Before you judge your friend for ordering a Happy Meal at McDonald’s, a new study reveals that downsizing is a growing trend. Nearly half of adults admit to ordering from the kids’ menu.
According to research from Lightspeed Commerce Inc., 44% of adults choose children’s meals for their smaller portions, simpler choices and budget-friendly prices.
At a McDonald’s in Atlanta, for example, a four-piece Chicken McNugget Happy Meal costs about $5.99 and includes fries, apple slices, a toy and a drink. That price point and portion size hits a sweet spot for customers looking to save money and avoid waste.
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McDonald’s brings back Extra Value Meals
While fast food chains are typically cheaper than full-service restaurants, the study comes as McDonald’s reintroduces its Extra Value Meals. The company said the move reflects a broader effort.
“Bringing back Extra Value Meals reflects the company and franchisees’ shared commitment to offering everyday affordable prices,” said McDonald’s Owner/Operator and National Franchisee Leadership Alliance Chair Danielle Marasco. “We’re working together to keep menu items our customers love affordable for everyone in the communities we serve.”
Examples include consumers being able to expect to pay around $8 for a 10-piece Chicken McNugget Meal starting in November, along with Snack Wraps priced at $2.99 through the end of the year.
Solo dining and tip fatigue on the rise
The Lightspeed study didn’t just focus on kids’ meals, but it also examined how adults are rethinking their restaurant experiences. About 55% of diners say they eat out alone by choice, describing it as a form of self-care or an opportunity to try new places.
Another key finding is that tip fatigue is beginning to set in. More than half of diners (54%) feel pressured by preset tipping screens — up from 47% last year. Inflation continues to play a role, with 44% saying they are tipping less. Nearly 29% even said they’d prefer to eliminate tipping altogether.
The most common tip range for strong service remains between 15% and 20%.
Rising prices and shifting expectations
The National Restaurant Association reports that full-service menu prices rose 4.6% in August compared to the previous year. That marks the largest annual increase since September 2023.
Despite these shifts, diners still value the basics: 59% say good service remains key when ordering delivery, and 33% say the same for coffee shop visits.
As Adoniram Sides, senior vice president of Hospitality at Lightspeed, explained in a press release, “In a time when people are choosing their dining experiences more intentionally, delivering on the basics of good service — like hot food, respectful service, and reasonable wait times — matters more than ever.”
