Overview
- Effective January 1, McDonald’s lowered recommended prices for five menus, including a Happy Meal at €4.49 and a Big Mac McMenü at €9.99, with McSmart menus starting at €4.99.
- The guidance applies across dine‑in and takeaway, but the prices are non‑binding recommendations and can vary by location.
- Reaction has been split on social media, with Gastroportal Düsseldorf warning of pressure on independent restaurants and others welcoming lower costs for customers.
- Industry experts cited in coverage say broader restaurant prices are unlikely to fall significantly despite isolated discounts by large chains.
- The price move follows Germany’s shift from 19% to 7% VAT on on‑site dining, as McDonald’s also points to persistent energy, labor and ingredient cost pressures for its mostly franchised outlets.