In a move aimed at promoting healthier choices for children, McDonald’s has announced that it will eliminate cheeseburgers and chocolate milk from its Happy Meal menu starting June 2018. As a parent who often finds myself at the fast-food chain’s drive-thru with my kids, I appreciate the effort to make Happy Meals a bit less unhealthy, even if they aren’t entirely healthy by any stretch of the imagination.
The changes will also include a reduction in the portion size of french fries served with the six-piece chicken McNugget Mighty Meal for older kids. According to reports from Reuters, this initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that all Happy Meals contain 600 calories or fewer, with no more than 10 percent of those calories coming from saturated fat, 650 mg of sodium, and 10 percent from added sugars.
While cheeseburgers and chocolate milk will still be available upon request, they will no longer be highlighted as menu items for Happy Meals in the United States. The intention is to encourage families to make healthier selections by reducing the visibility of these items on the menu. This is a step in the right direction, especially for those busy weeknights filled with activities when a quick trip to McDonald’s is often the easiest option for dinner. Until we have drive-thrus serving steamed vegetables and grilled chicken, these healthier Happy Meal options are certainly welcome.
Some critics have taken to social media, arguing that simply removing items from the menu is a superficial gesture and that we should consider eliminating Happy Meals altogether to truly promote kids’ health. However, it’s worth noting that the fast-food landscape has changed significantly over the years. For instance, soda is no longer listed as a Happy Meal option, and since that change, the number of parents ordering it alongside Happy Meals has dropped by 14 percent, according to WISHTV. This is a small victory for healthier choices.
Additionally, the once-popular shortbread cookies shaped like McDonald’s characters have been replaced with apple slices, which reflects a positive shift. As long as fast food remains a part of our lives, it’s essential to have healthier alternatives available. Reducing the availability of high-calorie, high-sodium items in Happy Meals is a step forward for parents looking to make better choices for their children.
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In summary, McDonald’s decision to remove cheeseburgers and chocolate milk from Happy Meals represents a gradual shift toward healthier options for children. While some may view this as a mere public relations tactic, it reflects broader changes in the fast-food industry aimed at promoting better dietary choices for families.