The fast food giant announced these changes Thursday as it begins to develop global limits for calories, sodium, saturated fat and added sugar in Happy Meals.
By 2022, the chain aims for at least half of the Happy Meals listed on menus across the globe to contain 600 calories or less, 10 percent of calories from saturated fat, 650 mg of sodium and 10 percent of calories from added sugar.
McDonald’s U.S. restaurants will still offer Happy Meal cheeseburgers on request — a strategy to push customers to choose healthier options. The company made a similar effort in 2013 when it offered Happy Meal sodas on request, which caused some customers to switch to water, milk or juice.
Additionally, McDonald’s plans to reduce calories and sodium from its six-piece chicken McNugget Mighty Meal for older children by decreasing the french fry portion by half.
To reduce added sugars, McDonald’s is adding bottled water to Happy Meal menu boards and offering chocolate milk on request.
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