Burger King Quietly Drops Sugary Soft Drinks From Kids Menu
Burger King has joined a growing number of fast-food restaurants trying to reduce the unhealthy options on their menus by removing calorie-laden soft drinks from its kids' menu. In a statement to USA Today, the fast-food giant said it removed fountain drinks from kids' menus without fanfare last month "as a part of our ongoing effort to offer our guests options that match lifestyle needs." Now, instead of Coca-Cola and Sprite, menus display milk or apple juice as options for young patrons. The carbonated and sugary drinks are still an option, but they aren't advertised on the listed menu. McDonalds and Wendy's have also recently introduced healthier options, with McDonald's announcing last week it will no longer serve chicken containing human antibiotics. Fast-food chains are feeling the pressure from advocacy groups to do their part to help fight childhood obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over a third of American children and adolescents were obese in 2012. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says sugary drinks are a hefty contributor to kids packing on the extra pounds. USA Today, Listen to the most important stories of the day.