Is It Healthy For Kids To Eat McDonald’s?

Actor Jessica Biel recently told Parade that her kids “don’t get McDonald’s.” For her, this is about the quality and price of the food, as she’d rather “pay more” for them to “have something fancy.”

This poorly worded statement comes across as classist, which is another conversation for another day. But it also raises a different point that’s probably on many parents’ minds: Is McDonald’s a good meal option for kids?

Parents may worry that feeding fast food to their kids makes them “bad parents,” or that the food is “totally unhealthy.” But according to nutritionists, the issue isn’t that black-and-white. In reality, McDonald’s has its place.

Ahead, nine nutritionists shared whether they let their kids eat McDonald’s, plus when and why.

Rachel Trotta, a fitness nutrition specialist and personal trainer, said her approach is “not necessarily a ‘let’ situation,” but focused on shaping healthy attitudes toward food and not setting food “rules.”

She stocks the house with whole foods, cooks most meals at home and brings fruit for on-the-go snacks. At the same time, she doesn’t believe in being full-out anti-McDonald’s.

“I know that occasionally having fast food (without negative commentary) keeps it in perspective instead of blowing it out of proportion,” Trotta said.

Her 5-year-old daughter has actually never had McDonald’s, but not because it’s forbidden, she clarified. Again, Trotta’s focus is on helping her daughter shape a healthy relationship with food. This looks like encouraging her to listen to her body, such as eating when she’s hungry and stopping when she’s full. That is what sets her daughter up well.

“I know when she does have the opportunity to eat more fast food, she’ll be able to trust her own internal compass,” Trotta said.

Julia Cassidy, a dietitian and eating disorder specialist with Eating Recovery Center, believes that food is just food; it doesn’t need moral judgment. Further, she said labeling certain foods as “off limits” or “junk” can set kids up for shame, secrecy or an unhealthy relationship with eating.

“I don’t view McDonald’s — or any food — as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’” she said. “My sons eat at McDonald’s sometimes, and I treat it the same way I would at any other meal.”

A McDonald’s meal can have many legitimate purposes, too. For Cassidy, it’s been about convenience, genuinely enjoying the food, or a family tradition, like a chicken nugget meal on the way to a ballgame.

Similar to Trotta, she doesn’t make a big deal about a McDonald’s meal and focuses on modeling balance. Some meals are McDonald’s, and some meals are home-cooked.

“In the long run, this approach supports food flexibility, reduces guilt and protects against the kind of rigid thinking that can contribute to disordered eating,” Cassidy said.

Megan Wroe, a registered dietitian with St. Jude’s Wellness Center, doesn’t consider any food to be an “absolute no,” knowing that strict restriction can lead to unhealthy food relationships.

“That said, I don’t go out of my way to get fast food of any kind for my kids,” she added. “I believe in providing as much real, homemade food as possible and reserving fast food for special occasions or for days when our schedule absolutely demands it.”

Liza Marogy, a registered nutritionist in England with two decades of experience, said she wouldn’t choose to take her child to McDonald’s, and there are rare occasions when she would take them, like a birthday party or social gathering.

She doesn’t demonize the food, though — that’s not helpful. “Rather than creating restrictions that might foster an unhealthy relationship with food, as a family, we focus on education and choices,” Marogy said. “Our approach centers on teaching about nutrient-dense foods so he can understand how and which foods best support his growing body.”

Additionally, Marogy sometimes cooks alternatives, like homemade burgers and potato wedges.

Physical health is not the only important type of health to consider here, though — social health is important, too. And for many people and cultures, that includes certain foods and eating rituals.

“Social eating experiences are valuable for children’s development,” Marogy said. “Food anxiety shouldn’t overshadow these important moments with friends.”

Marogy also acknowledged that not every family has the same privileges. “I appreciate that every family’s circumstances are different, and some need to rely on fast food due to economic or time constraints,” she said.

Heidi McIndoo is a registered dietitian in Boston at FoodieMomRD. “I would and have let my kids eat McDonald’s for many reasons,” she said.

Her main reason acknowledges the psychological piece and how it can affect a child’s well-being. “When you completely ban food from your kids, you’re just making those foods more appealing to them,” she said. “It also encourages the mentality of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods, which can lead to issues with healthy eating as they get older.”

She called McDonald’s a “once in a while food” and said it is a common go-to on road trips when it is often the only choice.

Then, when at McDonald’s, she tries to balance the meal. For example, milk for the drink and apple slices as the side, along with the nuggets or a burger.

Those foods can also be added — such as, getting both fries and apple slices as sides. This is an example of gentle nutrition, an intuitive eating principle that’s key for adults and children alike.

Additionally, McIndoo talks to her kids about the food groups that they didn’t get in that meal. Then, they discuss how they can get those nutrients into their bodies later in the day.

Sarah Schlichter is a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant of Bucket List Tummy, as well as a mom of three. She believes it’s important to be flexible with food.

“It’s not a daily occurrence, but it can be a convenient and affordable option for on-the-go, as well as an opportunity to make food fun,” she said. “Parents also have choices to add nutrition to kids’ meals, such as adding fruit or 100% juice.” (So again, gentle nutrition.)

Schlichter emphasized the room for nuance. “It doesn’t have to fall into the ‘healthy’ or ‘unhealthy’ category,” she said. “We can view it for what it is: one simple meal out of the day, or a quick meal on the go.”

Nikki Fata, a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Nutrition with N approaches food with inclusivity.

“I truly believe that all foods can fit into a healthy diet and lifestyle,” she said. “This means McDonald’s is a welcome option for me and my future children.”

She welcomes McDonald’s for various reasons, too. For starters, she said, it’s easily accessible, affordable and convenient.

“If accessible food options did not exist, it would make it more difficult for people to nourish themselves and their families,” Fata said.

On that note, she added that McDonald’s can even be nutritious. (Yes, you read that right!)

“Whether it’s a Big Mac, french fry, chicken nugget or McFlurry, each one of these options contains vital nutrients for the human body: carbohydrates, fat, protein and various micronutrients,” she said. “I wouldn’t recommend only eating McDonald’s for every meal, every day of the week, but I also wouldn’t recommend eating any other food or type of food for every meal, every day of the week.”

Several nutrition experts agree that carbs and sugar are not all “bad,” and in fact, are necessary nutrients.

Additionally, Fata pointed to the variety of foods at McDonald’s, from chicken sandwiches to fries to apple slices, and how eating there can be enjoyable.

“Food is allowed to be fun,” she said. “Point blank.”

McDonald’s can also be a comforting, predictable option, particularly for kids who are picky eaters or have sensory issues.

“This makes it a trusted and reliable option that allows people to meet their energy needs,” Fata said.

Last but not least, she’s seen the impact of putting foods into an “off limits” or “only on special occasions” category, and wants to avoid that.

“This rule-based and rigid mentality with food only contributes to greater fixation and preoccupation in the long run and fuels disordered eating patterns,” Fata said.

Kristi Ruth, a registered dietitian and the owner of Carrots and Cookies, isn’t personally a fan of McDonald’s, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t let her kids eat it sometimes.

“I do allow my kids to eat McDonald’s, but only when they drive themselves or someone else takes them,” she said. “I choose not to eat at McDonald’s because I don’t care for their food in terms of taste and how it makes me feel. And since we usually eat together as a family, my kids don’t even question it.”

She’s also found that her kids choose to eat there less, despite now being able to drive themselves there.

Yvette Hill, a registered dietitian nutritionist, lets her kids eat McDonald’s, just not regularly. “I’m careful not to be so restrictive that they can’t enjoy time out with friends or family, or during celebrations or holidays,” she said.

She also focuses on overall dietary intake, knowing that “a few experiences with McDonald’s are very different from a diet that is only made up of McDonald’s foods.”

Like Marogy, Hill makes burgers at home, too, and said her kids like them better.

By and large, nutritionists agree McDonald’s can be a part of a healthy relationship with food and a healthy diet.

“I believe what matters most is helping children develop a positive, informed relationship with food that will serve them throughout their lives, without the pressure or guilt that can sometimes lead to unhealthy patterns as they grow,” Marogy added.

Fata made a great point to top off this conversation, too: Food choices are individual. Each person knows their needs best.

“If you agree with me and feel that McDonald’s can fit into a healthy diet and lifestyle, great,” she said. “If you don’t agree with me, that’s also great, but don’t make someone else feel shame about their individual decision on how to nourish themselves.”