Are your soft drinks shrinking in size? That’s the latest mystery fast-food enthusiasts are pondering after a viral video reignited concerns over shrinkflation, this time with Burger King under the spotlight.
The video, which has been widely circulated on social media platform X, suggests that Burger King has introduced new large drink cups with barely noticeable differences.
The user behind the post claims, “If you fill up a medium cup and pour it into the large cup, they are almost exactly the same.”
“There’s maybe one or two sips difference. Why bother getting a large cup? You might as well stick with a medium—it’s practically the same,” the post continues.
The video rapidly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions. Some viewers expressed outrage, while others remained skeptical about the claims.
The clip quickly gained traction, prompting a flood of reactions from viewers – some outraged, others sceptical.
Commenters were quick to weigh in.
One wrote: ‘Time to stop wasting money on fast food and start learning how to make food at home. Fast food places are getting expensive.’
In the widely shared post on X, a user claims Burger King has released new large drink cups – but the difference may be minimal when compared to the medium size
Another claimed the issue isn’t limited to one chain: ‘I’ve noticed cups at different places feeling smaller – Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s.’
But not everyone was convinced.
Some pushed back on the viral claim, arguing the comparison wasn’t quite fair.
‘I actually see a multiple ounce difference there because the cup is bigger at the top, but what do I know,’ one user wrote.
Another added: ‘The smaller cup was filled completely to the brim, the larger cup stopped over an inch below its brim, so it’s obviously more volume.
‘Is it worth a higher price? Probably not, but BK, like all retailers, is after profit, not to worry too much about actual value.’
Over on Reddit, similar concerns have been bubbling for months.
In a thread on the Burger King forum, one user claimed: ‘Medium cups used to be 32oz,’ pointing to what they see as a steady reduction over time.
Others were quick to pile in, sharing their own experiences.
‘I miss the mondo large cups at BK,’ said one Redditor, while another added: ‘Seems like today’s large is the previous medium.’
‘If you fill up a medium cup and pour it into the large cup they are almost exactly the same,’ the post alleges
While Burger King has not publicly confirmed any recent changes, the controversy highlights a broader issue facing consumers: shrinkflation
Some even questioned whether the changes go beyond drinks, with users suggesting fry portions may also have shrunk.
There were also claims from self-identified current and former staff, with one commenter saying cup sizes had been reduced ‘at least three separate times’ over the years.
While Burger King has not publicly confirmed any recent changes, the controversy highlights a broader issue facing consumers: shrinkflation.
The term refers to companies reducing product sizes while keeping prices the same – a tactic often used to offset rising costs without explicitly increasing prices.
The conversation heated up recently when one Reddit user shared a photo of a Chick-fil-A Deluxe Sandwich from five years ago and another photo of the same menu item today.
There were similarities – both included lettuce and a tomato slice. The difference between the two sandwiches, however, left some customers scratching their heads.
While 2021’s sandwich had a hearty chicken breast between a puffy, buttery bun, the same menu item years later looked flattened by comparison.
Other restaurant chains, including Chipotle, have been accused of shrinking portion sizes, with some accusations ending in lawsuits.
Over on Reddit, similar concerns have been bubbling for months. In a thread on the Burger King forum, one user claimed: ‘Medium cups used to be 32oz,’ pointing to what they see as a steady reduction over time
The conversation around shrinkflation heated up recently when one Reddit user shared a photo of a Chick-fil-A Deluxe Sandwich from five years ago (left) and one from 2026 (right)
A New York resident sued Arby’s in December 2024, claiming the chain shrunk its fry and beverage sizes without changing prices or informing customers.
Last April, a customer sued The Cheesecake Factory, alleging the chain shrunk its cake slices.
And it’s not just fast food. From supermarket staples to takeaway meals, shoppers have increasingly reported noticing smaller portions.
Part of the issue may be inconsistency.
Some Reddit users noted that cup sizes, for instance, can vary between locations of the same brand, with different materials and measurements used even within the same area.
That lack of standardisation can leave customers unsure about what they’re actually getting – and whether it still represents good value.
