By Samantha Jones-
Macdonalds has increased the prices of several items on its menu due to the cost of living crisis.
The company is raising the price of its signature cheeseburger for the first time in over 14 years, taking it to £1.19 and will also add between 10 and 20p to the several menu items it says are impacted the most by inflation.
McDonald’s said that the new increases related to “menu items impacted most by inflation” by between 10p and 20p.
However, it stressed some products will be unaffected and others will vary across the UK as some prices can be altered by franchisees.
The chain is one of many companies passing on the increasing costs of fuel and ingredients to its customers, including the consumer goods giant behind the likes of Marmite and Magnums.
Cheeseburgers are one of Macdonald’s most popular food items
In an email to customers, McDonald’s UK and Ireland CEO Alistair Macrow said: “Some prices remain unaffected, and some will continue to vary across our restaurants.
“We understand that any price increases are not good news, but we have delayed and minimised these changes for as long as we could.”
Mr Macrow added: “Just like you, our company, our franchisees who own and operate our restaurants, and our suppliers are all feeling the impact of rising inflation.
“At times like this, we know that providing great value is important.
“Since we opened in the UK in 1974, we have committed to offering great tasting food at affordable prices, and that commitment will not change.
“But, today’s pressures mean, like many, we are having to make some tough choices about our prices.”
The McDonald’s spokesperson said there was no definitive list of how much individual menu items will go up by, as McDonald’s only issues recommendations for price increases to its franchisees, which set their own prices.
McDonald’s is the latest hospitality business to issue warnings over rampant cost of living increases, a week after the ONS reported that inflation hit a 40-year-high of 9.4% last month.
Economists have predicted it will rise to 11% before the end of the year.
It comes after McDonald’s launched a rewards scheme to let UK customers collect points on food or donate to charities.
Customers will earn 100 points for every £1 they spend via the McDonald’s app.
Collecting 1,500 points will allow diners to choose between menu items including small fries, hash browns or a side salad, while 2,500 points will give a free double cheeseburger or vegetable deluxe, among other options.
Customers can also decide to donate the cash equivalent to BBC Children in Need, FareShare and Ronald McDonald House charities.