McDonald's made a change to its Happy Meal options - and diners aren't happy. One frustrated customer shared their experience on Reddit, claiming they were charged an additional $1.79 per Happy Meal to receive the current toy, a World Cup-themed Squishmallows plush. Traditionally, a Happy Meal includes a toy, a drink, a choice of apple slices or fries, and an entrée such as a hamburger or chicken nuggets. While Happy Meal prices vary by location, the toy has historically been included at no added cost. 'Never in my life have I ever had to pay extra for a Happy Meal toy to be included,' the frustrated customer wrote. 'Is this shrinkflation?' Dozens of McDonald's customers chimed in, saying they had not been charged a fee for their Happy Meal order. Some theorized that maybe it was a 'franchise choice.' Others said it was an employee mistake. 'We've gone a few times and haven't gotten this,' one Reddit user wrote. 'I just did a mock order in the app and went to check out and didn't see it. That's really shady if some stores are doing that.'

The original Reddit user initially assumed the charge was a mistake made by a drive-thru employee and, as a result, they contacted the fast food chain's customer service. The response allegedly saying that while a standard Happy Meal toy is normally included in the meal price, the extra fee applied because the restaurant was offering a limited-edition FIFA promotional toy. 'These collectible toys are part of a special campaign and carry an added cost compared to the regular Happy Meal toy,' the company explained, while apologizing that the surcharge had not been made clear during the purchase. 'However, as a gesture of goodwill, we credited 10,000 MyMcDonald’s Rewards points into your account.

We hope this helps make up for your experience and allows you to enjoy your rewards on a future visit,' the email continues. The Reddit user noted that the restaurant isn't offering any alternative toys to the World Cup plush. 'So basically our children either don't get a toy, or the parents have to fork out extra money to buy a complete happy meal for their child,' they added. Other angry McDonald's customers chimed in on the Reddit thread, with one writing, 'I don't understand why Squishmallow would put their name on such a poorly made product.' 'That seems messed up especially since it’s just a small plushie,' a Reddit user said.

'Does this imply that any time they do plushies it’s going to be another jump in price?' Another customer suggested the company should lower the price 'so you are only getting a meal by default and could add on a toy.' 'That would have made more sense,' they added. McDonald's released its FIFA-inspired collection in early June, adding that each Happy Meal would come with one of 23 Squishmallows plushies and a a scannable code that unlocks a digital game. 'At McDonald’s, magic happens when families, friends, and fans come together and celebrate with the people they love,' McDonald's said in a statement at the time.

'Partnering with the FIFA World Cup 26 allows us to take that shared joy and bring it to life at a global scale through our food, our experiences and the ways fans connect with the game,' the statement continues. This wouldn't be the only new addition to the McDonald's menu - in March, the fast food giant rolled out its Kpop Demon Hunters meal, complete with Chicken McNuggets, a medium soft drink, Ramyeon McShaker Fries and two new sauces. The brand released a similar themed meal in conjunction with the The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.