Do you remember when McDonalds first came out with their Happy Meals? For just a few dollars, you could get a kid-sized meal that included a burger or chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink. And the best part was that each Happy Meal came with a toy. It’s no wonder that kids (and adults) loved them! But how about these days? Do they still have it on the menu? Keep reading to find out!
Does McDonalds Have Happy Meals? Yes, McDonalds does have Happy Meals. The Happy Meal was introduced by McDonalds in 1979 as a way to lure children into their restaurants. The original Happy Meal consisted of a hamburger or cheeseburger, french fries, and a soft drink. In recent years, the Happy Meal has come under fire for being unhealthy, and McDonalds has been forced to add healthier options to the meal such as water or apple slices.
Does McDonalds Have Happy Meals?
Since June 1979, McDonald’s has sold a “Happy Meal” to children. A little toy or book is frequently given, packaged in a red cardboard box with a yellow face and the McDonald’s emblem with the food.
The Happy Meal includes a main course (hamburger, cheeseburger, or small portion of Chicken McNuggets) and a side dish (French fries, apple slices, a Go-Gurt tube, or a salad in select places), and a beverage (milk, juice, or a soft drink).
Are Happy Meals still $3?
While the Happy Meal is no longer part of the nationally advertised $1, $2, or $3 Menu, it is still available for $3 at some restaurants in the United States.”
A Hamburger Happy Meal costs $3.99 at McDonald’s in the Los Angeles area, whereas a 4-piece Chicken Nugget costs $4.59. While the Happy Meals were on the bargain menu, their average value decreased by nearly 25%. Because menu prices vary by region, a $3 Happy Meal isn’t hard to come by in less-priced markets. According to Food & Wine, a Happy Meal costs $3 at a McDonald’s in St. Louis.
What Makes McDonald’s’ Happy Meals Healthier?
Providing nutritious food
McDonald’s developed the first-ever Global Nutrition Criteria for Happy Meals collaboration with nutrition experts. To provide alternatives that provide more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy while reducing sodium, sugar, and saturated fat intake. For instance, carrot sticks are included in Happy Meals in Poland, while vegan falafel in Happy Meals in Sweden.
Simplifying the ingredients
Before 2018, some of the most dangerous food additives get commonly found in Happy Meals. However, by early 2020, 93 percent of Happy Meal menu items in Happy Meal’s 20 key markets will be free of artificial flavors, additional colors from artificial sources, and chemical preservatives that could get eliminated.
Providing dietary information
McDonald’s recognizes making nutrition information available to Happy Meal customers is a top priority. In 2019, McDonald’s owned websites and mobile ordering applications in 60 percent of the 20 largest markets had complete Happy Meal nutrition information.
Responsible promotion of Happy Meals
By 2020, every single commercial for Happy Meals broadcast to children in the 20 largest markets featured “healthy” menu choices like water, milk, juice, or fruit. Currently, 83 percent of all Happy Meal advertising aimed at children in the 20 key regions complies with the Global Nutrition Criteria, but the firm is working hard to get it to 100% by 2022.
Conclusion
Happy Meals are becoming healthier at McDonald’s. In the United States, all Happy Meal menus will be 600 calories or fewer, a 150-calorie reduction, and meals will contain less sugar, fat, and salt.