McDonald’s Debuts Healthier Happy Meals, Fries Still Included

McDonald’s, under pressure from nutrition advocates has finally made their Happy Meals a little bit more healthy, cutting out 20% of the meals calories while adding a serving of healthier food to each meal.

The new meals will serve 1.1 ounces of french fries, down from 2.4 ounces, while a serving of fruit or vegetables will be given with each order.

The side item will often be apple’s, however the company also says that carrots, raisins, pineapple slices and mandarin oranges will be options at certain times.

McDonald’s started allowing apple’s to be substituted for fries in 2004 however only 11% of Happy Meals took that option. In the meantime no pricing increases are expected with the new healthier meals.

It will be interesting to see if more parents buy Happy Meals under the assumption that they are not slightly more healthy for their children, of course fast food should still be the last option for meals when possible.