Gretchen Scalpi, RDN

Recently McDonald’s announced it would be making healthy changes to the Happy Meal.  In 2004 McDonald’s offered 1% milk as an alternative to the soda, and the option to replace the fries with sliced apples and caramel sauce.  Although the fruit option has been around for the last seven years, only 11% of children getting the Happy Meal order the apple slices.  I have not seen statistics indicating the percentage of children choosing the 1% milk.

Now, as a result of  increased pressure from health and children’s advocacy groups, the fast food chain will make all Happy Meals with the apple slices.  The apple slices will be offered in a reduced amount of 3-5 slices instead of the current 10 slices and the caramel dipping sauce will be phased out. The portion of the French fries will be reduced by an ounce.   The change is expected to start taking place this September.  At a later date,  there will be  the option to request  more fruit, or possibly vegetables instead of the fries.

Some critics of fast-food have praised the move as a step in the right direction  while others complain that McDonald’s is not going far enough. With soda is still  an option for the Happy Meal,  the amount of sugar in the meal remains high, if chosen.  Offering 1 oz. less French fries makes a small dent in the overall calorie and fat content.

Will all of this mean that kids will start eating more fruit and vegetables?  It’s hard to say.  Some parents take their children to fast food as a special treat or reward, while others, sadly, use it as a replacement for meals no longer cooked at home.  If the Happy Meal still has the burger or chicken nuggets, French fries and a soda, will the apple slices get eaten or just thrown away?

It will really be interesting to see how these small changes by the fast food industry affect the health of children.  My belief is that it still comes down to making choices about what and how much certain foods are allowed in a child’s diet.  Simply put, good nutrition and having good health as a priority starts at home.  How do you weigh in (no pun intended) on this issue?

Tags: eating better, fruits, McDonald's, vegetables