McDonald’s is selling Happy Meals to adults — with a twist | CNN Business (2024)

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The Hamburglar is back at McDonald’s. But this time, it’s just for adults.

McDonald’s is bringing back its family of recognizable figurines in a new adult Happy Meal, which, yes, includes the toys. Beginning October 3, customers can order a Cactus Plant Flea Market Box — a Big Mac or 10-piece chicken McNuggets, with fries and a drink. The meal is a collaboration between the streetwear brand and the fast food chain as it digs deeper into nostalgia.

The Happy Meals for adults goes on sale October 3.

The food will be served in a specially designed box that should trigger memories of Happy Meals from the old days. Toys include redesigned takes on McDonald’s famous mascots, including Grimace, Hamburglar and Birdie, plus a new one named Cactus Buddy.

“We’re taking one of the most nostalgic McDonald’s experiences and literally repackaging it in a new way that’s hyper-relevant for our adult fans,” said Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s USA chief marketing and customer experience office in a release.

Cactus Plant Flea Market is a streetwear brand that has been popularized by Kanye West and Pharrell in recent years. Complex has described its aesthetic as a “fluid and eccentric combination” mixed with “playful graphic imagery.” And its elusive origins are a major appeal for the brand’s fans. Hoodies from the brand can sell as much as $1,000 on the online marketplace StockX.

McDonald’s (MCD) has found success with its celebrity collaborations, often crediting them for boosting sales. Past partnerships include BTS, J Balvin and Travis Scott, with the latter being so popular that it ran out of meals.

McDonald’s is selling Happy Meals to adults — with a twist | CNN Business (2024)

FAQs

Does McDonald's really sell adult happy meals? ›

The latest celebrity collaboration from McDonald's, the Kerwin Frost Box, is essentially an adult Happy Meal, complete with the colorful cardboard box and toy surprise. It's now available at select McDonald's locations, and each meal features a special McNugget Buddy collectible.

Is McDonald's going to bring back the adult Happy Meal? ›

“Adult Happy Meals” will return to McDonald's soon, this time with a nostalgic '80s toy. The new Kerwin Frost Box is the fast-food chain's latest spin on the childhood classic set to arrive at U.S. restaurants starting Dec. 11, McDonald's announced recently.

What are in the adult happy meals? ›

It's a modern take on the beloved McNugget buddy toys of the '80s and '90s. You can choose from a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac box. It also comes with fries, a soft drink and, of course, the toy. There are six different buddies that come with mix-and-match outfits.

Does the kids Happy Meal play a part in obesity? ›

In conclusion, 'happy meal' is not an entirely ethical marketing practice for McDonald's as it intensifies childhood obesity globally. Excessive intake of children will lead to obesity, which is not good for health.

What is the price of an adult Happy Meal? ›

What is the McDonalds Adult Happy Meal cost or price in 2023? According to mc-menu.com, a 10-piece Nuggets Meal varies by location, running between $5.99 and $11.59. The national average is $8.61.

Can kids eat adult Happy Meals? ›

McDonald's Has a New Adult Happy Meal, and It Comes With a Classic Toy. Happy Meals have no age limit. Jelisa Castrodale has been a staff writer with Food & Wine since 2019.

What is the age limit for Happy Meal? ›

The simple answer is there is no age limit. The toys in the happy meals are designed for children 3–9 years old that being safe d there is no real age limit.

What is the $12 dinner box at McDonald's? ›

It recently gained steam when a TikTok user shared she got a "dinner box" containing two cheeseburgers, four small fries, a 10-piece McNuggets, and two Big Macs for only $12 at her local McDonald's. The video now has over 12 million views.

Is McDonald's getting rid of Happy Meal toys? ›

No more non-sustainable plastics

We are pleased to announce that we have removed hard plastic toys from the Happy Meal®. From January 2021, the Happy Meal® will include soft toys, sustainable paper-based toys and books.

What is the McDonald's Happy Meal toy in January 2024? ›

2024 McDonald's Happy Meal Toys

It begins with Squishmallows, despite being released in December 2023, because these toys were available in McDonald's for part of January 2024.

What Squishmallows does McDonald's have? ›

There are 12 different Squishmallows that can be collected, including Maui (pineapple), Michaela (bear), Prince (dog), Sunny (bumblebee), Kevin (koala), Hans (hedgehog), Gordon (shark), Archie (axolotl), Cam (cat) and Fifi (fox).

Are chubby kids healthier? ›

Although health problems are less common in childhood, children who continue to be overweight into adulthood are at greater risk of developing: High blood fats and heart disease.

Can you get a Happy Meal without a kid? ›

So yes, you can be an adult and order a happy meal! Just find a kid to give your toy to.

How does McDonald's lure kids in? ›

A major part of what draws kids to McDonald's — and with them their families — over and over again are the toys in the chain's Happy Meals.

Can you buy a Happy Meal as an adult? ›

So, what's the scoop on this revamped, grown-up version of the iconic meal? Enter the Kerwin Frost Box. This reimagined Happy Meal retains the design aesthetics of its youthful counterpart but packs a punch with full-sized portions of everyone's favorite fries.

How much does the Kerwin Frost box cost? ›

This meal cost $12.19.

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