A viral social media video showing a $25 McDonald’s meal deal sparked a debate about California’s minimum wage increase. The video, posted on TikTok by user @shannon_montipaya, showcased a 40-piece Chicken McNugget meal deal with two large fries for $25.39. The video lamented that the meal did not even include a drink, highlighting the rising prices at fast food chains like McDonald’s.
The video quickly gained popularity, amassing 2 million views and prompting thousands of comments from nostalgic TikTok users reminiscing about past McDonald’s prices. Many pointed out how prices have significantly increased over the years, with McDonald’s prices going up by 100% since 2014. Comments included memories of when 40 pieces of nuggets were $5 and a large drink was only $1, illustrating the stark price difference over time.
Some social media users also connected the increased meal prices to the recent legislation in California that raised the minimum wage for fast food workers from $16 to $20. The wage increase went into effect on Apr. 1, just four days after the video was posted. In California, some fast food chains like MOD Pizza have closed locations in response to the minimum wage increase, while others have been laying off employees to navigate the higher costs of doing business in the area.
While some commenters expressed shock at the high prices in the video, others defended the cost of the meal deal, suggesting that $12.50 per person for the meal was not unreasonable. The user’s complaint about the lack of a drink included in the bundle was seen as an overreaction by some viewers. Despite varying opinions, the debate stirred by the TikTok video shed light on the impact of minimum wage increases on businesses and consumers, particularly in states like California with higher cost of living.
As the debate continued online, users from different states shared their local McDonald’s prices to compare to the high cost in California. Many noted that prices in other states were significantly lower, with some reporting that a 50-piece nuggets meal was $15 in Florida and a 20-piece nuggets meal with two large fries was $6.19 in Dallas. This comparison highlighted the regional differences in pricing and cost of living, showcasing how minimum wage increases can affect consumers differently based on their location.
In the midst of the discussion, McDonald’s was approached for comment by Fox Business. The TikTok video, while sparking a conversation about fast food prices and minimum wage impacts, served as a catalyst for broader discussions about economic policies and their effects on businesses and consumers. The viral nature of the video brought attention to the issue of rising prices at fast food chains and how wage increases can lead to shifts in the industry, affecting both workers and customers alike.
