IHOP And Applebee’s Eliminate All Sodas From Kids Menu

Little by little, we’re seeing major restaurants wiping off soft drinks from the kids menu as IHOP and Applebee’s have become the latest to join the trend.

According to Consumerist, the two restaurants have removed the option from the kids menus, but it’s not a ban—the drinks can still be ordered for kids by an adult.

“While soft drinks are still available by request, we believe this is a small step in assisting parents while dining out, as parents are in the best position to determine the appropriate food and beverage choices for the children,” A rep for DineEquity, the parent company of both IHOP and Applebees, told Consumerist Tuesday.

It seems that food establishments are becoming more hesitant to advertise and promote sugary drinks for children, as McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s have all done away with the traditional drink for a kid’s meal. Instead, they’ve been promoting drinks such as milk, water and juice for kids.

Coca Cola, along with Pepsi and Dr. Pepper, have made efforts to try and reduce their soda’s sugar content. Coke has even gone as far as saying its products are healthy.

Either way, it looks like restaurants are leaving it completely up to parents to choose what their kids drink.