In a growing trend among fast food chains in America, Dairy Queen announced this week that soda will no longer be an option on the franchise's kids menu.
The beverage is being replaced by milk and water by Sept. 1, the company announced in a letter to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Burger King, McDonald's and Wendy's have already agreed to do the same, after the Center for Science in the Public Interest pleaded with fast food chains to do so in order to curb childhood obesity.
"I am pleased to inform you that during our most recent meeting, the Franchise Advisory Council voted unanimously to remove soft drinks from our kids' menu," wrote William A. Barrier, Dairy Queen's EVP of Product Development/Quality.
CSPI Nutrition Policy Director Margo G. Wootan said that Dairy Queen said the decision makes parenting easier, in a way.
"Dairy Queen deserves credit for being responsive to the concerns of parents, who increasingly want to be able to order off the kids' menu without having to say 'no' to soda," Wootan said.
The changes will be seen at more than 4,300 franchise locations.
"Restaurant children's menus are a form of marketing, shaping children's eating patterns and expectations," according to CSPI. "The foods and beverages on children's menus should be among the healthiest in the restaurant, which is usually not the case."
