McDonald’s faces sharp criticism for introducing a caviar-enhanced Chicken McNugget kit in the United States, as customers voice frustration over escalating menu prices.
The Controversial McNugget Caviar Kit
The fast-food chain launched its first-ever McNugget Caviar kit exclusively online, offering a limited number of free boxes. Each kit includes a 1-ounce tin of Paramount Caviar, crème fraîche, a mother-of-pearl spoon, and a $25 gift card for purchasing fresh Chicken McNuggets. Despite the no-cost availability, the promotion of this luxury upgrade has drawn accusations of insensitivity.
Social Media Backlash
Social media platforms overflow with negative reactions, highlighting a disconnect between the promotion and customer demands for affordability. One TikTok user commented, “I don’t want caviar. I want a $1 large Coke again.” Another echoed, “We don’t want caviar… just cheap food again.”
Critics expressed outrage, with one stating, “So we ask for years to get something more affordable, and the best thing y’all think of is NUGGETS WITH CAVIAR?” Others described the move as out of touch, noting, “This feels like a slap in the face. We don’t want this, we want an affordable menu again.” A further post demanded, “Caviar?! At McDonald’s?! Naw!! Bring back the $1 menu!! The people have spoken.”
Price Hikes Fuel Frustrations
Customers point to substantial price increases across menus. In the US, Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, addressed concerns in a May 2024 open letter. He clarified that viral claims of excessive hikes are inaccurate, emphasizing McDonald’s responsibility to provide facts.
“The average price of a Big Mac in the US was $4.39 in 2019. Despite a global pandemic and historic rises in supply chain costs, wages and other inflationary pressures, the average cost is now $5.29. That’s an increase of 21 percent (not 100 percent),” Erlinger wrote. He added that menu prices have risen less than overall inflation rates.
In Australia, a large fries now costs $4.85, up more than 50 percent from $3.20 in 2019. A Classic Angus burger has increased over 25 percent, from $7.95 to $10. The rebranded McValue platform, formerly the Loose Change Menu, features items exceeding $10, intensifying consumer discontent.
Experts describe these rises as significant, particularly as cost-of-living pressures push diners toward value-focused choices.
High Demand Despite Criticism
The 750 available kits sold out in minutes, causing website disruptions due to overwhelming interest. McDonald’s representatives noted, “The fan excitement was so real it caused the kits to sell out very quickly.”
The site suggested pairing nuggets with limited-edition sweet and spicy Hot Honey sauce as an alternative. However, resale listings on eBay quickly appeared, with kits fetching up to $400.
Rising Trend of Caviar on Nuggets
The caviar-nugget combination gains traction, inspired by pop star Rihanna’s Instagram video dubbing it a “soccer mum snack.” The trend spread across TikTok and Instagram, with publications observing by November 2025 that “we’re all eating caviar on chicken nuggets now.” Enthusiasts enjoy it at weddings and New Year’s Eve events.
