In 1970, a small order of McDonald’s french fries cost 15 cents. This was the base price across all McDonald’s restaurants in the United States at the time. To put this price into perspective, 15 cents in 1970 would be equivalent to about $1.09 today after adjusting for inflation. So while seemingly inexpensive by today’s standards, the 15 cent french fry was still considered a treat and a good value for customers in 1970.
The History of McDonald’s French Fries
McDonald’s french fries have been around since the very beginning. When the first McDonald’s opened in 1940, french fries were one of the original items on the menu. At that time, fries cost 10 cents for a small order. Over the next few decades, the price slowly increased alongside inflation and rising costs. By 1970, fries were priced at 15 cents. Here’s a look at the pricing history of McDonald’s french fries over the years:
| Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 1940 | 10 cents |
| 1950 | 10 cents |
| 1960 | 10 cents |
| 1970 | 15 cents |
As we can see, the price remained stable at 10 cents for over 20 years until it finally went up to 15 cents in 1970. Given the rising costs of food, labor, and other expenses for restaurants, it’s quite remarkable that McDonald’s was able to keep its french fry price fixed for so long. The increase to 15 cents in 1970 was likely needed to help McDonald’s cope with inflation and continue offering this popular menu item at an affordable cost.
The Role of French Fries at McDonald’s
French fries have always been a core part of the McDonald’s menu. In fact, McDonald’s french fries are considered one of the chain’s signature items along with the Big Mac and other classic burgers. According to McDonald’s, french fries represent one of customers’ favorite side items to accompany burgers and sandwiches. McDonald’s strategy has always been to offer burgers, fries, and shakes as the quintessential fast food meal combination. The french fries complete the McDonald’s meal experience for many customers.
By keeping french fry prices low even as other costs increased, McDonald’s was able to attract customers with this popular side that was still affordable. For just 10 or 15 cents, customers could get a tasty treat of crisp, golden fries to go along with their value-priced hamburgers. This made McDonald’s a regular stop for families looking for quick and inexpensive meals. The french fries were especially popular with children and became somewhat of a “happy meal” staple for generations of kids in the 60s and 70s.
Production and Preparation of McDonald’s French Fries
To keep up with customer demand, McDonald’s invested heavily in improving the production and preparation methods for its french fries over the years. In the 1960s, McDonald’s billionaire founder Ray Kroc pioneered a new system to quickly produce crisp fries in large volumes. The fries were peeled, cut, and fried at central supply facilities, then frozen and delivered to individual McDonald’s locations. At the restaurants, the pre-cut frozen fries were prepared in specially designed fryers to heat them rapidly to the ideal temperature for a crispy outside and fluffy interior.
This innovative system allowed McDonald’s to churn out truckloads of fries to meet demand while ensuring consistency in the product. Because the fries were pre-cut and partially cooked at supply facilities, McDonald’s crew could quickly cook them in under 3 minutes. This speed and efficiency helped McDonald’s meet the goal of fast service for customers. McDonald’s estimates it serves over 9 million pounds of french fries globally each day using processes that trace back to Ray Kroc’s advancements in the 1960s.
The Changing Price of McDonald’s French Fries
Since 1970, the price of McDonald’s french fries has gradually increased over time, although at a slower pace than inflation. Here is an overview of the french fry prices at McDonald’s since 1970:
| Year | Price – Small Order | Price – Adjusted for Inflation |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 15 cents | $1.09 |
| 1980 | 35 cents | $1.15 |
| 1990 | 45 cents | $0.99 |
| 2000 | 69 cents | $1.10 |
| 2010 | $1 | $1.21 |
| 2020 | $1 | $1.15 |
| 2021 | $1.19 | $1.25 |
| 2022 | $1.39 | $1.44 |
| 2023 | $1.49 | $1.49 |
A few key things stand out when looking at this timeline. First, the price held steady at $1 for over 10 years between 2010-2020 showing McDonald’s effort to keep this menu item affordable. Second, the inflation-adjusted price has hovered around $1 to $1.50 for the past 50 years showing that in real terms, the french fry hasn’t changed drastically in price. Periods of rapid inflation in the 1970s and 1980s caused bigger spikes, but the inflation-adjusted price has remained relatively stable.
Today, a small order of fries costs $1.49 at most McDonald’s locations – just a bit more than the 1970 price of 15 cents adjusted for inflation. This remarkable consistency shows McDonald’s commitment to value pricing on its signature side dish. Though costs keep rising, french fries remain an affordable treat for customers seeking that familiar McDonald’s meal experience.
Factors Impacting the Price
There are several key factors that impact the pricing decisions for McDonald’s french fries over time:
Ingredient Costs
The cost of potatoes and frying oil are major ingredients that factor into the overall price. Rising commodity costs for these ingredients occasionally force McDonald’s to raise prices slightly. However, potato and oil prices have remained reasonably stable over decades allowing McDonald’s to keep fry prices down.
Operations Costs
Labor, utilities, equipment maintenance and other costs for day-to-day restaurant operations all contribute to the bottom line. Operational efficiencies help McDonald’s keep these costs down and pass the savings to customers in the form of consistent fry prices.
Competitive Pressure
McDonald’s competes with many other quick service chains. Keeping fry prices competitive against the pricing at rivals like Burger King and Wendy’s prevents drastic increases that could drive customers away.
Customer Expectations
As a core menu item, McDonald’s customers expect french fries to stay affordable. Big price hikes could lead to declining sales and customer visits. McDonald’s tends to raise prices gradually over long periods to stay in line with customer expectations.
By carefully managing these factors over the decades, McDonald’s has maintained its ability to offer customers great french fry value in its combo meals and value deals.
The Value and Convenience of McDonald’s French Fries
When looking at the 50+ year timeline of McDonald’s french fry pricing, it is clear they have remained a good value for customers seeking convenient, delicious food on a budget. The steady baseline prices over the years and incremental increases show McDonald’s commitment to value. Some key advantages that keep McDonald’s fries popular include:
Low Prices and Deal Options
The consistent baseline price around $1.50 for a small fry is competitive compared to other menu items. McDonald’s also offers deals like “add fries and drink for $1” to combo meals driving the total price lower.
Quality and Taste
McDonald’s fries continue to be praised for their great potato flavor and crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture. Customers find the taste and quality worth the low price.
Speed and Convenience
Busy customers can grab hot, ready-to-eat fries within minutes inside the restaurant or at the drive-thru. McDonald’s focus on fast service makes it easy and convenient to enjoy fries on-the-go.
Pairing with Menu Favorites
The fries complement McDonald’s burgers, chicken sandwiches, and other entrees as the perfect side item. Their versatility as a shareable snack or add-on makes them a frequent purchase.
These factors show why McDonald’s french fries have endured as an iconic menu item for over 80 years. The calculated price increases over time have kept them affordable while allowing McDonald’s to sustain profitability. For budget-conscious consumers, McDonald’s fries remain a tasty go-to treat.
Nutritional Aspects
While McDonald’s french fries continue to be a customer favorite, some health-conscious consumers have expressed concerns over the years regarding the nutritional value. Here is an overview of the nutrition facts for a small order of McDonald’s fries:
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 26g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 160mg
The main nutritional considerations are the high amount of carbohydrates and salt content. However, McDonald’s has made efforts to improve the menu over the years by eliminating trans fats, reducing sodium, and offering alternative side items. While french fries remain a tasty indulgence, customers concerned about nutrition can build an overall balanced McDonald’s meal.
Oil Change to Eliminate Trans Fats
In the early 2000s, McDonald’s faced pressure to remove trans fats from its cooking oil due to associated health risks. By 2008, McDonald’s had switched to a trans fat-free canola oil blend for frying. This significantly improved the nutritional profile without impacting taste or price.
Smaller Sizing Options
McDonald’s added additional fry sizing options so customers can choose a smaller portion to reduce calories, fat, carbs, and sodium intake. The new fry sizes included a “kids fry” and “snack fry” for cost-conscious customers looking for less.
Alternative Side Choices
McDonald’s boosted menu alternatives like salads, yogurt, and apple slices to provide low-calorie, low-sodium side options. While fries remain popular, customers can opt for these alternatives to cut calories and fat.
With these changes, McDonald’s has promoted more balanced “meal bundles” while still keeping french fries available for those who crave the signature treat.
The Future of McDonald’s French Fries
French fries will likely remain a core McDonald’s menu item moving forward. However, continued innovation may be needed to keep attracting customers. Some potential changes that could occur in the future include:
New Flavors and Toppings
Seasoned fries or dipping sauces could provide interesting variations to the classic recipe while boosting sales. Models like Burger King’s Cheesy Tots indicate customers enjoy creative flavor twists on fries.
Fresh-Cut Varieties
New equipment allows fresh potato cutting in-store for limited time offerings or regional/international menu options. This could provide uniqueness and variety to the standard cut frozen fries.
New Cooking Techniques
Air fryers, convection ovens, or other emerging equipment could potentially reduce oil usage and provide even faster fry preparation. Advanced systems like these could cut costs and improve throughput.
Continued Focus on Nutrition
Ongoing refinement of the oil blends, pre-fry processing, portion sizes, and complementing menu items can help balance indulgence and wellness. This broadens the customer base.
Despite these possible changes, the core value pricing strategy that has proved effective for over 50 years will likely continue. McDonald’s will still aim to offer customers a go-to fry option that remains affordable, craveable, and shareable for families and friends.
Conclusion
McDonald’s french fries have been an iconic, affordable menu item since the chain’s early days. The 1970s price of just 15 cents for a small order reinforced fries as a delicious bargain. Adjusted for inflation, the baseline fry price has hovered around $1 to $1.50 for decades thanks to McDonald’s cost management and value focus. Across generations, fries have remained a staple treat at McDonald’s due to their great taste, convenience, and combo pairing. While nutrition has become a bigger consideration over time, McDonald’s has made smart adjustments to keep fries relevant in a balanced diet. Despite rising costs across the supply chain, french fries seem poised to stay a go-to favorite on the McDonald’s menu for years to come.