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Summary

I Tried McDonald's Canada's New 'Adult Happy Meal' & The Toy Genuinely Brought Me Joy

I was lovin' it.

The new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada.

The new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada.

Senior Writer

The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.

McDonald's has just launched an "adult Happy Meal" in Canada and it'll make you feel like you're 11 years old again and your mom is taking you out for a treat after your skating lesson on the weekend.

The so-called Happy Meal, which is formally known as The Kerwin Frost Box, just debuted across the country and is similar to the Cactus Plant Flea Market Meal Boxes that were available in the U.S. last year but not Canada.

The Happy Meal box and the toys are named for and designed by Harlem, New York-based artist Kerwin Frost who collaborated with the brand for the new line.

I got my hands on one of the boxes first thing on December 11 in the West End of Toronto to get the scoop and it was a delightful hit of nostalgia.

Here's what I got in my Kerwin Frost Box and whether or not I think it's worth it.

What do the new McDonald’s Happy Meals for adults look like?

The new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada.

The new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada.

Sarah Rohoman | Narcity

The new McDonald's Happy Meal for adults in Canada comes in a seriously fun box with bright colours decorated with the McNugget Buddies, which is a toy you can collect.

Most importantly, it has the Golden Arch handles that I remember so fondly from my own childhood, and it took me right back to those days.

It's quite a bit larger than the children's Happy Meal — I'd say almost twice the size — which makes sense as it has more food in it than the kids' version.

What’s in the McDonald’s adult Happy Meal?

Fries, McNuggets and a Happy Meal toy inside the new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada.

​Fries, McNuggets and a Happy Meal toy inside the new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada.

Sarah Rohoman | Narcity

In the McDonald's adult Happy Meal, you can choose from either a 10-piece Chicken McNugget box or a Big Mac and it comes with medium fries, a medium fountain drink and a special McNugget Buddy collectible.

I opted for the McNuggets as it's super nostalgic for me (although the kids' Happy Meal only comes with four nuggets!) with two sweet and sour dipping sauces and a Diet Coke.

What are the McDonald's Happy Meal toys for adults?

The new McNugget Buddy collectible toy inside the new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada.

The new McNugget Buddy collectible toy inside the new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada.

Sarah Rohoman | Narcity, Sarah Rohoman | Narcity

The McDonald's Happy Meal for adults has six McNugget Buddy collectible toys designed by Frost.

They are:

  • Kerwin Frost – The Mayor of Frost Way is a true champion of the citizens and encourages them to be themselves. In his free time, catch him adding art to his collection or fixing things around the neighbourhood.
  • Don Bernice – The Wise Stylist, an experienced fashion designer who creates all the outfits for the Buddies in Frost Way, while also offering stern advice and words of wisdom. After all, she is "don" – the very best!
  • Uptown Moe – The Neighbourhood Hero, the no-nonsense, street-smart, supportive guy from around the block in Frost Way who everyone knows and loves. He also gives the best motivational speeches on a whim.
  • Waffutu – The Curious Optimist, who grew up in Frost Way and was raised by the whole neighbourhood. She spreads positivity wherever she goes and can turn any frown upside down with the wave of a wand and tilt of a crown.
  • BRRRICK – The Cool Guy, the most adventurous Buddy in Frost Way who speaks in puns, loves trying new things and techno music. He's lowkey nervous, but always cool under pressure.
  • Darla – The Dreamer, a soft-spoken yet peacefully confident singer who moved to Frost Way to pursue her dream of becoming a superstar as the lead singer of "The Frostettos." When she's not on stage, she runs the local McDonald's in Frost Way – where she's employee of the month every month!

In my box I got Darla, and as you can see, she is pretty darn cute with her chunky headphones, McDonald's cardigan and purple shoes.

She came wrapped up in a sealed box and with a little informational card describing her attributes. I was a little concerned when I noticed her hair and outfit came off leaving her as a naked McNugget, but I learned that's because you're meant to swap around the outfits of the different collectible toys.

"Complete with mix-and-match outfits, the Buddies' designs are inspired by Kerwin's childhood experiences and belief that everyone should feel free to express themselves," says McD's of the cute new offerings.

Fingers crossed I get Waffutu next — she seems like she'd get along with Darla very well!


What's the overall value of McDonald's Kerwin Frost Box?

The new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada.

The new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada.

Sarah Rohoman | Narcity

With tax, the McDonald's Kerwin Frost Box cost with 10 McNuggets was $18.41.

A regular 10-piece McNugget meal costs $16.03 with tax, so the new Happy Meal costs about $2.38 more than the regular combo.

Is the McDonald's Kerwin Frost Box worth it?

The new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada outside of a McDonald's in Toronto. Right: A card for the new McNugget Buddy Darla.

The new "adult Happy Meal" Kerwin Frost Box from McDonald's Canada outside of a McDonald's in Toronto. Right: A card for the new McNugget Buddy Darla.

Sarah Rohoman | Narcity

To be honest, I was a little skeptical going into the experience and lowkey thought it was going to be a letdown, but for me, the McDonald's Kerwin Frost Box is absolutely worth it and it genuinely brought me joy. 

For the extra $2.38, you're getting the cute adult Happy Meal box and a toy which is absolutely worth the extra toonie and change.

It's nostalgic, it's fun and it made me smile, which is all you can really ask for these days.

Next up, I'll be getting the Big Mac Kerwin Frost Box and I'm seriously hoping I get Waffutu as my toy, but I'm sure they're all as delightful as Darla. 

It's not clear how long the adult Happy Meals will be available in Canada, so if it's something that interests you, you'll want to check it out before it disappears!

These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.

  • Senior Writer

    Sarah Rohoman (she/her) was a Senior Writer with Narcity Media. She has worked at BuzzFeed Canada, Yahoo Canada, and CBC Radio in news, lifestyle, ecommerce, and social media. She has an MA in Journalism from Western University and a BA from McGill. She loves libraries, alpacas, and all things witchy.

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