Kids deserve a future — and a Happy Meal that reflects it. McDonald’s has brought smiles to generations of children, but now the world’s most iconic kids’ meal has a chance to evolve. We are asking McDonald’s to launch a Plant-Based Happy Meal in the U.S. — one that represents inclusivity and is better for kids, better for animals, and better for the planet.

Numerous studies have shown that plant-based diets are healthier for children, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Moreover, a plant-based option would cater to diverse dietary needs, including those of vegan and vegetarian families, and support the growing number of families that choose plant-based lifestyles.

The environmental impact cannot be ignored either. According to a study by Oxford University, plant-based diets can reduce food's carbon footprint by up to 73%. This is a significant step in the fight against climate change, and McDonald's has the opportunity to lead by example.

By introducing a Plant-Based Happy Meal, McDonald’s can continue to be a pioneer in the fast-food industry, offering new choices that appeal to both traditional and new customer bases. It would show a commitment to sustainability and health, while still maintaining the fun and excitement of the Happy Meal experience.

Join us in calling on McDonald’s to take this vital step towards a healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable future. Please sign the petition to help us bring this change to McDonald’s menus across the U.S. Thank you for supporting this meaningful initiative!

Why It Matters:

• McDonald’s already offers plant-based Happy Meals in the UK and across Europe, and the response has been strongly positive.
• The demand for healthier, more inclusive, and environmentally friendly options is growing among families, young people, and ecologically minded consumers.
• In the U.S. alone, nearly 3 million children (ages 8–17) identify as vegan or vegetarian — yet McDonald’s has no Happy Meal they can eat. Millions more live with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, leaving them excluded from one of childhood’s most iconic meals.
• Roughly 120 million Americans — including an estimated 15–20 million children — experience lactose intolerance. Plant-based meals are inherently dairy-free which would make McDonald’s inclusive for millions who are currently left out.
• McDonald’s serves over 25 million customers per day in the U.S. Even if a tiny fraction of those meals shifted from meat-based to plant-based, the impact would be enormous. If just 1% of U.S. McDonald’s meals switched from chicken or beef to plant-based, that could spare roughly 9–10 million animals per year.

A Plant-Based Happy Meal would:

• Give kids who are vegetarian or lactose-intolerant an option and make them feel included.
• Appeal to parents who want a children’s meal is healthier.
• Send a message that McDonald’s is forward-thinking, inclusive and responsive to the evolving food landscape.
• Help reduce the carbon footprint of millions of meals served each year and reduce demand for factory-farmed animal products.

Market and Culture Context:

• Major chains have responded to consumer pressure: for example, Starbucks dropped its plant-milk up-charge after consumer and media activism.
• McDonald’s has previously tested and launched plant-based products (such as the “McPlant” burger) and has flexibility in innovation.
• Introducing a Plant-Based Happy Meal would be a tangible, media-friendly move that positions McDonald’s as a leader in inclusive, future-friendly family dining.

Want to Do Even More? Here’s How You Can Help

Your signature makes a difference — and your voice can make an even bigger one. Together, we can show McDonald’s that families, parents, and kids everywhere are ready for a kinder, more inclusive future.

1. Send a Personal Message to McDonald’s
Polite, personal notes have real impact. You can email McDonald’s leadership directly (addresses are publicly listed on corporate sites), or message them through their contact form.

Here’s a simple note you can copy or personalize:

Subject: Please add a Plant-Based Happy Meal for kids and families

Hello,

I’m writing to encourage McDonald’s to add a Plant-Based Happy Meal in the U.S. Kids who are vegan, vegetarian, lactose-intolerant, or have dairy allergies deserve a meal they can enjoy too.

McDonald’s already offers plant-based Happy Meals in the U.K. and Europe — we’d love to see the same compassion and inclusion here.

Thank you for considering this important step for families, animals, and the planet.

2. Tag McDonald’s on Social Media

A few public messages can get the attention of decision-makers faster than you’d think. Tag @McDonalds on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, or Threads and include the petition link.

Here are some examples you can share or adapt:

• “Hey @McDonalds — it’s time for a #PlantBasedHappyMeal! Kids deserve options that are kind, healthy, and inclusive. Sign the petition: https://c.org/czkZ47nWsK ”
• “McDonald’s has vegan Happy Meals in the U.K. — why not in the U.S.? Let’s make it happen! https://c.org/czkZ47nWsK #HappyMealForAll”
• “A Happy Meal should make every kid happy. Add a plant-based option, @McDonalds! https://c.org/czkZ47nWsK #KinderFuture”
• “Over 3 million U.S. kids are #vegan or #vegetarian, and millions more can’t eat dairy. Let’s give them a meal they can enjoy too. https://c.org/czkZ47nWsK #PlantBasedHappyMeal”

3. Share the Petition

The more people who sign, the louder our message becomes.
Post it to your social feeds, parent groups, or local community pages. Every signature brings us closer to making this change real.

“I just signed the petition asking McDonald’s to add a Plant-Based Happy Meal for kids and families — because kindness should be on every menu. Join me here: [petition link]”

4. Talk About It

Start conversations. Ask your local McDonald’s manager if they’ve heard about the petition. Share why this matters with friends, family, and teachers.

Movements grow when people talk.

Together, we can make McDonald’s history — not just for how it shaped our childhoods, but for how it shapes our children’s future.

GUIDE TO ORDERING VEGAN AT MCDONALD'S

The vegan options at McDonald's are limited, but if you find yourself there, here is a guide to help plant-based eaters navigate the McDonald's menu today.

This is a sponsored petition. Learn more here.