McDonald's is raising prices for a number of items on its menu

It's a sign of the times when everyone's favourite budget eats have to increase their prices twice in less than two months.

We are, of course, talking about McDonald's. While most of us used to be able to feast on the fast food chain's 99p menu, it has had to bump up the cost of a number of items amid rising inflation.

A spokesperson told the Mirror that it could only provide one example: black and white coffee, which is going up by 20p from today (29 March).

Other menu items are set to go up in price too, but this will depend on where in the UK you live, as a majority of branches are run by independent local business owners.

The outlet explains that while McDonald's can recommend how each company sets the prices, it can't order it to do so.

The spokesperson went on to say that the firm 'chose to pass on much of' the temporary VAT cuts for businesses in 2020 during the pandemic.

Until now, it had 'maintained those lowered prices across our coffee range'.

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They added: "Although we have now made a small change to these prices, the price of black and white coffee remains below that of early 2020 - and is actually comparable to price in the majority of our restaurants in 2010."

The news arrives after Maccies raised the price of five of its popular menu items amid the cost-of-living crisis (or cozzie livs if you're so inclined).

The fast food chain announced on 15 February that it would be introducing the higher prices with immediate effect as a result of increased food and energy costs.

As is the case with the latest hikes, the new costs are set as a guidance. They apply to five items, many of which are fan favourites.

This means waving goodbye to the 99p Mayo Chicken as the cost has increased to £1.19, while the Bacon Mayo Chicken has jumped from £1.59 to £1.79.

Beef burgers aren't safe either, as the Bacon Double Cheeseburger has increased from £2.49 to £2.69, while the Triple Cheeseburger went from £2.69 to £2.89.

You'll also have to dig out some more pennies for a medium fizzy drink, which will now set you back £1.49 as opposed to the previous price of £1.39.

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Explaining the changes, a spokesperson for McDonald's assured the company is 'committed to offering great tasting food at affordable prices'.

"However, like many businesses, the impact of the increase in food and energy costs continues to affect our company and our franchisees," they added.

"We carefully review and adjust pricing to offer great value and quality.

"At the same time, we continue to work hard on how we can provide our customers value where it matters most, with personalised offers and rewards through the MyMcDonald’s Rewards scheme."

LADbible has contacted McDonald's for further comment.