Fast-food giant McDonald’s is replacing the Minute Maid apple juice box in US outlets and replacing with an organic, reduced sugar juice from Honest Kids (both drinks are owned by Coca Cola Co).
McDonald’s says the switch around is part of an evolution of its Happy Meal children’s offer toward “healthier options”. The development is also seen as an example of shifting consumer tastes, and a growing awareness about the need to reduce sugar in the diet.
The Honest Kids product achieves its ‘healthier’ status partly by its high water content (the product is 42% apple juice), taking its cue from other water and juice drinks. It contains 10 fewer grams of sugar and has half the calories the previous 6-ounce Minute Maid box. Both products are made from concentrate.