"The current price of a Filet-O-Fish, for reference, is about $5.59, depending on your location. But, of course, this sandwich was introduced over 60 years ago, and the U.S. dollar had a very different buying power back then. Unfortunately, however, the issue is not just one of inflation. Adjusted to modern value, that $0.29 in 1965 would be worth about $3 today - or roughly 54% of the modern cost of the sandwich."
"While it might be tempting to target ingredient changes as the source of the price hike, the original protein in this McDonald's fish sandwich was halibut, a more expensive choice than the modern pollock. So, what is behind this steep price hike?"
"In 2024, McDonald's issued a statement attempting to discredit detractors and defend itself against social media allegations of increasing its prices well beyond rates of inflation. Looking at the numbers, however, things don't quite add up."
Fast food prices have risen significantly, with McDonald's Filet-O-Fish serving as a notable example of this trend. Introduced in 1965 for $0.29, the sandwich now costs approximately $5.59 depending on location. While inflation would suggest the sandwich should cost around $3 today, the actual price is substantially higher. Interestingly, the original sandwich used halibut, a more expensive fish than the modern pollock, making ingredient cost reduction an unlikely explanation for the price increase. McDonald's has defended itself against social media criticism regarding price hikes exceeding inflation rates, though the numbers suggest otherwise.
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