TikToker Goes Viral After Showing How McDonald’s Charges Extra For To-Go Bags: ‘What Has The World Come To?’
By Faith Geiger,
2024-09-07
Is there anything restaurants won’t charge for these days? In a recent viral TikTok, user @tinyycaraa shared her shock and disbelief over McDonald’s charging ten cents for a to-go bag. With nearly 400,000 likes and countless comments, the video has sparked a widespread conversation about the rising costs at fast food chains.
As inflation and shrinkflation continues to impact the food industry, this added charge has left many customers frustrated. The outrage stems from a city ordinance across several cities, including Los Angeles, originally applied to grocery stores. Businesses are allowed to charge customers for bags as a way to encourage the use of reusable options and reduce waste. However, many McDonald’s patrons feel blindsided by the charge. Learn more below.
In the now-viral TikTok, @tinyycaraa expresses her frustration, saying, “Y’all, why are they charging ten cents for a bag? What has the world come to today? This is unacceptable. Would I like a bag? Of course I need a bag. But I gotta buy a bag? Am I gonna put the food in my hands?” Her confusion and disbelief struck a chord with many viewers, who echoed similar sentiments in the comments.
One user humorously remarked, “I’m gonna walk out with the tray,” while another shared their workaround: “I put no bag then ask for a bag.” The frustration is palpable, with some pointing out other absurdities: “When you order a drink you gotta choose cup or no cup now,” joked one commenter. Another user noted that even when they chose “no bag,” they still received one, further highlighting the confusion and frustration surrounding the policy.
The Impact of Fast Food Inflation
The reaction to McDonald's charging for bags is part of a broader dissatisfaction with the rising costs at fast food chains. Many customers feel that they're paying more and getting less, a phenomenon known as " shrinkflation ." This refers to the practice of reducing the size or quantity of a product while maintaining or even increasing its price. As prices for everyday items continue to climb, consumers are increasingly feeling the pinch, and the added charge for something as simple as a to-go bag only adds fuel to the fire.
In cities like L.A., these bag fees are part of broader environmental initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste. However, for many fast food customers, this fee feels like an extra burden at a time when affordability is already a concern.
A Growing Trend?
The uproar over bag charges isn’t just limited to McDonald's. As more businesses look to offset rising costs and comply with local regulations, customers may find themselves paying extra for items that were once complimentary. Whether or not this trend will become widespread remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that many customers are unhappy with the new charges.
As fast food prices continue to rise, customers are left wondering where the line will be drawn. @tinyycaraa's viral video serves as a snapshot of a broader issue, capturing the frustration and disbelief that many feel as they navigate the increasing costs of dining out.
makes you wonder how much they are charging you for the straw and napkins
willowtwo
23d ago
Inflation. And who do we have to thank for this. That’s going to change everything for the past 3 years, ya know know? The one that put us here in the first place.😂
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.