Children's Menus - High-calorie
Author: Ivan Red Jr.
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
January 27, 2026
In this article, learn more about Children's Menus - High-calorie. The analysis was conducted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest..
Most children's menus in fast food chains are full of calories , according to a new analysis by the Center for Science in the public interest. Experts warn that many children's menus contain over 1000 kcal, a lot of fat and sodium, while the recommended energy intake for children between 4 and 10 years of age is 1200 - 2200 kcal per day.
The data was released amid major efforts by a number of fast food chains to improve the image of their products. Chains are trying to change the image of their menus from a "calorie bomb" to one of healthier foods by adding more fruits, vegetables and low-fat milk to their products, especially children's. Despite the commendable efforts, a study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest shows that:
- 91% of children's menus do not meet most internationally accepted standards . A healthy meal is one that contains less than 600 kcal, less than 35% of which is in the form of fats and sugars. In addition, the dish must meet many other criteria - a content of 770 or less milligrams of sodium , a sufficient amount of protein , vitamins, minerals and more.
- Nine of the ten most popular restaurant chains do not have a single dish that meets the above criteria.
- 78% of the chains offer carbonated soft drinks containing large amounts of sugars , 58% also offer fruit juices, 40% offer low-fat milk and 43% - full-fat.
- 83% of the chains offer fried chicken in their children's menus, 35% - roasted, 75% - fried potatoes or chips, 53% - vegetables, 68% - fruits. Apples, tangerines, grapes and oranges can most often be bought from the latter.
- 50% of children's menus contain more than 600 kcal in one meal.
Despite attempts by restaurants to improve the nutritional value of their products, current results differ very little from those of 2008.
Many nutritionists and doctors warn that the growing popularity of fast food culture among parents and children is responsible for the spread of obesity. It, in turn, leads to a strong increase in the risk of serious diseases such as type II diabetes , hypertension, cardiovascular events, stroke and others. The risk is highest in severe obesity, which began in childhood.