A Price Tag That Raises Eyebrows
The complaint underscores pricing as a key factor in consumer expectations. Plaintiffs note that the McRib is among the most expensive single items on McDonald’s menu, often costing more than burgers made with 100% beef.
During the sandwich’s December 2024 limited-time return, the McRib reportedly sold for an average of $5.63 nationwide, with prices climbing as high as $7.89 in some locations. Over the same period, the Big Mac averaged $5.29, according to the filing.
The plaintiffs argue that premium pricing reinforces the belief that customers are paying for a premium cut of meat.
From Cult Favorite to Courtroom Exhibit
The McRib, a limited-time offering, first appeared in 1981 at a McDonald’s restaurant in Kansas City, Kansas. Over the decades, it has developed a cult following, reemerging periodically like a fast-food comet.
McDonald’s advertises the sandwich as a seasoned boneless pork patty slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with slivered onions and pickles, and served on a toasted homestyle bun.
But the lawsuit claims the patty’s rib-like shape masks its true makeup.
