Fast food giant McDonald's has sparked a furious backlash from its UK customers after discontinuing its beloved £5 meal deal. The iconic budget offer has been replaced with a new 'Meal Deal Plus', which comes with a significant price increase to £5.59.
The End of an Era: What Has Changed?
The classic deal, which ran from 2024 until 2025, allowed customers to get a Chicken Mayo or a Cheeseburger, Medium Fries, a soft drink, and a bonus side of four Chicken McNuggets for a flat £5. The new Meal Deal Plus, rolled out from 11am daily (but not available for delivery), now includes a Mayo Chicken or Cheeseburger, large fries, and a large hot or soft drink.
The key change is in the 'bonus side' options, which have been expanded. While the four Chicken McNuggets remain a choice, customers can now also opt for a Mini McFlurry, an Apple Pie, or an additional Cheeseburger or Mayo Chicken. However, this enhanced choice comes with a 59p price hike, taking the total cost to £5.59.
Customer Outrage and Boycott Threats
The reaction on social media has been one of widespread disappointment and anger. Many loyal patrons feel the move undermines the value proposition they relied on.
One devastated customer posted, "Rest in peace Maccies £5 meal deal 2024 – 2025," while another exclaimed, "BRO WHAT I GOT ONE ON SUNDAY THIS IS DEVASTATING." The sentiment escalated to threats of taking business elsewhere, with one person stating bluntly, "Looks like I'm going to KFC now."
McDonald's Defends the New Deal
In response to the criticism, a McDonald's spokesperson defended the change. They stated, "Our new Meal Deal Plus offers more choice than ever before with new options... It’s what our customers told us they want, more choice while still delivering exceptional value."
The company's terms and conditions note that extra charges apply for any further upgrades to the meal. This price adjustment comes amid a wider context of rising costs for businesses and households across the UK.
Whether the fast-food chain's gamble on offering more choice at a higher price will pay off, or whether it will indeed drive budget-conscious fans towards competitors like KFC, remains to be seen. For now, the demise of the classic £5 deal has left a distinctly sour taste for many.
