Is It Weird for Adults to Order Kids’ Meals? A New Trend Says No
Ordering from the kids’ menu has always carried a bit of a stigma. It’s the kind of thing people joke about in sitcoms; the adult sneaking nuggets while everyone else orders steak. For a long time, it was seen as cheap or even a little embarrassing.
But that attitude is shifting. On TikTok and beyond, kids’ meals are being talked up as money-savers and portion-friendly options.
Why Adults Are Ordering Off the Kids’ Menu
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Eating out has become pricier, with the cost of dining away from home rising 3.9% in the past year. Kids’ meals, often priced under $7, are starting to look like bargains compared with adult entrées that can run into double digits. For college students and budget-conscious adults, the savings add up quickly.
Portion size is another significant factor. Many people find that adult entrées are too much food, while kids’ menu servings are more manageable. For some, the appeal is simply taste; sometimes, you just want chicken nuggets.
The Social Media Boost
TikTok has been a major driver of the trend. Influencers like Haley Hanson have created series ranking kids’ meals, with millions of views rolling in. Her reviews highlight everything from price to nutrition to portion satisfaction.
Other TikTokers have shared frustrating experiences, like being refused kids’ meals altogether. One creator went viral after being denied chicken nuggets from the children’s menu during a hotel room service order in Japan.
The Debate Over Fairness
Restaurants don’t all agree on the issue. Some allow adults to order from the kids’ menu without fuss, while others refuse, arguing that kids’ meals are sold at cost, or even at a loss, to attract families. Servers also point out that adults who sit for hours with a $6 kids’ meal may leave smaller tips and tie up tables that could be reserved for bigger spenders. On the flip side, some customers have medical reasons.
People in the weight-loss surgery community often rely on smaller portions, and some surgeons even give special cards to present at restaurants. For them, kids’ meals are a practical necessity.
So, Is It Worth It?
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For plenty of adults, the answer is yes. Smaller portions and lower prices, not to mention a little nostalgia, all wrapped into one meal, are hard to resist. Sure, there might be awkward moments with judgmental waitstaff or skeptical hotel clerks, but the growing number of people doing it shows that kids’ menus aren’t just for kids anymore.
If you want to try it, maybe consider ordering takeout when a restaurant looks busy, so you don’t frustrate servers working for tips.