There was a time when fast-casual, build-your-own-bowl restaurants were known for giving massive portions.
Everywhere from Chipotle to Panda Express was frequently recognized for their significant portion sizes. For example, Chipotle’s burritos were so famously enormous that a consumer watchdog group recommended splitting them into two meals, with one publication describing the chain as “home of the football-sized burrito” in 2006.
However, in recent years, the reputations of these restaurants have changed. Rather than being known for their generous portions, customers are complaining that their meals are smaller than ever. Not only can they no longer break up their order into two meals, but some are finding that a single meal can no longer fill them up.
For example, a Panda Express customer recently sparked internet discussion after questioning the high price she paid for her meager portion size, leading her to ask, “Where’s the rest of the food?”
In response to this criticism, many chains claim that their portion sizes haven’t decreased, or that the only difference was that their normal portion sizes are now being enforced more often. Still, when one gets a smaller order than they were expecting—smaller than they believe they paid for—it can be pretty shocking, as one recent TikTok shows.
What’s The Deal With This Cava Kid’s Meal?
In a video with over 28,000 views, TikTok user Mina (@thatgalmina) shows a small takeout container. The container is placed on a bag from fast-casual chain Cava.
“Absolutely done with Cava,” Mina starts. “Because, why did I just order this kids meal and it cost $22?”
In the caption, she adds, “I might as well have bought the build your own bowl…over here thinking I’m thinking smart.”
Immediately, commenters began to question how such a thing was possible. Some claimed that they were able to buy kid’s meals for $8 or less.
It wasn’t a food delivery upcharge, either; Mina writes in a comment that she purchased the bowl in-store. So, what drove up the price of Mina’s meal?
Why Is It So Expensive?
While this appears to be quite a small portion for $22, the costs are actually laid out in Cava’s menu.
In a comment, Mina reveals that she ordered a kid’s meal with salmon and avocado. In Atlanta, where the TikToker is based, a Cava kid’s meal costs $7.25 before tax. However, the set kid’s menu does not allow one to add salmon as a protein.
This means that this salmon—and any other addition, like the aforementioned avocado—may have caused the price to skyrocket. Some commenters under the video claim that adding salmon to a kid’s meal can increase the price by as much as $9. Add another extra, then bundle in the tax, and it quickly becomes clear how a kid’s meal can reach the $22 level.
While Mina says she understands the math of how this could happen, she insists that the restaurant still could have offered more for the amount that she paid.
“I don’t eat chicken or red meat. I only eat fish and that was my first time going to CAVA,” she wrote in a comment. “Personally I still think if I’m going to be charged for salmon they could’ve at least given me a decent piece of salmon.”
In another comment, she says that her portion of salmon was “the same size as my index finger.”
Viewers Say She Shouldn’t Have Kept It
In the comments section, many users stated that she should not have accepted the meal at that price.
“$22 for what??? I would’ve went back to the store IMMEDIATELY!” wrote a user.
“I’m not even a disputer but girl dispute that!!” added another.
That said, others countered by saying that the price makes sense given her order. These users said that, if she really wanted a salmon bowl, it probably made more sense to simply buy a normal-sized bowl rather than relying on the kid’s meal hack.
“Salmon is the only protein that can’t be ordered with a kids meal. You get half protein with kids meal with additional charge for premium meats,” detailed a commenter. “It’s better to get a bowl if you want anything other than grilled chicken.”
Subplot reached out to Mina via TikTok direct message and comment and Cava via email.
