Feeding kids on the go doesn’t have to mean defaulting to drive-thru nuggets and fries. Many fast-casual chains now offer thoughtfully designed kids’ meals that balance nutrition, taste, and price. Whether you’re dining in or picking up dinner between school and sports practice, it’s possible to find options that satisfy both your child and your budget.
This guide highlights the best affordable kids’ meals at popular fast-casual chains, with practical tips to help families stretch their dining dollars without compromising on quality or nutrition.
1. Panera Bread
Kids’ Meal Price Range: $5.99–$6.99
Meal Bundle Includes: Choice of entrée (like grilled cheese, turkey sandwich, mac & cheese), side (yogurt or apple), and drink (milk, juice, or water)
Why it’s a good value:
Panera offers smaller portions of their signature items, many of which are made without artificial preservatives or sweeteners. The kids’ grilled cheese, for example, is made with thick-sliced whole grain bread and real cheese.
Nutritional Note:
Meals are customizable for dietary preferences and offer a good balance of protein, carbs, and fresh sides.
2. Chipotle
Kids’ Meal Price Range: $4.95–$5.50
Meal Bundle Includes: Build-your-own tacos or a quesadilla, choice of side (beans or chips), and a drink
Why it’s a good value:
Chipotle’s “Build Your Own” kids’ meal allows for customization based on your child’s preferences. It includes whole ingredients like brown rice, black beans, and responsibly sourced proteins.
Nutritional Note:
Parents can create balanced meals with protein, fiber, and vegetables. Smaller portions reduce the risk of food waste.
3. Shake Shack
Kids’ Meal Price Range: Around $7.00
Meal Bundle Includes: Burger or grilled cheese, fries, and choice of juice or milk
Why it’s a good value:
Shake Shack’s kids’ menu brings gourmet-style burgers down to kid-sized portions, with quality ingredients like hormone-free beef and potato buns.
Nutritional Note:
While more indulgent than others on this list, the portion sizes are reasonable and ingredients are high-quality. Consider swapping fries for an applesauce pouch or juice for water to keep things balanced.
4. Noodles & Company
Kids’ Meal Price Range: $5.75–$6.25
Meal Bundle Includes: Smaller portion of pasta, side (fruit or broccoli), and drink
Why it’s a good value:
Kids can choose from favorites like buttered noodles, mac & cheese, or spaghetti with marinara. The addition of a side of veggies and a drink makes it a well-rounded meal.
Nutritional Note:
Options like zucchini noodles or whole grain pasta make it easier to add fiber. Meals can also be customized for dairy-free or vegetarian diets.
View Noodles & Company Kids Menu
5. MOD Pizza
Kids’ Meal Price Range: $6.87 (Mini MOD)
Meal Bundle Includes: 6-inch pizza with custom toppings and a drink
Why it’s a good value:
Kids can choose their own toppings—just like adults—on a smaller crust. This lets picky eaters build something they’re actually excited to eat.
Nutritional Note:
Whole grain and gluten-free crusts are available. Pair with a milk or juice option to round out the meal.
Family Ordering Hacks to Save Even More
1. Share Adult Portions
Many adult meals are large enough to be split between two children. At Sweetgreen or Cava, a grain bowl with added protein can often serve as a light meal for one adult and one child—or be split between two kids with an extra side.
2. Use Sides to Stretch Meals
Ordering a single entrée with extra sides like fruit, hummus, or rice can create a mini-meal at a lower cost. Chains like Cava offer free or low-cost add-ons that help stretch one order across multiple plates.
3. Bring Your Own Drinks
Kids’ drinks can add $1–$2 per meal. Consider bringing reusable water bottles or small juice boxes from home when dining out.
4. Look for Daily or App-Exclusive Deals
Many fast-casual spots offer daily discounts or app-exclusive promotions, such as “Kids Eat Free” days or bundled family meals.
Final Tips for Budget-Friendly Family Dining
• Check menus online before heading out to estimate cost and preview healthy options.
• Stick with chains that offer real food over deep-fried or overly processed items.
• Plan ahead: Choose restaurants near your errand or commute route to avoid impulse spending.
• Mix it up: Combine restaurant nights with affordable at-home meals to stay on budget throughout the week.
Fast-casual chains have come a long way in offering affordable, kid-friendly meals that don’t sacrifice quality or nutrition. With the right strategy, dining out with your family can be practical, balanced, and stress-free.
