Build-your-own kids meals aren’t just for children

Some foods make great leftovers. Others… not so much. Weird textures, flavor changes, or just plain old repetitiveness can leave yesterday’s meal sitting in the fridge until it gets tossed a week later. There’s a reason leftovers get a bad rep. 

However, there may be a better option—consider a kid’s meal. It’s affordable, surprisingly filling, yet portioned perfectly to finish in one sitting. What’s even better: when they’re build-your-own, you can customize to satisfy your cravings without dishing out on an oversized, pricey entrée. Here are some build-your-own kid’s meals I’ve tried from all your favorite spots.

Chipotle

If I don’t finish my Chipotle the day of, it’s not getting eaten. Reheating lettuce is a no-no, and cold, rock-solid rice is just as bad. I have to admit, I’ve stopped ordering their entrées (which are usually over a serving’s worth) altogether.

Discovering Chipotle’s kid’s build-your-own tacos has been a game-changer. The meal retails for $5.70, but even at a low price, it offers plenty of food. You can choose two soft or hard tortillas, a protein, and two toppings. It also includes a side of chips or fruit and a kid’s size drink. 

On top of being “build-your-own,” it also doubles as an “assemble-your-own” experience, so you can truly be in charge of your food. I like to place the protein down first, then the white rice and fajita veggies (my current go-to). The interactiveness might be catered to kids, but the food is just as good, if not better with your own personal flare.

Pro tip: ask for a side of the Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette (yes, it’s free) to drizzle on top for a touch of tang and sweetness.

Honeygrow

Similar to the popular Mexican chain, Honeygrow is a fast-casual Asian restaurant that offers fully customizable dishes. Starting at $8.00, their kid’s create-your-own stir-fry parallels the popular main dish off the regular menu. It comes with a base (rice, noodles, or greens), a choice of protein (for an extra fee), two veggies, and a sauce. They also offer premium add-ins and garnishes, but those will cost you extra. 

Additionally, the meal comes with a side of seasonal fruit and a kid’s drink, which is always a nice bonus. However, after adding turkey meatballs and a crispy onion garnish, my total hit $11.98. So, it’s really not much of a steal, considering a regular-sized bowl (which includes more options) is only about a dollar more. 

If you’re feeling extra hungry for noodles, just get the regular portion. Otherwise, the kid’s version is great if you don’t want to deal with leftovers or would like to sneak in a healthy side of fruit. However, I’d stick to the basics—adding extras can quickly bump up the price.

Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen is known for its “health food,” but ironically, their kid’s meal felt like it lacked nutritional variety.

The options are pretty limited, offering only three to four add-ins at the base price. I was hoping to switch out the apples for a vegetable like their spicy broccoli or even pickled onions, but the only choices were cucumbers, tomatoes, and raw carrots—yikes. I went with tomatoes, plus chicken and sweet potatoes.

It’s a good pick if you prefer a simpler, no-fuss meal. But if you’re like me and love a variety of toppings, it might feel a little underwhelming, especially considering your options are limited to four dressings with the regular menu offering 17.

I paid $8.25 for the food, yet unlike the other spots mentioned, Sweetgreen’s kid’s meals don’t come with a drink. I ended up splurging on one for $3.75, bringing my total to $12.00, and making Sweetgreen’s kid’s meal the priciest one on this list. 

Overall, this one fell short. The limited customization and higher price make it hard to justify. I guess you can bring your own drink if you’re feeling thirsty?

Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s lives up to its reputation as a chicken chain, known for providing quality and consistent chicken tenders. While it’s as popular as the other spots mentioned, its appeal isn’t in its customizable qualities—it’s all about the chicken.

The $7.29 kids combo includes two tenders, a side of fries, one Cane’s sauce, and a kids size drink (with your choice of any one they offer). My go-to is their unsweetened iced tea—one of my favorites from any other fast food spot . That said, the sample-sized portion left me wanting more. Lucky for you and me, they offer free refills on soft drinks.

The meal includes a taste of all Cane’s essentials (which, to be fair, is limited to begin with), offering the chain’s fresh, high-quality food with a “kid’s” label. While it lacks customization, the generous serving of fries and satisfying amount of chicken help make up for it (although if you’re really hungry, I wouldn’t blame you for wanting an extra tender or a slice of toast).

If you’re craving Cane’s, the kid’s meal is a solid choice that comes at a reasonable price. However, it’s really only $3 cheaper than the next combo, which includes an extra tender, Texas toast, and a larger drink. Whether it’s worth the extra money depends on your appetite for the day.

Final thoughts

Kid’s meals aren’t just for kids. Whether you’re a college student on a budget, someone who hates leftovers, or just looking for a reasonable portion, consider trying any of these build-your-own kid’s meals to see what works best for you. 

If you’re new to this kid’s meal thing, start with Chipotle. With the cheapest price and add-in options from the regular menu (not just a stripped-down “kids-only” version), Chipotle easily takes the top prize for value, variety, and quality. 

The others are worth trying if you’re curious, just watch out for the hidden fees. Who knows? If you’re able to walk away full and save some money, that’s a win.