Value meal

Value meal is a group of menu items at a restaurant that is sold together at a lower price than they would cost individually. They are a common marketing strategy used by fast food chains and casual dining restaurants.

History

The concept of the value meal was popularized in the United States in the 1980s by McDonald's with their introduction of the "Happy Meal". This was a bundled meal that included a main item, a side dish, and a drink, often with a small toy included. The idea quickly spread to other fast food chains and has since become a staple of the industry.

Components

A typical value meal includes a main dish, such as a hamburger, chicken nuggets, or a sandwich; a side dish, such as french fries, a salad, or onion rings; and a drink, such as a soft drink, milkshake, or iced tea. Some restaurants may also include a dessert, such as a cookie or a sundae, in their value meals.

Benefits

The main benefit of a value meal is that it offers a complete meal at a lower price than if the items were purchased separately. This can be appealing to customers who are looking for a quick, convenient, and affordable meal option. For the restaurant, value meals can help to increase sales by encouraging customers to purchase more items.

Criticisms

Despite their popularity, value meals have been criticized for contributing to obesity and other health problems. This is because they often include high-calorie, high-fat foods and large portion sizes. Some critics also argue that they promote overeating by offering more food than a person needs.

See also

• Fast food
• Happy Meal
• Combo meal