Core77

We spotted a nice little tidbit on Unbeige today about a recent Stanford University study that confirms the sad reality that Micky D's knows all-too-well what the little ones want. The research revealed that kids are more inclined to gobble down any food in a McDonald's wrapper as opposed to, say, on a plate. A group of 63 low-income 3 to 5 year-old children were presented with McDonald's food items as well as "regular" items like carrots and juice both wrapped in plain and McD's packaging.

McDonald's-labeled samples were the clear favorites. French fries were the biggest winner; almost 77 percent said the labeled fries tasted best while only 13 percent preferred the others.

Fifty-four percent preferred McDonald's-wrapped carrots versus 23 percent who liked the plain-wrapped sample.

Fewer than one-fourth of the children said both samples of all foods tasted the same.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like kids'll quit begging for Happy Meals anytime soon, but parents might take advantage of this research and raid their local joint for some wrappers, cups, and boxes...