CHICAGO—The NPD Group reported that while kids’ meals with toys and kids’ menus continue to be the most popular options for children younger than 13, both offerings have experienced sharp declines due to the economy and shift in preferences.
According to NPD’s Consumer Reports on Eating Share Trends (CREST®) among kids under 13, orders for kids’ meals that included a toy were down 11 percent, and orders from kids’ menus were down 4 percent, compared to combo meals down 2 percent and 99-cent value menu up 9 percent.
“Kids’ tastes and preferences’ are changing. There is more to the shift away from kids’ meals and menus than the economy and saving money,” said Bonnie Riggs, restaurant industry analyst at NPD.
