The Filet-O-Fish has been a McDonald’s icon for decades — a crispy, comforting bite of nostalgia. But this year, loyal fans are biting into something else entirely: disappointment. Social media is lighting up with claims that the sandwich has quietly shrunk, sparking heated debates about “shrinkflation” and value for money. Even former McDonald’s employees and chefs have chimed in, weighing the truth behind the uproar. So, what’s really going on with America’s most famous fast-food fish sandwich? Let’s break down the buzz.
The Internet’s Gone Fishing — For Answers
Loyal Filet-O-Fish fans didn’t just notice the change — they took it public. TikTok videos and Reddit threads are filled with customers showing off smaller sandwiches, often comparing them to sliders. Many joke that it’s now more “McMinnow” than McMeal, while others argue that their wallets are taking the bigger hit.
Shrinkflation Strikes the Golden Arches
The term “shrinkflation” has become a buzzword for modern food frustration — and McDonald’s might be the latest target. Instead of raising prices outright, brands reduce portion sizes to hide cost increases. For fans, this quiet downsizing feels like a betrayal of McDonald’s long-standing “value for all” reputation.
Three Sandwiches Just to Feel Full?
One McDonald’s customer joked that it took three Filet-O-Fish sandwiches to feel satisfied. Others echoed the sentiment, sharing photos of their tiny sandwiches next to their hands for scale. Whether it’s truly smaller or just perceived that way, customers agree on one thing — it doesn’t feel like the hearty meal it used to be.
TikTok Turns the Filet Into a Meme
TikTok users have made the Filet-O-Fish a viral talking point. Creators like @neilybob and Paul De Sousa claim the sandwich has shrunk by up to 25%, while viewers flooded the comments with jokes. “Filet o’ goldfish,” one wrote, while another quipped, “Yeah, and the price went up 40%.” The internet may not have answers, but it’s definitely having fun with the outrage.
Enter the Former McDonald’s Chef
When former McDonald’s corporate chef Mike Haracz saw the uproar, he decided to investigate. In his TikTok video, he unboxed a Filet-O-Fish that appeared slightly larger than those shown online — but still called it “tiny.” His verdict? The sandwich might not have changed much in size, but its price-to-value ratio has.
The $5.42 Problem
Haracz pointed out that his Filet-O-Fish cost $5.42 — a number that sparked its own debate. Fans compared it to sandwiches at Subway and other chains that seem to offer more bang for the buck. In the comments, some agreed the size was fine, but nearly everyone agreed on this: the price has gotten ridiculous.
A Former Employee Weighs In
Adding to the confusion, a former McDonald’s employee who worked there between 2006 and 2008 said the Filet-O-Fish hasn’t changed at all. According to them, it’s always been the same size — maybe customers just remember it differently. Their take sparked another debate: are our memories of McDonald’s portions just bigger than reality?
McDonald’s Official Statement
McDonald’s itself insists nothing has changed. A spokesperson told Business Insider that the sandwich’s size and build — including its half-slice of cheese — have “not changed in decades.” The company stands by its product, even as fans accuse it of quietly joining the shrinkflation trend.
The Bigger Burgers Tease
Ironically, the shrinkflation talk came just days after McDonald’s CEO hinted that bigger burgers might soon hit menus. That contrast wasn’t lost on fans. Some joked, “So, the burgers get bigger, but the fish gets smaller?” The timing made the whole situation feel like salt in the wound.
Value, Memory, and Expectation
Maybe the Filet-O-Fish isn’t smaller — maybe expectations are just bigger. Fast food used to feel cheaper, portions heartier, and meals more filling. Today, rising prices make every bite feel like it should count more. Whether the sandwich changed or not, the feeling of getting less for more is hard to shake.
The Real Catch
At its core, this story isn’t just about a sandwich — it’s about trust. When fans feel like their favorite comfort food has been tampered with, it stings. McDonald’s can deny shrinkflation all day, but perception is powerful. For many, the Filet-O-Fish just doesn’t feel the same, and that might be the real problem.
So, Did It Really Shrink?
No one seems to agree — not chefs, not employees, not the internet. But one thing’s clear: the Filet-O-Fish debate has struck a nerve. Fans aren’t just hungry for answers; they’re hungry for the value and nostalgia McDonald’s used to deliver. Love it or not, the Filet-O-Fish remains one of McDonald’s most iconic menu items — and one of its most debated. Do you think the sandwich really shrank, or is it just nostalgia talking? Drop your thoughts below — we’re all ears (and maybe a little hungry).
