For many of us growing up, one of the best treats was convincing our parents to stop at the McDonald’s drive-thru for a Happy Meal or another fast-food kids’ meal. And truth be told, it wasn’t always about the food.
Yes, kids adore chicken nuggets, crispy french fries, and burgers—but the real magic came from the toy inside.
Over the decades, Happy Meal toys have earned a cult-like following, with some even becoming valuable collector’s items. What no one expected as kids was that we wouldn’t outgrow them.
Instead, as our taste buds matured and our appetites grew, the meals themselves also evolved—bringing more exciting and creative offerings for both kids and adults.
McDonald’s Expands the Meal Experience
Today, McDonald’s caters to fans of all ages with themed meals and collectibles. Recent examples include:
- The Minecraft Movie Meal – inspired by the popular video game.
- Adult Happy Meal – complete with nostalgic toys for grown-ups.
- 90s-Inspired McDonaldland Meal – a throwback to McDonald’s classic characters.
But McDonald’s isn’t alone in this game. Other chains have realized that toys and collectibles aren’t just for kids anymore. In fact, some of us have pulled into a drive-thru purely to snag a cool toy—whether we’re hungry or not.
The Growing Popularity of Toy-Inclusive Fast Food Meals
Fast food meals with collectible items are enjoying a huge wave of popularity. The mix of good food and a surprise toy hits the sweet spot for both nostalgia-loving adults and toy-obsessed kids.
Now, another big player has decided to jump in—Cava, the Mediterranean fast-casual chain known for its fresh, bold flavors, is officially entering the kids’ meal (and collectible) market.
Cava’s First-Ever Hot Harissa Meal
Cava is making its debut in the meal-and-toy space with the Hot Harissa Meal, an exciting and flavorful option that blends their signature taste with a playful collectible element.
What’s Included in the Hot Harissa Meal?
The Hot Harissa Meal features:
- Harissa Avocado Bowl – made with harissa honey chicken, hot harissa vinaigrette, Crazy Feta dip, hummus, fire-roasted corn, avocado, pickled onions, Persian cucumbers, feta cheese, basmati rice, and SuperGreens mix.
- Hot Harissa Pita Chips – a new product launch from Cava, adding a spicy crunch to the meal.
- Limited-Edition Plushie Toy – inspired by Cava’s brand character and pita chips.
Meet the Pita Plushies
Earlier this year, Cava introduced Peter Chip, a playful brand mascot. Now, they’re expanding the character universe with four unique plushies designed by NYC artist Hippy Potter. The collection includes:
- Peter Chip – the friendly pita chip hero.
- Jimmy Harissa – bringing the spice.
- Garlic Gus – a flavorful favorite.
- Sweet Sammy – a sneak peek at Cava’s upcoming sugar-and-spice pita chip flavor, set to launch later this year.
Each Hot Harissa Meal comes with one random plushie inside a sealed mystery bag. That means you won’t know which character you’re getting until you open the package—making the experience exciting and collectible.
Why This Release Stands Out
While McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and other chains have long mastered the collectible toy concept, Cava’s move is unique for a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant. Instead of the typical plastic toy, they’re offering high-quality plush collectibles that double as cute bag charms or desk decorations.
With the Hot Harissa Meal, Cava is also offering a meal that stands out nutritionally and visually—vibrant ingredients, bold flavors, and a premium side item—while tapping into the fun, limited-time collectible market.
Availability and Launch Date
The Hot Harissa Meal will be available starting August 11 and will remain on the menu while supplies last. Given the buzz around unique fast-food collectibles, these plushies are expected to sell out quickly.
If you’re a fast-food fan aiming for a collectible trifecta, you could:
- Try Wendy’s latest “Wednesday” meal.
- Grab McDonald’s Hello Kitty x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Happy Meal.
- And add Cava’s Hot Harissa Meal to your collection—all in the same week.
From Happy Meal toys that captured our hearts as kids to today’s collectible-filled fast food offerings, the connection between food and fun is stronger than ever.
Cava’s Hot Harissa Meal blends bold Mediterranean flavors with the thrill of a surprise collectible—marking an exciting first for the chain.
Whether you’re a foodie, a toy collector, or simply looking for a new lunch option with a playful twist, this limited-time release is worth the trip. Just be quick—these pita plushies won’t be around forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is included in Cava’s Hot Harissa Meal?
It comes with a Harissa Avocado Bowl, Hot Harissa Pita Chips, and one limited-edition pita plushie from a set of four collectible designs.
2. How long will the Hot Harissa Meal be available?
It will be available starting August 11 for a limited time, while supplies last.
3. Can I collect all four plushies?
Yes, but each meal includes one random plushie in a sealed bag. You’ll need to purchase multiple meals—or trade with others—to collect the full set.
