McDonald’s adds strict new rule customers hate | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

There’s a reason so many people stay loyal to McDonald’s at a time when there’s tons of competition in the fast-food space.

There’s something so iconic and comforting about the McDonald’s menu that customers just can’t get enough.

This isn’t to say that McDonald’s hasn’t updated and innovated its menu through the years. But there’s nothing like a classic Big Mac and fries to curb a hunger attack or enjoy in the middle of a long road trip.

Still, for a fast-food chain with as large a footprint as McDonald’s, the company isn’t thriving as expected.

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In the first fiscal quarter of 2025, McDonald’s shared that U.S. sales had declined 3.6% from the previous year. The company also faced a 3% year-over-year drop in operating income.

During the company’s most recent earnings call, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski shared that consumers were reducing their fast-food spending more than the company expected.

In light of that, McDonald’s, like other fast-food establishments, should be thinking strategically in order to win back customers.

McDonald’s strict new rule is unpopular with customers.

Image source&colon; Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

McDonald’s doubles down on needlessly strict rule

Although consumers may be spending less money on fast food these days due to rising costs and economic concerns, there are plenty of people who visit McDonald’s on a regular basis.

But lately, McDonald’s customers have taken to social media to complain about a needlessly harsh policy.

Although McDonald’s makes delicious burgers and fries, the chain also offers a number of tasty dipping sauces.

For those who prefer something other than just ketchup, there’s barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and the delectable creamy chili dip that comes with McDonald’s new McCrispy Strips.

Apparently, though, McDonald’s has implemented a strict one-sauce policy for some of its menu items.

Customers say that a four- or six-piece order of chicken nuggets only entitles them to a single dipping sauce packet. People who order a 10-piece can get a second dipping sauce, but that’s it.

The math gets even wonkier for people ordering a 20-piece nugget meal. In that case, McDonald’s will only dish out a meager three sauces.

McDonald’s can’t afford to alienate customers

Although there are people who will pretty much always choose McDonald’s over competing chains, it’s clear that sales have been slowing down for the burger giant. And at a time when that’s happening, it’s more important than ever that McDonald’s take steps to win back customers.

The company’s needlessly strict sauce policy is only doing the opposite.

Consumers today want to feel like they’re getting great value for their money. Limiting dipping sauces and charging for extra servings of it seems petty on McDonald’s part.

Thankfully, this stingy policy has not yet extended to ketchup and mustard. Consumers can snag as many packs of those as they want.

But the move is surprising, given that McDonald’s has been going to great lengths to lure in diners.

For example, not so long ago, the chain introduced its $5 Meal Deal and “Buy One, Add One for $1” deal. So it’s clear that McDonald’s recognizes that brand loyalty will only go so far when money is tight.

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If McDonald’s doesn’t rethink its ridiculous sauce policy, the chain could lose even more customers — especially at a time when sales are already down.

During the company’s most recent earnings call, McDonald’s pledged to continue focusing on customer value and affordability. Its sauce policy seems like a poor choice and a giant slap in the face.