These days, children aren’t the only ones ordering off of the kids’ menu. In fact, adults have been increasingly joining in on this affordable food trend lately, as kids’ meals have taken social media by storm. This new money-saving hack has been all the rage recently. People are praising not only the cheaper price points but also the shockingly filling portions.
Statistically speaking, American adults are ordering 28% more kids meals than previously in 2019, as stated by market research firm Circana. Plus, many adults have shared that sometimes they really just want chicken nuggets, and they should be able to order them off of the kids’ menu.
Why Adults Are Choosing Kids Meals
So, what’s the cause of this increase in adults favoring kids’ meals? There are a ton of different reasons, the most relevant one being inflation. All costs are increasing, even fast food prices. This has provided adults with an incentive to choose the cheaper kids’ meal option. Secondly, the small portions entice adults who find that adult portions are more than they have an appetite for. Another reason would be the fact that kids’ menus have been trending. From adults ordering and ranking kids’ meals to showcasing food hacks to order adequate portions for less money, kids’ meal videos have been gaining lots of traction.
Social Media’s Take
The issue of whether or not adults should be able to order from the kids’ menu seems to be divisive. TikToker @paraseyet shared that her hotel room service refused to give her chicken nuggets upon request because they were strictly on the children’s menu. The TikToker expressed that she believes the restricted menu is due to the food from the kids’ menu being sold at a loss due to the reduced price point.
The video’s comment section is decently split in terms of opinions. On the one hand, it’s full of kids’ meal fans conveying the same frustrations. Many brought up how adult portions are often too large and leave them with reheated leftovers that don’t taste the same. One commenter even complained about how a popular chain restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory, also refuses to let adults order from the kids’ menu.
On the other hand, servers took to the comments to explain that when customers order from the kids’ menu but don’t order takeout, it can be problematic for them to take up a table for multiple hours while they have ordered one of the least expensive menu items and are likely to earn a smaller tip.
Viral Food Rankings
Haley Hanson, a social media influencer, has amassed over 70 million views for her TikTok “Best Kids Meals For Adults” series, which she started last December. So far, her series has 24 parts and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Hanson orders kids’ meals and then adds them to a ranking list of best to worst options based on price, calories per dollar if it costs under $7.00, overall satisfaction, protein content, freshness, taste, and health. In her videos, she states the price of the meal and what it offers and then reviews the meal based on taste.
So far, Hansen has ranked Wendy’s last, and has ranked Culvers in first place. Second and third place are awarded to Chipoltle and Schlotzkys. Her extensive lists prove to be an essential food guide for those who love to eat out and want to be mindful of not only cost efficiency but also healthy options. While many food rankers will rank solely based on price and flavor, Hansen adds important factors like protein and health aspects so that customers know that they are getting a meal that will keep them full and provide them with energy and nutrients. People often see fast food as a cheap and less healthy option, but it doesn’t have to be. For students or anyone who doesn’t have time to cook and is on a limited budget, these kids’ meal rankings really come in clutch when it comes to choosing your next meal.
Top Food Hacks
Now, let’s dive into the life hacks. The Chipotle meal hack has been exploding lately as people find out how to order from the chain at a lower cost. Basically, customers can order a $5.60 kids meal quesadilla, which is a protein or veggie and a tortilla. The item comes with three sides, such as rice, beans, chips or fruit, and a drink. Overall, people find this meal to be satiating and delicious, although the price may depend on location. This would be great for anyone on a budget, particularly college students, as Chipotle’s have taken over college campuses. A typical Chipotle bowl costs at the lowest, $11.80, so this deal is definitely a cost saver.
Another super popular kids’ meal hack comes from Texas Roadhouse. Every kid’s meal offered comes with rolls, and there are nine entre options to choose from, fourteen options for a side dish, and the meal comes with a kids-sized drink. Fans of Texas Roadhouse’s kids’ meals boast about the high quality of the food and the variety of what you can order, along with the filling portions. Plus, the food is well seasoned and flavorful, which isn’t always the case for kids’ meals, which tend to be more bland.
Is It Worth It?
I would say that the trend of ordering off of the kids’ menu is worth it. However, to be mindful and respectful of restaurant staff, if you want to order from the kid’s menu at a restaurant, I would recommend ordering your meal to go, especially if the restaurant looks busy, so that you aren’t taking up valuable time and space.
Ultimately, the cheaper prices and filling options packed with protein make the meal life hack pretty favorable. Students in dorms who don’t have access to kitchens, as well as people who would rather not eat leftover takeaway, would definitely benefit from this trend.
So many chains offer kids menus, and if you are ever questioning what to order, social media has you covered with countless kids meal reviews.
If you’re craving an easy meal for a smaller price point, look no further than the kids menu.
