by John Atchison

Created on: February 06, 2013   Last Updated: February 08, 2013

It is an endless dilemma for parents as they head back from a full day of toting the kids around in the family car. The kids are in the back seat, clamoring that they are hungry and need something to eat. Still miles away from home and completely exhausted, parents have to make a decision on where to stop to get something to eat. Fast food is always accessible, but not the healthiest thing around. As the minivan pulls into the McDonald's parking lot, it looks like tiny burgers or chicken nuggets once again. If only there were healthier options!

McDonald's is trying to give parents something different to look at on the Happy Meal menu these days, if only for a limited time. The home of the red haired clown dressed in yellow will soon be offering a new choice called Fish McBites. This newest short term addition to the Happy Meal menu will give kids seven pieces of fish, fries or apple slices, and a drink. For parents worried about the calorie counter for their kids, this meal will run between 385 and 415 calories, depending on what choice is made (fries or apples).

Much like the Fillet of Fish sandwich, the Fish McBites will be made from Alaskan Pollack. There is still the complaint that the fish is being fried, which is not the best, but it gives parents some short term options. It is no coincidence that this new product will be running through the end of March, which will cover the Lenten season, when many Catholics have to abstain from meat on Fridays.

This newest offering is McDonald's attempt to keep some momentum going from last year's limited time offers they started with Chicken McBites. They were well received and looked at as McDonald's attempt to diversify and given their customers more menu items to choose from. There was a time when the fast food chain could rely on their hamburgers and Big Macs to dominate the fast food market share. That is no longer the case, as there are tons of options, and things to eat across the country.

This announcement satisfies the mothers of America, who have been asking McDonald's to put more seafood related items on the menu for young kids. Adults should not feel neglected in this deal though. It turns out that the Fish McBites will also be offered on the regular menu in three sizes – snack (10 pieces), regular (15 pieces) and shareable (30 pieces). Adults even get the advantage of getting tartar sauce for dipping. Looks like a win-win for all age groups involved.

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