Fast food giant McDonald's is to sell whole fruit for the first time with the addition of Cuties-branded California clementines to its childrens’ menu in a number of its restaurants across the US.
And the group has also revealed it is testing smaller-sized ‘junior’ bananas, which may be added as a future fresh offering as soon as next year, pending test results.
Starting in December and lasting until the end of the season in March 2015, small-sized Cuties supplied by Sun Pacific will be marketed alongside apple slices and low-fat strawberry yoghurt as part of Happy Meals and Mighty Kids Meals, as well as being available as an individual menu item.
“We know our customers and parents are looking for ways to enjoy more great-tasting and fun sides in our Happy Meals, and Cuties are the perfect fit,” commented Greg Watson, senior vice-president of menu innovation at McDonald’s.
“As part of our commitment to help families make more nutritious choices, we’ll continue to explore more fruit and low-fat dairy sides for our youngest customers.”
Before introducing them to restaurants nationwide, McDonald's apparently tested Cuties in approximately 70 restaurants in Austin, Texas.
“Our partnership with McDonald’s allows us to share our sweet, easy-to-peel Cuties with even more people across the nation,” said Victoria Nuevo-Celeste, vice-president of marketing at Sun Pacific.
“We’re eager to increase access to wholesome foods kids love and make history with McDonald’s by providing whole fresh fruit.”
The move has been welcomed by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation AHG, an organisation founded by the American Heart Association and Clinton Foundation to increase access to fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy and to help families make informed choices. McDonald’s itself is a member of the group.
“Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables is critical to ensuring young people have the chance to live long, healthy lives,” said Victoria Brown, AHG’s vice-president of strategic alliances.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control, 60 per cent of children do not eat enough fruit to meet daily recommendations. We are excited to see McDonald’s find innovative ways to increase customers’ access to fruit and vegetables – as they continue to make progress in our work together to help families and children make healthier choices.”
McDonald’s first began including apple slices in every kids’ meal back in March 2012, since when it has served more than 1.2bn bags of that particular line.
