As food costs remain high, people have found clever hacks to stretch their dollar while getting enough food. A common method is ordering the kids’ meal. In 2023, this viral hack gained popularity among adult Olive Garden customers and remains in use to this day. After all, you can choose your pasta, a topping, a side, and a beverage for $10 and add an entree for an extra $6.
Last month, Olive Garden customer Sam unveiled the Grilled Chicken Rotini kids’ meal she ordered to-go, along with all its contents and the extra breadsticks she received. This time, a California-based woman unboxed her Olive Garden kids’ meal, believing it’s perfect for those who don’t want to cook and enjoy small meals.
“$10.98 Olive Garden,” TikToker Keana Carr (@keana_carr) says, holding up her brown Olive Garden to-go bag. “Let me show you what I got.”
Next, she pulls out a two-sided plastic container with Shrimp Alfredo as the main course and Spaghetti on the side.
“I don’t like to eat big portions, so I got the kids’ meal at $7.99. I added on shrimp for an extra $2.99,” she says. “Then for my side, I did the spaghetti and sauce because you can do a side and it doesn’t cost extra.” Afterward, she removes the lid to reveal the inside. “This right here is already filling for me,” she states.
Moreover, the content creator shows a small Coke, a bag with chocolate mints, and four breadsticks. Once Carr finishes showing off her Olive Garden haul, she bites into her Alfredo and spaghetti. Before wrapping up, she does show the add-on she included: a large bowl of Pasta e Fagioli soup. “This was $9.79,” she says, hitting it with a plastic spoon. “I feel like this is a good size though for $9.”
What did viewers think?
The video racked up over 299,000 views. Many viewers couldn’t believe the size of the kids’ meal.
“Definitely a three person meal with the soup,” one viewer commented.
“In the uk that would be an adult meal. What a good deal !” another stated.
“That is larger than any adult portion I’ve ever seen,” a third said.
Furthermore, others agreed this was a good deal for the amount of food.
“Such a good price! Crazy how you can get pasta with a side of pasta,” one commenter praised.
“The meal was $7.99, plus= shrimp for $2.99 and the soup was $9.79 That’s like $20.77 still a good deal and it looks delicious,” a second echoed.
Can adults order the kids’ meal at Olive Garden?
When dining in, Olive Garden prohibits adults from ordering these meals. Of course, every location varies. However, it’s not uncommon for restaurants to have age limits for these options. Yahoo states that having kids’ meal options is a marketing tactic to attract adults with youngsters. Because kids’ meals are less expensive, these are considered a financial loss if an adult orders them, according to Today.
Since establishments can’t verify if you have a little one at home, ordering these meals through delivery, takeout, or curbside would be the way to get around it, as the hack was intended for. Depending on your appetite, it may or may not be filling.
@keana_carr You can also add a take home meal for only $6 more hehe ? #olivegarden #kidsmeal #yum #alfredo #olivegardenhack ♬ original sound – keana_carr
The Mary Sue reached out to Carr via TikTok comment and direct message.
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