The discontent with fast-food costs transcends TikTok, with a viral Reddit thread further exposing consumer dissatisfaction. Reddit users bemoaned the “ridiculously expensive” nature of chain eateries, with some even claiming that a McDonald’s meal could now rival the cost of dining at a sit-down restaurant.

The collective memory of days when a substantial breakfast of two Egg McMuffins cost a mere $3 and the dollar menu was a haven for items at $1 has become a rallying point for those nostalgic for McDonald’s more budget-friendly past.

As McDonald’s navigates this wave of criticism, the question remains: Will it address these consumer concerns, or is the era of affordable fast food indeed a thing of the past? Only time will tell if the fast-food giant can strike a balance between profitability and catering to the wallets of its loyal customers.