An adult Happy Meal is not necessarily a better one writes the Journal's food editor

Gail Ciampa, The Providence Journal
·2 min read
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I've always been a sucker for a Happy Meal, ever since I bought my first one to get the "Muppet Movie" poster.

I headed out to get one of the new adult versions from McDonald's when they launched earlier this month. At 64 years old, I am clearly not the demographic for this limited edition project.

I had to look up the meaning of the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box, the name for the new version. How do those words even go together?

Turns out that McDonald's has collaborated with the Cactus Plant Flea Market because the fast food company says the streetwear company "is one of the most important brands in culture."

The new adult version of a McDonald's Happy Meal is all about the design from Cactus Plant Flea Market. That's why the Hamburglar has four eyes.
The new adult version of a McDonald's Happy Meal is all about the design from Cactus Plant Flea Market. That's why the Hamburglar has four eyes.

You learn something new everyday, don't you?

Cactus Plant Flea Market collaborates with famous brands like Nike, Swarovski or influencers like Kanye West for items that sell for a lot of dough.

"Fans who purchase the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box on the McDonald's App will automatically be entered for a chance to score exclusive merch for free every week," says the McDonald's marketing release.  These will include items like t-shirts, a Grimace Chair and more with the signature Cactus Plant Flea Market Box look.

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The food is secondary in this equation. And when did it become too hard to say merchandise so it became merch?

"We're taking one of the most nostalgic McDonald's experiences and literally repackaging it in a new way that's hyper-relevant for our adult fans," said Tariq Hassan, McDonald's USA Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. "I can't wait to give fans a unique piece of art and culture as we dive headfirst into the dynamic world of Cactus Plant Flea Market..."

My collectible Hamburglar from the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box, McDonald's limited edition adult meal.
My collectible Hamburglar from the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box, McDonald's limited edition adult meal.

For the record, my meal had a Big Mac, medium fries and medium drink with the collectible figurine of the Hamburglar. In this Cactus Plant Flea Market version, he has four eyes.

The meal costs $11.99. You can choose a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets instead of the burger. Other figurines are Grimace, Birdie and Cactus Buddy. The box is meant to be saved as a limited edition.

In the end, I think a real Happy Meals is the better deal with a better toy.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What the Journal food editor thought of McDonald's Adult Happy meal