Market Research group, Edison Mail, reported that between January and July 2022 the average price for a chicken sandwich rose 14 percent to $4.58. Price was up 18 percent from July 2021, when the average was $3.88. The survey that excluded combo meals was based on 240,000 online, direct orders from ten QSRs, including the “big five”.
Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich and the McDonald’s equivalent rose 13 percent. The McChicken sandwich was up 12 percent and Chick-fil-A rose 8 percent.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index recorded a 10.9 percent increase in the cost of food compared to July 2021, but the chicken component of the food Index was up by 17.6 percent. The Consumer Price Index was higher by 8.5 percent compared to July 2021 but was lower than the June 9.1 percent increase.
There is concern that price-sensitive consumers may pass over more expensive chicken sandwiches thereby reducing the demand for fillets.