Comparison of Fast-Food and Non-Fast-Food Children's Menu Items

ObjectiveCompare the macronutrient content of children's meals sold by fast-food restaurants (FFR) and non-fast-food restaurants (NFF).DesignAll restaurants within the designated city limits were surveyed. Non-fast-food children's meals were purchased, weighed, and analyzed using nutrition software. All fast-food children's meals were recorded, with nutrient content information obtained from their respective commercial Web sites.SettingCommunity in southeastern United States.Participants33 restaurants, 10 FFR and 23 NFF.Main Outcome Measure(s)Total weight, total calories, fat, saturated fat, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.AnalysisPaired t tests, 1-way analysis of variance, and general linear model analyses.ResultsOverall mean percentage of calories from fat for children's meals at FFR was 37.5%, and 40.5% at NFF. Significant differences (P < .01) existed between FFR and NFF, with FFR providing smaller servings, fewer calories, and less total fat, saturated fat, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. When analyzing only with the highest calorie option side, controlling for portion size, no differences remained except saturated fat.Conclusions and ImplicationsFast-food restaurants offered smaller children's portion sizes and lower-fat options. These results have implications for restaurants, parents, children, and nutrition educators.