Top Restaurant Chains Named for Serving Ready Meals to Kids

A new study from The Soil Association has raised concerns about the quality of children's meals served at popular UK restaurant chains, accusing some of "ripping parents off" by offering "ready meals" and processed food instead of freshly prepared options.

The research, which included secret diners and surveys of restaurant practices, found that many restaurants, including Bella Italia, Prezzo, and TGI Fridays, were serving meals that were simply reheated, with pasta sauces and other dishes not made on-site.

The annual Out To Lunch league table highlighted the prevalence of unhealthy options, sugary desserts, ultra-processed food, and low-welfare meat in the offerings at several chains.

Franco Manca, a pizza restaurant, was rated the lowest for its children's menu, which lacked vegetables and failed to disclose food preparation methods or sourcing policies.

On the other hand, Wahaca received the highest rating, as it prepared most of its children's meals on-site using fresh ingredients and offered them at a lower price compared to other chains that used reheated meals.

Additionally, chains like Wagamama, Nando's, and Leon stood out for offering children's meals free from artificially sweetened drinks or added sugars.

The Soil Association's study reflects growing concerns about the nutritional quality and transparency of food served to children in the UK restaurant sector.
Source: Sky news
Edited by: Evans Momodu