In a surprising twist, many adults across the United States are turning to children's menus at fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King to save money. The trend has gained significant momentum since 2019, with Circana data showing a 28% increase in adults ordering kids' meals in 2024. Yelp searches for kids' meals reached unprecedented highs in December 2024. This shift is driven by rising menu prices, which have surged by 39% to 100% between 2014 and 2024, far outpacing inflation. Consumers find the kids' meals not only cheaper but also satisfying and sometimes even come with a small prize or treat. Industry experts suggest this trend reflects broader issues within the fast-food sector.

Growing Popularity of Kids' Meals Among Adults

In the midst of increasing fast-food costs, a novel approach has emerged: adults opting for children's menu items. This phenomenon has become particularly pronounced in recent years. In the vibrant and bustling landscape of American fast-food chains, more and more adults are choosing the smaller, often less expensive kids' meals over traditional adult fare. North Carolina resident C.J. Person, a retired special-education teacher, exemplifies this trend. She finds that these meals offer better value, lower calorie counts, and occasionally, a little surprise or treat.

Data from Circana reveals that the frequency of adults ordering from kids' menus rose by an impressive 28% in 2024 compared to 2019. On social media platforms like Yelp, interest in kids' meals peaked in December 2024, surpassing previous records. The reasons behind this surge are multifaceted. According to FinanceBuzz, fast-food prices have skyrocketed by 39% to 100% over the past decade, significantly outpacing inflation. McDonald’s, for instance, has seen its menu prices double during this period, followed closely by Popeyes and Taco Bell.

The growing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which reduce hunger and prolong feelings of fullness, also plays a role. These medications have contributed to a shift in consumer behavior, making smaller portions more appealing. Additionally, social media influencers like Ashley Garrett, known as the "kids' meal connoisseur" on TikTok, have fueled interest by reviewing nearly 200 kids' meals, highlighting unique offerings and nutritional content. Arizonan Haley Hanson adds to this trend by rating her kids' meal purchases using a detailed 10-point rubric, focusing on quality, cost-effectiveness, and overall satisfaction.

From a business perspective, restaurant investor Dan Rowe suggests that fast-food chains should not attempt to curb this behavior. He argues that if customers are gravitating toward kids' menus, it signals deeper industry challenges. Rowe believes that addressing these underlying issues is more important than policing menu choices.

As the fast-food industry continues to grapple with rising costs, the trend of adults ordering kids' meals offers both a creative solution for consumers and a telling indicator of broader economic pressures. Whether this trend will persist remains to be seen, but it underscores the evolving relationship between consumers and their food choices.

This trend highlights the adaptability of consumers in response to economic pressures. It serves as a reminder that people will always seek value, even in unexpected places. For the fast-food industry, it may be time to reconsider how they market and price their offerings to better meet the needs of all their customers, not just the younger ones. Ultimately, this shift could prompt a reevaluation of menu structures and pricing strategies, leading to more innovative and inclusive dining options.