GoKawiilAdults aged 18-34 become fastest-growing buyers of fast-food kids' meals
Fast-food chains are seeing adults aged 18 to 34 emerge as the fastest-growing group ordering kids' meals, even as children themselves increasingly favor other options like Korean barbecue over traditional burgers. McDonald's tapped into this shift in March by releasing a kids'-meal tie-in for 'KPop Demon Hunters,' an animated musical that became Netflix's most-watched film and drew heavy adult viewership.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The trend suggests fast-food marketing built around nostalgia, pop culture tie-ins and novelty could increasingly target adults rather than children, reshaping how chains design menus and promotions. If children are shifting toward different cuisines, kids' meals may need to evolve beyond their traditional burger-and-fries format to stay relevant to younger customers while capturing adult interest.
- 18-34 year olds are now the fastest-growing segment ordering kids' meals at fast-food chains
- Children are reportedly shifting preferences toward options like Korean barbecue over classic fast food
- McDonald's capitalized on this by releasing a kids'-meal tie-in for the hit animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters'
Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-10-15
Published there as: “Kids’ meals are having a ‘Freaky Friday’ moment”
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