Macca's locks in low prices as Aussie families struggle to make ends meet

McDonald's Australia has announced it is locking in the prices of some of its popular menu items for the next 12 months.

The McSmart Meal is now locked in at $7 for the next year and Loose Change Menu items will remain at $4 and under as part of the fast food giant's "price promise".

"My commitment to Australian customers is clear, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, you can count on us for great value at Macca's, CEO of McDonald's Australia, Joe Chiczewski said.

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"Which is why we're kicking off a year of value with a 12-month price promise on our McSmart Meal and Loose Change Menu."

The $7 McSmart Meal includes two burgers, fries, and a drink. Instead of a second burger, customers can also choose three nuggets or a sundae instead.

The Loose Change Menu will also be locked in at $4 and under, including the $4 Sausage McMuffins, $2 Hamburgers, Frozen Cokes from $1, and the iconic 50-cent soft serve cone.

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McDonald's recorded a rare global decline in sales in May 2025, leading to speculation that cost-of-living pressures are impacting sales, as are health considerations.

The cost of some of McDonald's items have increased over the past few years, including a 22 percent increase in the cost of a pack of six chicken nuggets which is now $8.

Burger meals now cost from $12 to more than $15. A single potato hash brown from McDonald's breakfast menu is now $2.85.

Chiczewski addressed these price increases in today's announcement.

"Like many Australian businesses, we've experienced rising costs over the past five years, driven by inflation and other economic factors," he said. "And yes, that means some of our menu prices have increased - we're not denying this.

"However, our focus and commitment remain unchanged - keeping our menu as accessible and affordable as possible for our customers.

"Our price promise on the McSmart Meal and Loose Change Menu is at the core of this commitment and ensures we can keep serving up Macca's favourites for less."

Chiczewski appeared on Today to discuss the price guarantee, addressing how customers can save on "healthier" items on the menu.

"In the digital app if you spend a certain amount of money you get points and you can use those points for free food," he told show hosts Karl Stefanovic and Jayne Azzopardi.

"And the grilled snack wrap is one of those that is available," he continued.

In McDonald's statement, Chiczewski explained: "Over the past 12 months, Aussie customers have redeemed nearly 30 million free or discounted items, including 11 million McCafé coffees."

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"Just this week, we launched a one-day $2 McFlurry offer for MyMacca's Rewards customers, so keep your eyes peeled for more unbeatable offers like this one through the app.

"Macca's has always been the home of value, and I am committed to ensuring that we continue to offer reliable, quality food at great value long into the future.

"I would love to see even more customers taking advantage of our incredible value offers at Macca's, so next time you swing by the Drive Thru or pop into your local Macca's, consider a McSmart or adding a Loose Change Item to your meal, because they're not going anywhere, anytime soon."

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