McDonald’s recent rise in earnings, up by 14% to $6.69 billion, has sparked discussions about the costs of fast food. A popular TikTok video by influencer Christopher Olive, who was surprised by a $16 “happy meal,” has drawn attention to why prices are going up.

One big reason for this is the difficulty in finding enough workers, which has led to higher wages. McDonald’s, like many other companies, is struggling to find and keep staff, so they’re raising wages. This, in turn, leads to higher prices on the menu.

McDonald’s defends its prices by pointing out discounts available on its mobile app. But some customers, like Anne Arroyo from Ohio, argue that these discounts don’t make up for the frustration of higher prices overall.

Critics say companies like McDonald’s are taking advantage of fears about inflation to make more money. Yet, McDonald’s is still making a profit, partly because of these higher prices, showing that people are still buying even if it’s tough financially.

This situation makes us wonder if McDonald’s can keep up this pricing strategy in the long run, and what it means for customers and the fast-food industry. It highlights the tension between making money for companies and keeping food affordable for consumers in today’s economy.

McDonald’s says its prices are fair, and the fact that people keep buying their food supports this to some extent. But as people talk about these issues, it’s clear that finding the right balance between making money and keeping customers happy isn’t easy in the fast-food world.