Fury as McDonald's Reveals New £1.99 Hash Brown Price, Customers Call It a 'McRobbery'

Fast food customers across the United Kingdom have reacted with disbelief and anger after a post on X went viral, indicating there's a price increase for McDonald's hash browns.

The social media post featured a photo of a McDonald's menu board, showing that the chain is now charging up to £1.99 for a single hash brown. It's a sharp rise for an item long considered a budget-friendly breakfast staple. Some users branded the price hike 'bonkers' and 'ridiculous', with one commenter dubbing it a 'McRobbery', a play on the restaurant's name.

Reportedly, this higher price applies in roughly 5% of McDonald's UK outlets only. Most locations still list hash browns at around £1.59–£1.69 per piece. Even so, the nearly £2 charge represents a notable increase from the roughly 89p price point seen in 2019, and far beyond what many diners expect for a simple side of fried potato.

Customers React to Hash Brown's Price Hike

Some patrons have taken to X to vent their frustration, with many expressing anger at what they see as another example of fast food becoming unaffordable.

One user condemned the move, describing McDonald's as 'a billion-pound company ripping people off'. Another quipped that at £1.99, 'you'd have the sausage sandwich' instead.

Others reflected on how the brand's value proposition has shifted over time. 'McDonald's used to be something cheap and easy ... Today no one goes in because it's not that cheap', one commenter wrote. Another admitted a fondness for the item but said the increase went too far, adding: 'Those hash browns are the best damn thing they ever created. But £2 is, I'm afraid, too far.'

The comments reveal that people are upset about more than just one menu item. They show that people are unhappy about how much everyday foods and quick purchases are costing more now.

Fast Food Chains Already Feel the Squeeze

It isn't just McDonald's, but fast food chains across the UK have been adjusting prices as businesses struggle with increased ingredient, labour, and operating costs. According to an industry analysis by QSR Media, fast food inflation is set to outpace headline inflation in 2026, with price rises shaping decisions on menus and promotions.

Notably, value meals and budget-friendly options have been squeezed as brands balance the need to stay competitive while protecting margins.

In a report by GB News, a McDonald's representative had previously said that franchisees set their own prices, and that periodic reviews are necessary to maintain quality. Yet critics argue that incremental changes have added up to a significantly more expensive experience for customers.

Groceries and Everyday Inflation Add Pressure

The spotlight on McDonald's comes as broader food price inflation remains a concern for households. Government data shows that UK food and non-alcoholic drink prices rose significantly year-on-year, with cumulative rises over recent years leaving prices markedly higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Supermarket food prices have also climbed, with figures from industry analysts suggesting groceries are 3.5% more expensive than a year ago. This illustrates that inflationary pressures extend well beyond takeaways.

For many consumers already tightening belts on essentials such as energy and rent, these combined increases have contributed to a heightened sense of financial strain.

Can Government Curb Rising Prices?

The UK government does not set prices for fast food chains or supermarkets, but it influences food costs through monetary policy, taxation, wages, and regulation.

The primary responsibility for controlling inflation sits with the Bank of England, which independently sets interest rates to meet the government's 2% inflation target. By raising interest rates, the Bank aims to slow consumer spending and reduce price pressures across the economy, including food and services.

Food prices are further shaped by trade and agricultural policy. Since Brexit, new import rules, customs checks, and supply-chain adjustments have increased costs for some food producers and distributors. Ministers have sought to stabilise food supply through trade agreements and sector consultations, but have repeatedly ruled out imposing price controls on food or restaurant items.

Consumer protection falls under the remit of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). It monitors pricing behaviour to ensure businesses are not misleading customers or engaging in anti-competitive practices. While the CMA cannot block price rises, it works to maintain transparency and competition so consumers can compare value across brands.

Overall, government policy shapes the economic environment behind rising food prices, but pricing decisions remain firmly in the hands of businesses and their franchise operators.