McDonald’s confirms it's getting rid of Happy Meal staple - parents are outraged

The humble Happy Meal is a staple of many fond childhood memories.

After all, what's better than devouring a portion of piping hot chicken McNuggets, crispy fries - the saltier the better - and an ice-cold Fanta while playing with whatever toy had been popped in the box alongside your meal?

And, it's a God-send for the parents of fussy eaters up and down the country.

But McDonald's has confirmed that it's making a major change to the menu, and people are furious.

The fast food chain is set to axe a Happy Meal staple, while adding two new items to the menu.

Parents have been left fuming after McDonald's removed a staple item from their Happy Meals (Getty Stock Images)

From tomorrow (26 November), customers will be able to enjoy a McFish or a Mayo Chicken Burger as part of the Happy Meal offering, but at the expense of a fan favourite.

The McFish will feature a Filet-O-Fish patty in a regular toasted bun with ketchup, while the Mayo Chicken includes crispy-coated chicken with lettuce and mayo in a deliciously soft bun.

But, in order to make space for the new offerings, the Fish Finger Happy Meal will no longer be available.

And it’s not the only item facing the chop. The retailer will also be getting rid of Fish Bites - bite-sized pollock pieces in a crisp panko breadcrumb coating - which were launched in select restaurants in 2024.

Speaking to Metro, a McDonald's spokesperson said: "We’re always looking at ways to innovate our menu offering for our customers. We’re excited to welcome two new additions to Happy Meal, including the Mayo Chicken and the McFish.

"We know the Mayo Chicken is hugely popular across all age ranges, and that the McFish addition to Happy Meal has been successful in other markets, so we’re confident these changes will make our Happy Meal options better than ever."

The classic Fish Finger offering will be replaced with two new menu items - the McFish and the Mayo Chicken (McDonald's UK)

But the decision has left a sour taste in the mouths of parents of picky eaters.

Taking to the UK Newest Foods Facebook page, one person wrote: "That’s not fair on younger kids that can eat fish fingers that you don’t want to give them as a burger with bread, etc."

And one mum commented: "My daughter only likes Fish Finger Happy Meal… What a silly idea.’

Another shared a similar post, reading: "Ah gutted, my little one won’t eat anything in burger shape. Fish Fingers are her favourite!"

While a fourth added: "Fish Fingers are the only one my son likes on the menu, will be yet another place we can’t go because he doesn’t like anything else. Absolute pain when we are doing a long journey and need a quick, hot meal on the way."

Tyla has contacted McDonald's UK for comment.