

It will be available daily from 10:30am to midnight.

The new deal follows an expert analysis that suggested Macca’s price increases have been “well beyond” the inflation rate.

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, revealed the price of a large fries has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2019, from $3.20 to its current price of $4.85.

A classic angus burger is up more than 25 per cent from $7.95 to $10.

“That’s pretty significant — this is coming amid a time when everyone is focusing much more on bang for their buck due to cost of living,” he said.

The deal includes two burgers, a small fries and a small drink for $7. Picture: Supplied

The comparison site’s ongoing monthly consumer sentiment tracker survey found stress caused by the cost of groceries has increased “the most dramatically of any category over the last three years”, from 15 per cent to 41 per cent, to be on par with worries about paying rent or a mortgage.

“Because of that people are focusing much more on the cost of food, not only in the grocery store but restaurants and fast-food places, they’re analysing their spending much more than previously,” Mr Cooke said.

“These outlets are not spared from the scrutiny.”

It comes after growing tension surrounding the fast-food giant's increased prices. Picture: Reddit

One customer recently expressed their shock at Macca’s prices, sharing a photo on social media of the fast-food giant’s “Loose Change” menu, featuring a 24-piece nuggets for $11.95.

“How can now $12 be loose change?” the post read.

Many branded it “ridiculous” revealing they “remember when hamburgers were $1, and chicken and cheeses were $3.”

Macca’s said it was “committed” to offering great value for its customers, stating items on the Loose Change Menu start at $1 for a small Frozen Coke or Frozen Fanta and include $2 for a Hamburger.

The restaurant franchise also recently launched its Big Breakfast Deal which features two McMuffins, two Hash Browns and a Medium McCafé Hot Coffee for $12.95.