Dublin: Health and nutrition experts have raised concerns about the growing trend of restaurants and cafes offering low-cost or free meals for children, warning that many of these options are unhealthy and could encourage poor eating habits.
The Irish Nutrition and Dietetics Institute (INDI) criticised the practice, highlighting examples such as Ikea’s Ballymun store, which sells children’s pasta and tomato sauce for just 95 cents and vegan noodles for €1.95. Similarly, a café on Dublin’s Henry Street offers meals for €2, including sausages, chicken nuggets, chips, vegetables, and juice. Fast food chain Eddie Rockets also runs a popular “Kids Eat Free Tuesday” promotion, launched in 2022, where a child eats free with the purchase of an adult meal.
Sandra Wilkinson, a registered dietitian and INDI spokesperson, said that while occasional treats are acceptable, the regular availability of cheap, calorie-dense meals could normalise unhealthy eating. “Children’s menus are often dominated by foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Over time, this shapes eating habits and increases the risk of obesity,” she warned.
FSAI Study: High Calories, Excessive Salt
A Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) study of 84 Dublin restaurants found that the average children’s chicken nuggets and chips meal contained 900 calories—over a third of the daily recommended intake for a three-year-old and 40% for a 12-year-old. Portion sizes in restaurants were also found to be significantly larger than in cafés.
Key findings included:
- Chicken nuggets and chips: 900 calories, 2g salt (daily limit for a 3-year-old).
- Sausage and chips: up to 4.6g salt (150% of the daily limit for a 6-year-old).
- Burger and chips or chicken curry: around 1,000 calories.
- Pasta with sauce: under 500 calories, but still exceeding salt guidelines by 2.5g on average.
The FSAI urged the food industry to reduce portion sizes, introduce extra-small servings for young children, and make healthier foods the default option at affordable prices.
Rising Health Risks
The authority also warned that eating out is becoming more common than home-cooked meals, contributing to poor dietary standards. With one in five Irish children now overweight or obese, the trend poses a growing public health challenge.
Wilkinson advised parents to avoid fried “kids’ meals” when dining out and instead share healthier portions of adult meals. “One of our biggest mistakes in Ireland is not encouraging children to eat the same nutritious foods as adults. Parents should ensure that fruit and vegetables are included in every meal,” said.
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