A test launched last month in parts of Ohio, South Florida and North Carolina will help the hamburger chain jump on the healthier-food bandwagon by presenting alternatives to the soft drink and French fries in its kid-targeted combo meals. At no extra charge, customers can request the milk to replace the soda, and/or a fresh fruit cup-with honeydew melon and cantaloupe chunks-as an option for fries. Wendy's will offer both 2% white and 1% chocolate milk.
"Wendy's is the first restaurant in its category to offer milk in the innovative grab-and-go packaging and we applaud them for taking the first step," said Julian Toney, senior executive v.p. domestic marketing, Dairy Management Inc. "We understand the importance of flavor and packaging with kids. The fact that Wendy's is making milk and appealing-and easy-option is good news for both parents and kids."
Earlier this year, rival McDonald's began test-marketing milk as an option for it Happy Meals, but McDonald's milk is offered in gable top packaging.
Wendy's says its package reflects dairy industry trends. A recent year-long study involving more than 100,000 elementary and secondary school children, found that kids consumed more milk when it was offered in plastic grab-and-go containers and in different flavors.
