Read MNers feedback on the new ‘Meals Under’ bundles from McDonald’s! NOW CLOSED!

[AaronMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 20 Mumsnetters invited by McDonald’s to attend a private event in order try out their new ‘Meals Under’ bundles - all of which are below either 400 or 600 calories.

Here is what McDonald’s has to say: ‘We know it can be hard to keep track of what you, and your kids, are eating. That’s why we have launched our ‘Meals Under’ bundles. These easily show a range of meal options under 400 or 600 calories. The bundles are clearly displayed on our self-order screens and bring together a main menu item, a drink and a side for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They include many of our favourite menu items such as the Egg and Cheese McMuffin, McChicken Sandwich, Chicken McNuggets and our Big Flavour Wraps. All achieve amber and green on the Food Standard Agency traffic light system for fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar. It’s about serving up information in an easy way for customers so they can make informed choices.’

Attendees, please answer the questions below:

• What do you think of the Meals Under bundles? Did anything surprise you?
• Is there anything McDonald’s could do to make Meals Under more visible, or anything which would encourage you to try them?
• How was your experience e.g. table service / new restaurants?
• What else would you like to see from McDonald’s – for you and for your family (for a better experience / menu / to be more fun etc)?
• Did the lunch change your perception about McDonald’s? If so, how?
• When chatting to other Mumsnetters, did you find that they face similar challenges to you when choosing meals for themselves and their families? What were they? Any good tips to share with the Mumsnet community?

If you have any other thoughts please don’t hesitate to add them too!

All attendees who submit their feedback will receive a £30 cheque for attending the event which will be delivered to their home address. Everyone who leaves feedback will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks,

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

I attended the launch, a bit nervous as I am used to sitting with my son as he has his treat of french fries and I eat nothing, or have a coffee!

I was pleasantly surprised by the "meals under" bundles - they felt like a full meal, not a compromise on taste or portion size, and I was surprised to see full size menu items like the chicken wraps there as well as a more traditional salad. I liked the way the bundles were presented, showing you options that made up your desired calorie count, but presented as standard lunch option rather than screaming HEALTHY! LOW FAT! DIET! It seemed like a genuine, filling, yummy lunch option rather than "ugh, better have the diet option..." I did choose a salad, but was pleasantly surprised - it was filling, fresh, crisp, and nicely presented. The meals other mumsnetters on my table had all looked delicious too - and we all commented we were surprised just how much you can cram into 400 or 600 calories!

They are quite prominent both on the home screen and side menu on the self ordering screens, but perhaps postering in store and promotion in adverts would help raise awareness. Perhaps when a sandwich is chosen in the menu, an option "make this a 400 or 600 meal by adding x or y" could pop up? To help people make informed choices.

I already knew about using the self service machines - they are such a fantastic way to take stress out of ordering, particularly if you want to browse options or small children are fussy and restless at the counter. I really liked the bluetooth enabled table numbers so that staff can find you easily. The restaurant itself was obviously new, and lovely and fresh, bright (even in the basement!) - and I really like the new staff uniforms, which seem more comfortable and practical than older ones.

Things I'd like to see - more vegetarian options (particularly in kids meals), more options in the 400/600 meals; at the moment only chicken or fish options are included because McDonalds want to stick to only options that are amber and green on the "traffic light" nutrition system, but if you're craving a cheeseburger it would be good to see them included, even if it's with a "this has higher salt than some other options" caveat.

Yes, it changed my perception. I had basically written off McDonalds as a lunch option for myself, but I can see they've made great strides in tackling their nutrition and improving their menu to the needs and wants of modern families. Not just pure calories, but lowering salt and sugar content, and having options like fruit bags and carrot sticks.

I certainly found things in common with my fellow mumsnetters - the shared experience of sitting eating nothing while our children had a happy meal or fries, the worry over sugar laden foods (and pleasant surprise at nutritional content of many McDonalds options, 90% under 500 calories!), the relief of self service machines, especially those of us with non-neurotypical children who struggle to deal with the process and speed of ordering at the till. We'd like to see more active fun in McDonalds branches, like the interactive floors some have, and bigger play areas that encourage activity and play.

My tip would be - next time you're asked by the small ones to go to McDonalds - don't feel guilty, order a delicious meal, enjoy it! Grown ups can enjoy it just as much as kids, as part of a healthy lifestyle.

As the only dad representing the Mumsnet daddies, I found the ladies to be very welcoming and friendly and the experience was very enjoyable on the whole. On the topic of the meals, I really liked the ideas and what they were trying to achieve with their meals as a brand. When I was told that the majority of McDonald's meals were under 600 calories, that really came as a pleasant surprise to me and I now feel a lot less guilty for indulging in them so much. I ordered the Hot & Spicy Chicken Legend meal with a fruit bag and Sprite Zero and I really enjoyed the meal and didn't feel like I needed the fries with it as I normally would have it. I've always enjoyed eating at McDonald's but now armed with this information regarding the healthier options, I would definitely be more willing to order other meals like this in the future. It's a really fantastic idea and I've always known McDonald's to always be foward-thinking and innovative when it comes to bringing something new to the masses and this continues that trend. Keep up the great work guys. :)

I really liked the Meals under Bundles, I am normally on a diet or watching what I eat so often go to McDonald with a preplanned meal in mind using the calorie count on my fitness pal. I was surprised by the wide choice of foods I could pick from while still eating healthily, it didn't feel like diet food and the main change to my normal order was a food bag instead of fries, but I was very tempted by the side salad.

I am not sure what they could do to make the Meals under more visible, it seemed pretty user friendly, maybe a running calorie count would be helpful.

Table service was great, fast accurate order straight to the table, I normally use the screens and queue which at times seems longer than ordering at the counter, but being able to go and sit down at the table with the children will be a lot easier.

Talking to my wider family, in particular by sister whose 16 year old daughter is a diabetic celiac, she says being offered a decent gluten free bread roll would make the whole fast food going out with friends less isolating for my niece, but in the short term they order a breadless quarterpounder with cheese of my niece now and they often just get given the burger without the cheese. My niece doesn't like to stand out so doesn't complain but a dry burger in a box isn't great for a teenager who is trying to fit in.

I am not sure it changed my perceptions but it did open my eyes to wider options than just fish or nuggets if I am trying eat healthily and hopefully seeing me having something other than burger and fries will help my children make better decisions too.

i attended the launch and really enjoyed the meals under. i had a hot and spicy chicken legend with a fruit bag and sprite zero.My meal was very filling and very tasty. I usually just have a coffee when i take my son as i dont want to eat too much. I also am always watching my weight so the meals under is really good with healthy options
i think they are visible on the screen and maybe a vegetarian option could be added
i like the new restaurants and the on screen ordering as it gives you an option to customize your meal and table service is handy with the children. My son likes to order the food on the screen for us
I would like to see more vegetarian options and i think the meals under would make more people see it as a healthy snack
i think most mum's want to give our children healthy food and eat more healthily ourselves so the meals under are a step in the right direction. there are quite a few options on there so you can eat Mcdonalds and not feel so bad about it. It made me think more about my choices and those for my children
My daughter is vegetarian and likes to join us when we have a mcdonalds so it would be nice to have something that she can eat on the menu. i enjoyed the day thank you for choosing me to try it out.

Should this be the moment we identify MN as truly jumping the shark?

• What do you think of the Meals Under bundles? Did anything surprise you?

I thought they were great, I was really surprised that some of the burgers were so low in calories. There was a great variety also

• Is there anything McDonald’s could do to make Meals Under more visible, or anything which would encourage you to try them?

Perhaps a fries option, with no burger? As McDonald’s just isn’t McDonald’s with some fries!! Of course, providing it’s within the calorie limit

• How was your experience e.g. table service / new restaurants?

really good! It didn’t feel like a fast food joint but more an actual restaurant

• What else would you like to see from McDonald’s – for you and for your family (for a better experience / menu / to be more fun etc)?

• Did the lunch change your perception about McDonald’s? If so, how?

Oh yes. It was fab to have a low calorie meal that was actually filling. Also the cleanliness of the venue and efficient staff and service was an eye opener

My kids eat McDonald’s more regularly than I would care to admit, it’s great that there are healthy options so I can indulge with them guilt free. I am looking forward to trying out the low cal breakfast options at some point.

What do you think of the Meals Under bundles? Did anything surprise you?

Love them! I always presumed that, other than a salad or fruit bag, there was nothing low calorie on the menu. I was pleasantly surprised at how much was under 600/400 calories and it has been made so easy to order - no excuses not to make a healthy choice now!

• Is there anything McDonald’s could do to make Meals Under more visible, or anything which would encourage you to try them?

I will order from the low calorie bundle now on - especially as my favourites such as the McChicken sandwich and Chicken Legend feature on it. I think a big advertising campaign is in order.

• How was your experience e.g. table service / new restaurants?

The restaurant and toilets was spotlessly clean and loved the new McDs interior. The table service is such a good idea - a godsend for families and should make visits so much calmer.

• What else would you like to see from McDonald’s – for you and for your family (for a better experience / menu / to be more fun etc)?

We all really enjoy eating at McDonalds but our local one would really benefit from security. I also think that a vegetarian Happy Meal is long overdue.

• Did the lunch change your perception about McDonald’s? If so, how?

It really showed me that McDonalds are really trying to please everyone and improve both the menu and the whole experience.

• When chatting to other Mumsnetters, did you find that they face similar challenges to you when choosing meals for themselves and their families? What were they? Any good tips to share with the Mumsnet community?

We all seemed to have got into the pattern of visiting and either having a binge or sitting there with a diet coke watching the kids eat! Think everyone appreciated the fact that there is now a middle ground which couldn't be simpler to order. The table service was a resounding success as was the fact that the meat is high welfare, milk is organic and eggs are free range. We were also impressed by McDs environmental initiatives.

What do you think of the Meals Under bundles? Did anything surprise you? Yes. It is so delicious and filling. Hardly can tell it is under 600 calories.

• Is there anything McDonald’s could do to make Meals Under more visible, or anything which would encourage you to try them? Yes, make it more obvious on the menu.
• How was your experience e.g. table service / new restaurants? Table service is very fast and perfect for coming with kids.
• What else would you like to see from McDonald’s – for you and for your family (for a better experience / menu / to be more fun etc)? Designated child play area.
• Did the lunch change your perception about McDonald’s? If so, how? Yes. Crispy chicken was very delicious and doesn’t taste fast food at all.
• When chatting to other Mumsnetters, did you find that they face similar challenges to you when choosing meals for themselves and their families? What were they? Any good tips to share with the Mumsnet community? Yes, a couple of us only visit to grab snacks for children(happy meal). Meal under us great choice for mum!

What do you think of the Meals Under bundles? Did anything surprise you?
A really surprising range, good choice & it felt like a full meal
A really good idea
I was surprised that my favourite - McChicken sandwich was on the menu

• Is there anything McDonald’s could do to make Meals Under more visible, or anything which would encourage you to try them?

I think that advertising them would increase awareness. I suspect a lot of people are unaware of the healthier options available

• How was your experience e.g. table service / new restaurants?

The new restaurant was fabulous, very clean & the whole operation felt very slick The toilets were very clean & space-age with the minimal water design!

• What else would you like to see from McDonald’s – for you and for your family (for a better experience / menu / to be more fun etc)?

The new ordering system (touch screens) cause chaos at the smaller restaurants & really put me off

• Did the lunch change your perception about McDonald’s? If so, how?

Yes, i has no idea how low calorie & healthy some of the options were

• When chatting to other Mumsnetters, did you find that they face similar challenges to you when choosing meals for themselves and their families? What were they? Any good tips to share with the Mumsnet community?

A few of the mums mentioned that they struggle with choosing a meal out that is quick & easy for the children whilst also healthy for themselves.

Thank you for letting me be part of the test of the 'Meals Under' menu at McDonalds. I really enjoyed it, and was pleased to have my preconceptions tested. I often just have a coffee when my DCs eat there, since I don't think of it as a place where I would want to eat (for health reasons) but I am pleased to say my views have changed (and I have since eaten a salad there when out with my DD).

What do you think of the Meals Under bundles? Did anything surprise you? I really liked the 'meals under' bundles and was genuinely amazed at how much was included in a low calorie meal. I noted that this is NOT new menu items, but simply a way of 'badging' the meals on the menu to highlight the options available to those wanting to be mindful of calorie intake (using nudge techniques as a behavioural economist might say). I had an under 400 calorie meal which was delicious, filling and almost carbohydrate-free - and incredible value. I had crispy chicken salad, a bag of fruit (sliced apple and grapes) and a cup of tea. I was struck how many of the main items on the McDonald's menu were included in the low calorie meals (excluding fries). Genuinely the food was delicious, and the salad really fresh.

- Is there anything McDonald’s could do to make Meals Under more visible, or anything which would encourage you to try them? Well you have won me over. I think once you see and taste the items then you have probably converted those whose preconceptions don't allow them to question whether the food is likely to be tasty and nutritious (hon mensh to your advertising campaign for trying to address this). One specific might be highlighting it on the self service machines in a more prominent place in order to draw people's attention to them, as well as more advertising in store. One of the things I really find difficult about a normal visit to McDonalds is the stress involved in ordering: how do I know what products you have? (I have to squint at that small board on the wall) whilst someone impatiently asks me what I want. Genuinely, I order the same thing (a coffee) because I simply can't fathom what else you have that I might want. I have certainly never seen images of salads anywhere on your big boards (imagery is so cluttered I didn't notice if it was there anyway). But your ordering system and delivery system felt so much more relaxed and straightforward: I could browse what was available, and it told me what the choices were to accompany it.

- How was your experience e.g. table service / new restaurants? Oh this was brilliant. So easy to see exactly what I want and to order it. I took a board with a number on that were stored by the screen, scanned it, and then requested table service. Delivery was accurate, really prompt and came straight to the table. So much easier and hassle free. Definitely would be a bonus with children to be seated and food brought to us. The restaurant was also really nice: great furnishings, airy, well designed, fantastic toilets. The branch was very busy but felt well laid out, and efficient. Given it is a stone' throw from St. Paul's Cathedral it is a brilliant place to have a good value, nutritious and relaxed bite to eat.

- What else would you like to see from McDonald’s – for you and for your family (for a better experience / menu / to be more fun etc)? I think the range of food for when you don't want to have a 'blow out' would be good. So maybe items which might accompany a coffee in the afternoon or mid-morning (maybe things like small-bite cakes or croissants). The salads or wraps are brilliant for lunchtime when the children are eating. The issue around ordering and knowing what is available is the single thing that would make a regular visit less stressful (I always assume others just 'know' what McDonalds serve and it's only me who doesn't know but I am guessing not).

- Did the lunch change your perception about McDonald’s? If so, how? Very much so. I think of McDonalds as tasty but not very healthy, and I confess that it was really changed by the taste test. The food was delicious and I had a filling lunch that was carb-free and low calorie. It also made me wonder why McDonalds has such a hard time when much worse food (in terms of calories, salt, sugar and fat) is served in many, many high street sandwich bars. Genuinely perplexed by the lack of questioning by many. I like your new adverts designed to respond to these preconceptions. I also liked your nudge techniques on the self- service machines designed to encourage people to choose sugar-free fizzy drinks (by placing the options with sugar at the bottom of the list of drinks). Good combination with the sugar tax.

- When chatting to other Mumsnetters, did you find that they face similar challenges to you when choosing meals for themselves and their families? What were they? Any good tips to share with the Mumsnet community? I think we were all struck by how tasty and filling the range of options in the meals under choices were. All the other parents I spoke to had largely moved into the habit of not eating whilst their children did, which is poor in respect of the habits it demonstrates to children as well as leaving us feeling hungry or deprived. We all agreed the self service screens and table service made the experience feel very relaxed. We had a conversation about plastic waste (not confined to McDonalds clearly) but a result of the fact that we all eat more 'on the go' food. Would be good to see McDonalds champion what it is doing on this (it will at least help set the agenda for others). Staff were very attentive.

Thank you for giving me the chance to test both the food. Not something I would have thought of trying and am really pleased I did.

It was my first time attending a mumsnet feedback event and it was very enjoyable. I really liked the new interiors of the branch, it felt more of a high street restaurant than a fast food place.

I ordered a chicken legend bun with side salad and water for under £600 calories. I discovered was that the food is always made to order now, so my chicken bun came out juicy and tasty. The side salad was also fresh and a substantial size, so I didn’t feel I was missing out on my fries! I previously thought I would be limited to only ordering salads as a low calorie McDonald’s option. In fact, I did not realize 90% of their products were under 500 calories and I was not aware of the meals under bundles option. Perhaps more advertising to raise awareness of this (and change misconceptions), either in-store windows/promo or via other media would help.

It was my first time using the touch screens to order and I found it quite easy to use. It would have been helpful to make substitutes such as having a bun-less burger more obvious as I would have liked to try that option. (And I’m sure that would have turned my 600 cal lunch into 400!). I noticed on some tables there are interactive screens for kids to play, would it be an option in the future to order straight from those screen at your table?

I really loved the table service, which was fast and super convenient. Especially handy when you have a group of kids with you!

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience and it did change my perception of McDonalds. I will happily go back knowing there are healthy, tasty and satisfying options for both me and my kids to choose from.

I thought the meals under bundles were great. I was surprised by the amount of items that was included in the range.

The only thing I can think of is to advertise the meals under for a little while or place the bundle in a more prominent position on the self service kiosks.

The table service was great. This would help so much with three little ones. The ladie that served us was polite and very helpful.

I would like to see a burger option included in the meals under. Although I understand that McDonald's are just placing the ambers and greens in this range I would like the option to have a cheese burger etc as they are under the calories just higher in fat.

It has, I'm currently watching what I eat so many times have sat whilst my children eat. Knowing that the range is there is great. I like the move to the 'zero' drinks but also that you are keeping the classic Coke on the menu.

I think we all faced many similar challenges with regards to ordering and keeping the children close by but also the amount of us that would go hungry whilst waiting for our children to finish eating not knowing the low calories.

This was a real eye opener to how far McDonald's has come in terms of not only the range of food they do but also the quality.

Thank you again for this opportunity.

What do you think of the Meals Under bundles? Did anything surprise you?
I thought they were good, it was great to see a variety of healthy lunch options that were still tasty and filling without compromising too much and love that they can be customised. I was surprised that so many items on the Macdonald's menu were nutritionally sound. I also hadn't realised how many salad options were available and that they have been around for 10 years!

• Is there anything McDonald’s could do to make Meals Under more visible, or anything which would encourage you to try them?

More advertising in store and making them some of the first options you see when you use the touch screens. On screen advertising would help too.

• How was your experience e.g. table service / new restaurants?

It was great, I love the no fuss option of using the self service screens and that the meal can be brought straight to your table. The service was speedy, which I found impressive seeing the restaurant we were in was so busy.

• What else would you like to see from McDonald’s – for you and for your family (for a better experience / menu / to be more fun etc)?

I would like to see a gluten free and low GI bun options, and a leaner meat burger option added to the meal bundles. I also think salt on fries should be an option as I find they tend to be too salty, especially for the kids. I prefer them plain myself!

• Did the lunch change your perception about McDonald’s? If so, how?

I think a lot of people have a lot of longstanding preconceptions about how unhealthy Macdonalds food is (I used to a while back), but there is a lot more choice now and better quality/sourced ingredients. It is good to see they are actively encouraging healthier eating and making choices easier by providing these meal options.

• When chatting to other Mumsnetters, did you find that they face similar challenges to you when choosing meals for themselves and their families? What were they? Any good tips to share with the Mumsnet community?

After chatting to some fellow Mumsnetters, I was glad I wasn't the only one who orders themselves a Happy Meal along with the kids...or just a coffee..hoping to snaffle any left over carrot stick or nugget that may get left! Sometimes when taking the kids in for a bite to eat, you overlook yourself or get a bit overwhelmed by the choice on the menu. I do love a burger and have found ordering a salad shaker instead of fries or a fruit bag/carrot sticks is a good swap. I am going to recommend the Chicken Legend with spicy mayo, carrot sticks and drink of your choice (I had a cheeky diet coke) meal bundle on the Under600 Menu as that was a revelation and surprisingly filling too!

I really enjoyed my visit to McDonalds and was glad to be a part of this campaign.
The Meals under bundles were quite a surprise because, honestly, I always looked at McDonalds meals as being 'over' rather than 'under' I glad I can now happily tuck into a Mc meal and knowing that I can indulge because the meals are not going overboard in calories.. but are actually under 600 calories.. who knew that??

There is one suggestion I would certainly make. I am not one for gluten- bread- if it were more visible that the burgers can be made bunless- I think It would draw a lot more mums / weight watchers to you. Especially Keto dieters who are happy to eat, fat , meat and cheese but cannot eat bread. It would be a boon for diabetics too.

I loved the new decor that Mcdonalds has- more like a restaurant than just a drive thru.
It now looks classy and should get the more class conscious people back since the food is really good and tasty.

I loved using the kiosk and it was fun trying to change the meals or adding stuff onto it.
I do have a suggestion regarding the salads though! A bit of feta cheese or olives wouldn't cost much but would certainly perk up the otherwise predominantly leafy salad- that does get quite boring. When you are not tucking into bread, you do need a salad that is more substantial- hope McDonalds look into that.

Mcdonalds is my favourite go to especially on weekends and now that I know that I can have a guilt free , tasty and delicious, free range meal there I will definitely go because it certainly wont break the bank.

I would say that Mumsnetters should go to McDonalds.. the experience is good. kids love to choose their own meals from the kiosk and even make a meal that has extras or remove things to personalise the experience.
ALso mums with little kids will be relieved with the table service.
A great experience,

1. I had the Chicken legend hot and spicy mayo burger with a sugar free sprite and a fruit bag. I was amazed at how full and satisfied I was after the meal considering it was less than 600 calories! I also liked the wholemeal brown bap. It was light, fluffy and delicious. I was surprised at how McDonalds' managed to make a low cal meal taste so yummy. I honestly hand on heart, truly enjoyed my burger!

1. Put more signs around the restaurant. Tie up with diet programmes that involve counting calories? Like the 5-2 diet for eg? Highlight not just the calorie count of the meal, but also the nutritional value of the meal - i.e how much fibre is in the wholemeal bap, the protein in the chicken, the vitamins in the fruit bag etc.

1. Our table was served very quickly and efficiently and the staff looked professional and smart in their uniforms. Table service is great - it means I can avoid the problem of ordering first, then trying to find a seat carrying a whole load of food precariously in my arms! It also gives the place a more upmarket feel.

1. There is a light-sensitive dance floor at our local McDonald's which my child loves when he visits. It is great because a few children can go at a time. I would like to see more of these rolled out. It definitely adds to the experience. I also think a lot more balloons would be great. I remember once when my child's friend was given a balloon at McDonald's and he wasn't given one as they had run out ---- meltdown!

1. I didn't realize that McDonald's could help me lose weight! It definitely challenged my preconceived notions about McDonald's. The way the menu has been categorized into Under 600 calories and under 400 calories is a great help to people who are watching their weight. There are also some great salads!

1. Yes, I think almost all of us are more concerned about sugar as opposed to fat. We would really like to see a reduction in refined sugar content in drinks.

There seems to be a real trend towards veganism (one of my friends and her husband have just decided to become vegan), and more than one is gluten-free. Another mumsnetter mentioned that finding a vegetarian option at McDonald's was a bit difficult. So perhaps some meat substitutes in the salads?

All in all, I think the new menu options are great and I will definitely mention them (I already have) to my friends who are trying to eat more healthily and lose weight.

Sorry - just to add. Instead of bread burgers, could sticky rice burgers Japanese style be an option? I'd love that.

• What do you think of the Meals Under bundles? Did anything surprise you?

I was shocked that the meals were under the 600 calories I always thought the calorie content was more and felt guilty when my children ask to go McDonald's and I say no. I'm also shocked at the wide range of items on the menu. I didn't know they had a side salad or carrot sticks in the happy meal.

• Is there anything McDonald’s could do to make Meals Under more visible, or anything which would encourage you to try them?

They are very visible on the touchscreen board. On attending the launch that is the first time I had used them. The table service is a good idea. I have a toddler and a 8year old and it makes life a little easier. The new resteraunts are extremely clean and spotless. I was really amazed. The staffs new uniform were also good.

• How was your experience e.g. table service / new restaurants?
• What else would you like to see from McDonald’s – for you and for your family (for a better experience / menu / to be more fun etc)?

I would like to see more vegetarian options maybe a bean burger. Also more variety with the children's happy meals. Maybe also in some restersunts a small play area for the children.

• Did the lunch change your perception about McDonald’s? If so, how?

I won't feel bad anymore taking my children to eat there.

• When chatting to other Mumsnetters, did you find that they face similar challenges to you when choosing meals for themselves and their families?

Yes

What do you think of the Meals Under bundles? Did anything surprise you?

I had not visited McDonalds for a few years because of my perception of it being unhealthy. I was completely shocked to learn that 90% of the meals at McDonalds now are under 500 calories! The meals are also substantial-not a ‘snack’ and look like they would leave you feeling filled.

• Is there anything McDonald’s could do to make Meals Under more visible, or anything which would encourage you to try them?

I only learned about the Meals under by the self service screens and it was not vvery obvious. Perhaps you could make this on the home screen-before one actually orders and scrolls thru the menu? Also some advertising in store would be helpful.

• How was your experience e.g. table service / new restaurants?

I loved the table serve as I have kids who can’t sit still and it would normaly be a harrowing experience ordering at the counter and waiting around with them!

• What else would you like to see from McDonald’s – for you and for your family (for a better experience / menu / to be more fun etc)?

I would like to see more vegetarian options/ more healthy options in the actual kids happy meal. I also find the contents of the happy meal to be a bi measly as my kids are 9 but still want the toys that the happy meal provides. Perhaps having 2 sizes of happy meals should be a consideration in the future. Also, if you could add the carrot sticks/fruit that would be great.

• Did the lunch change your perception about McDonald’s? If so, how?

I had pretty much written off Mcdonalds as a viable option but the diversity of the men and the healthier options have now changed that. I also likied the table service, cleanliness and new restaurants. I will definitely be back with the kids.

• When chatting to other Mumsnetters, did you find that they face similar challenges to you when choosing meals for themselves and their families? What were they? Any good tips to share with the Mumsnet community?

We spoke about the issues with the happy meal sizes asnd agreed that gluten free buns should be introduced along with more variety for kids menus.

As a Mummy to 3 McFiends, I am rather grateful for the meals under. It's shown me some new meals that I would not have found without the suggestion.