Almost half of adults say they are ordering kids' meals. Here's what's behind the trend.

Almost half of U.S. adults say they're ordering from restaurant kid menus in order to save money when they go out to eat and to opt for smaller portions, new research shows.

About 44% of adults surveyed by Lightspeed Commerce, a provider of point-of-sale technology for hospitality businesses, said they're ordering from the kids' menus at restaurants. Kids' meals are traditionally less expensive than those on adult menus because portion sizes are usually smaller.

The trend comes as some consumers are cutting back on eating out, with McDonald's and Wendy's earlier this month reported sluggish breakfast sales . The companies attributed the trend to heightened economic uncertainty and pressures facing low-income consumers.

Adult diners said smaller portions, simpler menus and lower p