McDonald’s is expanding the mom-friendly choices in its Happy Meals line, announcing Monday that it will offer Go-Gurt as option.
 Beginning July 4, Go-Gurt low-fat strawberry yogurt will be available in Happy Meals and Mighty Kids Meals as an alternative to French fries or to the apple slices that have been part of kids’ meals since March 2012.
 It is the company’s latest effort to win over parents concerned about their children making nutritional choices early in life that will later lead to balanced diets. McDonald's is under continual pressure from critics, who point to the company's food offerings as a contributing factor to the nation's obesity crisis.
The Go-Gurt recipe formulated for the Oak Brook-based restaurant giant will have 50 calories and 6 grams of sugar per 2.25 ounces, according to the company.
McDonald's said in a statement that it is responding to customers who want "variety and wholesome options for kids to enjoy in their Happy Meals."
 The fast-food chain also will introduce a new animated character, Happy, later this week as part of an effort to encourage healthy eating habits among children. The character made its debut in McDonald’s marketing efforts in France in 2009 and is also used in other parts of Europe and Latin America.
The company's annual meeting is scheduled for later this week.