Following in the footsteps of other restaurant chains striving to provide healthier menu offerings, Applebee's and IHOP are axing soda from their children's menus nationwide.
But soda lovers, don’t fret – though soft drinks won’t be listed, adults can still request them for their children if prefer to do so.
"We believe this is a small step in assisting parents while dining out, as parents are in the best position to determine the appropriate food and beverage choices for their children," Craig Hoffman, a spokesman for DineEquity, told ABC News in a statement. "We believe in having a broad variety of selections so our guests have a choice that best meets their needs.”
DineEquity is the group that owns both Applebee's and IHOP.
Other restaurants to make similar health-related changes to their menus include McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Dairy Queen, Chipotle, Panera and Subway.
Sugar drinks like soda have been linked to a number of health concerns such as obesity and diabetes, while they’re also associated with tooth decay.
The newest efforts by large food chains come at a time when a third of all children in the United States are obese and over 9 percent of Americans are diabetic, according to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention..
