McDonald’s Singapore will implement a new condiment policy from 2 January 2025, requiring customers to pay for additional portions of selected sauces, including its popular curry sauce.
Complimentary quantities will still be provided based on menu items, while ketchup and garlic chilli sauce remain free.
Previously, one could request a packet of sauce—such as curry sauce—with their Extra Value Meal, even without ordering nuggets, and only had to pay when asking for more than one.
The new pricing structure includes a charge of S$0.50 for each tub of sauces like BBQ, Curry, and Honey Mustard, as well as hotcake syrup and whipped butter pads.
Salad dressings, such as Japanese Roasted Sesame, will cost S$0.70 per packet.
According to McDonald’s, this move is necessary to combat rising food costs and reduce food waste. “This is to help manage food waste and rising food costs – both these are ongoing challenges across the F&B industry,” the company stated.
The policy has drawn mixed reactions online, with Reddit users voicing their opinions on the change.
Some expressed disappointment at having to pay for their favourite condiments. One commenter lamented, “I can’t get curry sauce for my Fillet-O-Fish and fries EVM anymore? = (.” Another declared, “This is outrageous! It’s unfair! How can you go to McDonald’s and not get free curry sauce!!!”
Others saw the move as reasonable, pointing out that charging for condiments is common in other countries. “Well, in most countries, their condiments are always chargeable. So well, we are charging now,” one user observed.
Another added, “How many of us really need more than the free allocation? I think it’s fair to charge those who want more. Otherwise, the alternative could be an overall price increase.”
The debate also touched on broader cultural issues, with one user commenting, “People make far more noise when something is taken away than if they never had it in the first place. And this is why Singapore doesn’t do welfare state.”
Another highlighted the economic pressures facing the F&B industry, stating, “People are gonna be mad then still go there anyways. Why wouldn’t they start charging?”
While the policy aims to balance sustainability and cost management, some remain sceptical of its fairness. “Fifty cents is outrageous, bro,” said one critic, while another lamented the gradual removal of other condiments over time, commenting, “First they took my mayo… now I eat my fries with curry sauce. Look what happened.”
Despite the mixed reactions, McDonald’s has emphasised its commitment to customer satisfaction.
For those unwilling to pay for additional sauces, McDonald’s encourages sharing feedback via its Contact Us page or directly with restaurant managers. “We value your feedback on how to improve the experience,” the company stated.
