Is the Kids' Menu a Smart Choice for Adults? Exploring the Health and Budget Benefits

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Sep 19, 08:41 am

Photo: (Photo : Providence Doucet on Unsplash)

In today's era of sky-high dining prices and oversized portions, a new social media trend is encouraging adults to explore an option often reserved for the 12-and-under crowd: the kids' menu. What began as a whisper on TikTok is now a loud conversation, as more adults find that these "junior" offerings present not just an affordable but also a healthier dining option.

The trend gained significant traction through TikTok, the social media platform known for creating viral sensations. One account, @nateandsaraheats, who are self-described purveyors of "brutally honest food reviews," recently shared a video in which they ordered kids' meals from popular chain Olive Garden.

The couple showed off their entrées, which cost a mere $7 each, and featured dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and a side of broccoli, as well as grilled chicken Alfredo accompanied by a side of spaghetti with red sauce. To top it off, each meal came with a complimentary drink and two breadsticks. The video hit a nerve among budget-conscious consumers and has since amassed over 25,000 views.

The Financial Angle: A Wallet-Friendly Dining Option

The compelling financial benefits of this food hack are clear as day. A regular-sized chicken Alfredo entrée at Olive Garden is priced at a whopping $19.99, almost triple the cost of the kids' version. Another user, @aholidayyyyy, emphasized this point in a different viral TikTok video by showing how she enjoyed a hearty portion of chicken wings and loaded potatoes at Chili's for under $8.

However, the advantages of ordering from the kids' menu extend beyond mere financial savings. From a health perspective, these smaller portions offer a more calorie-conscious choice. The Cheddar's kids' meal featured by TikToker @thedisneygirlie, who aptly calls herself a "kids' meal connoisseur," maxes out at 390 calories. In stark contrast, a similar adult meal at the same restaurant can contain up to 520 calories.

Similarly, Olive Garden's Fettuccine Alfredo dish from the kids' menu holds around 440 calories, a far cry from the 1,310 calories in the regular adult portion. These significant caloric differences align with advice from medical experts.

The Mayo Clinic, a leading voice in healthcare, highlights the critical role of portion control in maintaining healthy eating habits and weight management. "People almost always eat more when offered larger portions," the healthcare network's website notes, emphasizing that portion control can lead to effective weight loss and improved health.

Restaurant Response: Adapting to Evolving Consumer Preferences

It's not just the diners who are catching on; restaurants are adapting as well. Jesse Johnson, the VP of Marketing at Chili's, noted that the chain recently introduced "Crisper Combos," an initiative designed to offer adults the comforts of meals typically categorized as 'just for kids.'

"We've seen incredible growth in our Crisper Combos, suggesting that adults are increasingly seeking smaller, comforting meals," Johnson said.

Moreover, even though many restaurants have age stipulations on their kids' menus, few actively enforce these policies, according to a recent Washington Post article on the subject. Some establishments even see this adult interest in children's meals as a business-boosting trend.

As the trend of adults ordering from kids' menus continues to grow, it is clear that this is more than just a passing fad. Offering benefits that range from financial savings to caloric reduction, this unorthodox dining approach offers practical solutions to modern challenges. And with restaurants also starting to embrace the change, it's a trend that shows no signs of slowing down, making it a win-win situation for consumers and businesses alike.