KFC Launches 'Li'l Bucket' Kids Meal

KFC has thrown its hat into the kid's meal game. The fast-food giant introduced their "Li'l Bucket" earlier this week, and it'll be rolled out nationally by the end of April.

The mini-sized version of the famous KFC bucket comes with a relatively large selection of menu options: chicken (either a grilled drumstick, four Original Recipe Bites, one tender, or a "Chicken Little" sandwich), a side (green beans, mac and cheese, or mashed potatoes with gravy), and a drink (Capri Sun or 1 percent milk) and a squeezable GoGo SqueeZ applesauce is also included. Games and puzzles decorate the outside of the box, and a sticker puzzle is under the lid. "Outrageous Fact Cards" from National Geographic will also be included soon. The bucket sells for $3.99.

"We found that parents are looking for a balanced meal that their kids will actually enjoy eating, as well as activities the family can enjoy," senior director of marketing for KFC U.S. Cynthia Koplos told us. "By pairing our freshly prepared chicken choices with applesauce and KFC's famous sides, we've created a meal with balanced, kid-friendly options and a serving of interactive fun."

While some might think that starting kids on eating food out of a bucket at an early age might not be the healthiest idea, Koplos disagreed. "Our bucket is an iconic symbol of our brand, and we use it to serve both our famous fried chicken, as well as our Kentucky Grilled Chicken," she said. "Families think of the bucket when planning a family meal, so it was a natural packaging choice for our Kids Meals. We've sized our packaging so that it's both kid-friendly but also customizable so parents can choose balanced options for their kids."