Dairy Queen will remove soda from their kids’ menu in an effort to promote healthier options. The decision was made in April, during Dairy Queen’s Franchise Advisory Council’s quarterly meeting. Company officials said the change will take place on or before Sept. 1.
The decision was sparked by an inquiry from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
As discussed on the organization’s website , sugary drinks, including soda, have been linked to obesity, tooth decay, and type 2 diabetes. These health issues are a specific concern for children.
“Children start drinking soda pop at a remarkably young age, and consumption increases through young adulthood. One-fifth of one- and two-year-old children consume soft drinks. Those toddlers drink an average of seven ounces—nearly one cup—per day… Almost half of all children between the ages of 6 and 11 drink soda pop, with the average drinker consuming 15 ounces per day.”
In recent months, Burger King, Chipotle, McDonald’s , Panera Bread, and Wendy’s, agreed to remove soda from their children’s menus . The sugary drinks were replaced with bottled water, milk, and juice.
In a formal letter to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Dairy Queen committed to removing soda from their children’s menu as well.
Another restaurant chain is about to remove soft drinks from kids’ menus. http://t.co/UCsxTVSJZP pic.twitter.com/hIUQjpKaWP
— WTOP Living (@WTOPLiving) May 15, 2015
As reported by NY Daily News , Dairy Queen currently has more than 4,300 franchise locations throughout the United States. As the franchises are independently owned and operated, they “are operated under many different franchise agreements.”
A majority of the franchises operate under the Franchise Advisory Council, which unanimously voted to approve the change. Executive Vice President of Product Development/Quality, William A. Barrier, confirmed Dairy Queen will remove soda from a majority of their children’s menus effective September 1. However, “there could be some locations that elect not to follow [the] recommendation.”
Declare #SummerNow with 31 Summer Holidays from the Best BLIZZARD Menu Ever! Check it out at http://t.co/w0NpKmUsQq pic.twitter.com/4hapmmRevq
— Dairy Queen (@DairyQueen) April 29, 2015
CSPI Nutrition Policy Director, Margo G. Wootan, said she is impressed with Dairy Queen’s commitment to providing children with healthier choices.
“Dairy Queen deserves credit for being responsive to the concerns of parents, who increasingly want to be able to order off the kids’ menu without having to say ‘no’ to soda.”
Dairy Queen’s signature soft-serve ice cream debuted in August 1938 in Kankakee, Illinois. The product, which was unique at the time, was an instant hit.
As reported on Dairy Queen’s company website , the ice cream shop eventually expanded their offerings to include burgers, fries, and other fast food. Over the next 77 years, Dairy Queen grew to include more than 6,000 locations in 20 countries.
Dairy Queen’s decision to remove soda from their children’s menu underlines the company’s commitment to staying current and promoting better health.
[Image via Shutterstock ]
