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Original poster

What age to switch from a Happy Meal?

279 replies

RhubarbThumb · 16/02/2025 13:41

My DS is 6 (7 in March) and went with a school friend swimming, and went for McDonald's after and the other boy (was 7 in October) was bought an adults medium meal.

Is 7ish the age? I was thinking maybe 11/12??

OP posts:
Bankholidayhelp · 16/02/2025 13:43

When they stop wanting the tat in my experience

YoungGunsHavingSomeFunCrazyLadiesKeepEmOnTheRun · 16/02/2025 13:43

7 sounds about right, there's not much food in a happy meal.

Iamallowedtodisagreewithyou · 16/02/2025 13:44

It's not really age dependant, it's more appetite dependent.

Your friends 7 year old obviously has an appetite that isn't satisfied after a happy meal which is why she brought him a normal one.

Organisedwannabe · 16/02/2025 13:44

My 8 year old would be hungry after just a happy meal but she is very tall.

Burgerqueenbee · 16/02/2025 13:46

A medium cheeseburger/ mayo chicken meal is the same cost as a happy meal and you can still choose a fruit shoot/oj/milk to have with it.

3luckystars · 16/02/2025 13:46

I still have them

falalalatte · 16/02/2025 13:46

Yeh about 7 is that unusual, my DS was happy with one until about 10 but he was the only one in his friend group who was

ProfessionalTeaDrinker · 16/02/2025 13:47

Well my 10 year old still eats one (although has a very variable appetite and seems to survive on air some days so not the best comparison!) and tbh my 12 year old will on occasion prefer one if he's not starving.....or when the free toy is dobble 🤣

Creu · 16/02/2025 13:47

I'd imagine at some point in your late 30's as I still choose a Happy Meal Grin

loropianalover · 16/02/2025 13:47

I think it’s more about appetite than age. I still love a Happy Meal but it doesn’t fill me.

Simonjt · 16/02/2025 13:48

Surely appetite rather than age dependent? Our nine year old has a meal, he was very excited the first time as here a childs meal is half a veggie burger, so having a full one was a novelty.

Yellowsubmarine55 · 16/02/2025 13:49

My 8 year old just has a cheeseburger and medium fries as not much in a happy meal.

Sherararara · 16/02/2025 13:50

Surely the answer is whenever they want?

Frankinator · 16/02/2025 13:50

It's exactly 7 years and 8 months and 2 days of course. As all children are identical and have the same appetite.

Original poster
RhubarbThumb · 16/02/2025 13:51

loropianalover · 16/02/2025 13:47

I think it’s more about appetite than age. I still love a Happy Meal but it doesn’t fill me.

It has never occurred to me that a 7 year old would want/need the adult meal. Literally never crossed my mind that I would consider getting one.

OP posts:
Nessastats · 16/02/2025 13:51

7-8yo. They're designed for toddlers.

Original poster
RhubarbThumb · 16/02/2025 13:52

Sherararara · 16/02/2025 13:50

Surely the answer is whenever they want?

Well, no. If they wanted one at 3, would you buy it??

OP posts:
Normandy144 · 16/02/2025 13:53

Mine are 9 and 11 and only recently has the 11 year old ordered something from the regular menu. It's appetite dependent to be honest, they're not bothered by the gift that comes with it.

Ph3 · 16/02/2025 13:53

It’s really more appetite dependent. My 12 year old will still have a happy meal my 10 and 9 year old would ask for more food!

Nessastats · 16/02/2025 13:53

RhubarbThumb · 16/02/2025 13:51

It has never occurred to me that a 7 year old would want/need the adult meal. Literally never crossed my mind that I would consider getting one.

Show quote history

A medium meal is not that much bigger than a happy meal. A few extra chips and a bigger drink. He's not a glutton for needing more than a happy meal.

Yellowbananasarebetterthangreen · 16/02/2025 13:54

Guilty secret of mine that I love a visit to McDs occaisionally - with or without the kiddos. Ive never bought them or me a happy meal though.

Surely the answer is whenever your child would prefer not to have the tat? Id have thought 12 would be way too old? (Im thinking that based on the food content rather than the tat element).

Snorlaxo · 16/02/2025 13:54

11/12 is secondary school!

I think it’s appetite dependent and my kids were 8/9 ish. They didn’t have particularly massive appetites.

Sherararara · 16/02/2025 13:54

RhubarbThumb · 16/02/2025 13:52

Well, no. If they wanted one at 3, would you buy it??

Show quote history

Well yes if I knew they could eat it.

stargirl1701 · 16/02/2025 13:54

10 in our house.

HunterHearstHelmsley · 16/02/2025 13:56

Nessastats · 16/02/2025 13:53

A medium meal is not that much bigger than a happy meal. A few extra chips and a bigger drink. He's not a glutton for needing more than a happy meal.

Show quote history

It definitely is only a few extra chips too! I normally have a burger and a nuggz happy meal.

My friend had a medium meal other day and we had the same amount of chips!

Agree with others, it's about appetite more than anything but if you're having cheeseburger and medium fries, that's not actually more food. If you're having a Big Mac, 1/4 pounder etc, then there would be more.