I tried the new McDonald’s Happy Meal – adults will love a new menu item as much as kids

McDONALD'S is testing new Happy Meal menu items - there's one new addition that I really loved.

The fast food giant changes its main menu every few weeks to attract customers, but changes to the Happy Meal don't happen often.

The shake-up is the biggest change to the Happy Meal in more than a decade - but the items aren't available everywhere just yet.

Four new menu items are coming to the Happy Meal range as part of a new UK trial.

The Sun's Chief Consumer Reporter James Flanders was one of the first people to try the new additions.

Now on the menu in select locations is the Mayo Chicken, already a staple on the Saver Menu.

This marks the first time that Happy Meal fans can choose a chicken burger as their main option.

Next to join the range are Fish Bites - five bite-sized pollock pieces in a crispy panko breadcrumb coating.

These are a brand new main option, and I was keen to try them as I don't normally choose fish-based products at fast-food chains.

For the first time, new flavoured milk and ice pops, perfect for the summer heat, have also hit the menu.

Here's our verdict.

Fish bites - 5/5

Now, I must admit, I've never been one to dash to Maccies for a Filet-O-Fish.

When I think of fast food, I think of beef or chicken burgers with fries and lashing of sauces.

However, I'm always willing to try new things, and I like fish, so I was pretty surprised when I took my first bite.

If you order a Happy Meal with fish bites, you'll receive a bag containing five bite-sized pollock pieces coated with crispy panko breadcrumbs.

I have to say they were delicious.

You don't feel short-changed either, as each individual serving is packed to the brim with tender white fish. I also loved the panko breadcrumb coating.

For me, a coating needs to be crispy without excess grease. And in this case, that's exactly what you got.

Indeed, there was a crisp crunch with every bite and only the slightest transfer of the breadcrumbs to your fingers each time you picked one up.

The new fish bites have completely changed my outlook on McDonald's fish-based products, and I can certainly admit that I'll be coming back for more.

Kids will love them but so will adults.

The only downside is that fish bites have 164 calories, making them a slightly less healthy alternative to fish fingers, which they are intended to replace.

These have 155 calories - five calories less than the veggie dippers, which have 160 calories.

Mayo Chicken - 5/5

While the Mayo Chicken isn't exactly new, its addition to Happy Meal menus is certainly significant.

It marks the first time that kids will be able to choose between a beef-based burger and a chicken alternative.

Up until this point, the only chicken-based option available in Happy Meals was a portion of Chicken McNuggets.

For those who haven't tried the Mayo Chicken, it features crispy coated chicken with lettuce and cool mayo in a super-soft bun.

I have to admit, it's my go-to burger on the main menu because of its taste and cost - £1.39.

For me, it provides everything you want out of a simple chicken sandwich - a crispy breaded chicken fillet that isn't overly greasy, lettuce to add a crunch and lashings of mayo to hit the tastebuds.

It's a great McDonald's staple, and kids will love it.

As far as burgers go, the Mayo Chicken has 282 calories and is a healthier option than the cheeseburger, which has 294 calories.

Flavoured milk - 3/5

Up until now, the only milk available through the Happy Meal is plain semi-skimmed cartons.

However, Happy Meal fans will now be able to pick between three new flavours - banana, chocolate and strawberry.

Now I must admit, my go-to beverage of choice at Maccies is a large Sprite.

I don't love the heaviness of a milky drink while I'm stuffing my face with burgers and fried.

However, I can certainly see the attraction of the new flavoured milk for kids.

Strawberry was my favourite but the other two flavours did hit the spot when it comes to taste.

What I love, and what I think parents will love too, is that these drinks contain no added sugar or artificial flavours, and they certainly taste that way.

They also contain fewer calories than the standard organic semi-skimmed milk option, averaging 92-94 calories per portion.

However, you only get 200ml of milk if you go for the flavoured option as opposed to 250ml for the unflavoured.

McFreezy - 4/5

I love ice pops and just about any ice lollies, and these are a wonderful addition to the Happy Meal menu.

Especially now that we're fast approaching summer and the weather is heating up.

The new McFreezy dessert is made with fruit juice and puree and is available in orange or mango and pineapple flavours.

Both flavours were super refreshing, but I'd argue that the mango and pineapple option had the edge.

Like the milk options, these tasted very fresh and not overly sweet or artificial.

They tasted pretty much what is said on the label - just like fresh fruit juice but frozen.

I think they'll certainly be a hit with kids this summer.

Plus, the fact they're packaged in the ice pop style means there's less mess and spillage as the dessert melts.

The mango and pineapple McFreezy contains slightly more calories (45kcal) than the orange alternative (39 calories).

How can I save money at McDonald's?

You might not think it, but you can end up being charged more solely based on the McDonald's restaurant you choose.

Research by The Sun found a Big Mac meal can be up to 30p cheaper at restaurants just two miles apart from each other.

But you can pick up a Big Mac and fries for just £2.99 by filling in a feedback survey found on any old McDonald's receipt.

The receipt should come with a 12-digit code which you can enter into the Food for Thought website alongside your submitted survey.

You'll then receive a five-digit code which is your voucher for the £2.99 offer.

Signing up to the My McDonald's app means you can keep on top of the latest deals and offers.

The app will allow you to browse the latest menu available at McDonald's - you can download it for free via Google Play or the App Store.

It works anywhere you have internet, so you can look up what's on offer while you're out and about, or at home.

Every Monday, the app has a host of deals available to cash in on.

Typically you can get things like a Big Mac, McMuffin or Fillet-O-Fish for just 99p.

However, you have to order it on the app and claim it from your closest McDonald's by 11.59pm on the day.