Consumer group picks unhealthiest kids' meals at restaurants

Center for Science in the Public Interest

Most restaurant meals for children are too high in fat, sugar and salt, according to a new report released by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. The nonprofit health advocacy group found that 97 percent of the children's menu offerings they tested failed to meet recommended nutritional criteria for 4 to 8-year-olds.

To meet CSPI's nutrition criteria, kids' meals must not exceed 430 calories and cannot have more than 35 percent added sugars by weight nor more than 770 milligrams of sodium. Meals must include at least half a serving of fruit or vegetable, an item that is 51 percent or more whole grain or include minimum levels of vitamins or fiber.

Read more: Consumer group: Majority of restaurant kids' meals fail to make nutritional cut

Most of the 3,500 kids' meals tested fell flat, but some were exceptionally bad, according to CSPI. Read on to see five of the worst offenders.

Applebee's Grilled Cheese on Sourdough with fries and 2 percent chocolate milk

This meal packs a whopping 1,210 calories, 62 grams of total fat and 2,340 milligrams of sodium.
This is nearly three times the amount of calories and sodium recommended for 4 to 8-year-olds, says CSPI.

Chili's Pepperoni Pizza with Homestyle Fries and soda

With as much saturated fat as an adult should have in a whole day (18 grams), this 1,010 calorie meal, with 2,020 milligrams of sodium, may not be the best choice for children, the report found.

Denny's Jr. Cheeseburger and French Fries

Though less caloric then some other offerings on this list, with 980 calories, 55 grams of total fat and 1,110 milligrams of sodium, this dish is still far from a healthy choice for kids.

Dairy Queen's Chicken Strips, Kids' Fries, sauce, Arctic Rush frozen drink and Dilly Bar

CSPI called this combination of fried foods and sugary treats one of the least healthy kids' meals available because it contains 1,030 calories, 45 grams of total fat, 15 grams of saturated fat, and 1,730 milligrams of sodium.

Ruby Tuesday's Mac 'n Cheese, White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, and Fruit Punch

Ruby Tuesday's does not disclose saturated or trans fats on its menus, according to CSPI. This meal still packs 860 calories, 46 grams of total fat and 1,730 milligrams of sodium.