Australians are set to fork out more for one of McDonald's most popular budget meals after the fast-food giant announced the end of a key pricing guarantee.

The $6.95 McSmart Meal was launched as a lifeline for cash-strapped customers in 2024 amid the nation's cost-of-living crisis.

But fans feared the deal would end after some diners spotted fine print revealing the deal was only guaranteed until June 30, 2026.

In a statement, McDonald's Australia chief executive Joe Chiczewski confirmed the meal would stay but the price would increase by $1 to $7.95 from July 1.

'When we launched our 12-month price promise on McSmart, it quickly became one of your favourite ways to order a delicious, affordable meal at Macca's,' he said.

'Our 12-month price promise comes to an end on June 30, but our commitment to value doesn't.

'Whether it's a quick lunch, an easy dinner or a well-deserved treat, we want every customer to be able to count on us for a great meal at a price that works.'

From July, customers will be able to choose either a cheeseburger or chicken ‘n’ cheese burger for the main part of the new deal.

It will come with a small fries, a small soft drink and a side of either three-piece chicken nuggets, a hash brown, a hot apple pie or cookies.

The fast food giant will also introduce two new budget options: the McSmart Plus and McSmart Saver.

The Plus option will cost $9.95 and include a McDouble burger, small fries, a small soft drink and a choice of chicken 'n' cheese, three-piece chicken nuggets, a hash brown or a small sundae.

The $6.95 Saver option, available exclusively on the MyMacca’s app, includes a hamburger, small fries, a small soft drink and three-piece chicken nuggets. 

Some Australians have used social media to criticise the changes to the budget-friendly meal.

'In the past two years I've had Maccas about once a month and it's the only thing I've ordered,' one user said.

'I cannot justify the asking price of anything else on the menu.'

Another said: 'Mate are you kidding?! It's the only thing I've gotten from them since moving to Australia! Everything else is way too f***ing expensive for fast food.'

Others said the brand's once-popular deals offered customers less.

'Yep, some of the deals used to be great,' a commenter said.

'They're slowly getting worse and worse. Now that they've got a lot of people using the app they probably don't need to incentivise people as much anymore.'

Some were unsympathetic, arguing the chain had been 'overpriced and shrinking' for years.

'People are stupid for their high expectations for Maccas. It's been garbage for a long time,' one comment read. 

'Can't believe we were so lucky with the McSmart, but no surprise they are taking it away.'