I Tried McDonald’s Adult Happy Meal for $12.99 — Was It Worth It?

Happy Meals are a McDonald’s staple, and even adults enjoy these smaller-portioned meals and their collectible toys. But now, you can grab an adult Happy Meal for a limited time at McDonald’s, complete with a throwback toy that you won’t want to miss.

History of the Happy Meal

Though many won’t remember a time without this menu must-have, the Happy Meal first appeared in the late 70s. Originally, these kids’ meals offered a burger, small fries, a packet of cookies, a small drink, and a toy. Over the years, McDonald’s has collaborated with many notable brands to offer exclusive toys for their Happy Meals. Many of these had items that would become collectibles with enthusiasts, like Beanie Babies and Potato Head Kids.

The Kerwin Frost collaboration

McDonald’s has partnered with celebrity Kerwin Frost for a one-of-a-kind offering: the adult Happy Meal, or the Kerwin Frost Box. This meal includes your choice of 10-piece Chicken McNuggets® or a Big Mac®, World Famous Fries®, a soft drink, and a special McNugget Buddy collectible in a colorful box. If you were a McDonald’s fan growing up, then you no doubt remember these little McNugget Buddies in their commercials and toys.

Where can you find them?

Select locations have this Kerwin Frost Box, so you can check their website or app to see if any local McDonald’s have these adult Happy Meals. They began rolling out in stores worldwide beginning on December 11, and they’re only available while supplies last. Be sure to grab one of these boxes and its collector’s toy while you can!

The verdict on the adult Happy Meal

My local Kerwin Frost Box came with the Big Mac rather than the option for McNuggets. I ordered the medium fries and drink to go with it, which cost $12.99. That might be a great way to save money on dinner these days. The typical Big Mac meal is $10.39 locally with the same size fries and drink, so the $2.60 difference essentially covers the McNugget Buddy toy and colorful Happy Meal-style box. The Kerwin Frost McNugget Buddies come in six different styles with mix-and-match outfits. According to the McDonald’s website, they are:

• Kerwin Frost: "The mayor of Frost Way is a true champion of the Buddies and encourages them to be themselves. In his free time, catch him adding art to his collection or fixing things around the neighborhood."
• Don Bernice: "The wise stylist, an experienced fashion designer who creates all the outfits for the Buddies in Frost Way, while also offering stern advice (that’s always nice). After all, she is 'don,' the very best."
• Uptown Moe: "The neighborhood hero, the no-nonsense, street-smart, supportive guy from around the block in Frost Way everyone knows and loves. He also gives the best motivational speeches on a whim."
• Waffutu: "The curious optimist, who grew up in Frost Way and was raised by the whole neighborhood. She spreads positivity wherever she goes and can turn any frown upside down with the wave of a wand and tilt of a crown."
• BRRRICK: "The cool guy, the most adventurous Buddy in Frost Way who speaks in puns, loves trying new things and techno music. He’s lowkey nervous, but always cool under pressure."
• Darla: "The dreamer, a soft-spoken yet peacefully confident singer who moved to Frost Way to pursue her dream of becoming a superstar as the lead singer of 'The Frostettos.' When she’s not on stage, she’s running the local McDonald’s in Frost Way, where she’s an employee of the month every month."

Overall, is the purchase worth it? If you’re nostalgic for the days of Happy Meals and McNugget Buddies, then those extra few dollars just might be. However, if you’re just looking for a quick and inexpensive lunch, try searching through the deals on the McDonald’s app to save a few dollars.

Bottom line

This limited-time adult Happy Meal might just make you feel like a kid again, but the price tag sure won’t. It can be a fun way to inject some nostalgia into your day, especially if you want to add the McNugget Buddies to your stash of collectible toys.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash

Drawbacks

• Foreign transaction fee of 3%
• No bonus categories

Card Details

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.