Unhealthiest Foods

Obesity is one of the most significant health issues in the U.S., with around four in every 10 Americans1 being affected by the condition.

Obesity can also lead to other health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease, which require long-term prescription drugs and treatment to manage the conditions. 

It’s no secret that our food choices can impact our weight and overall health. But which junk foods are the most-loved across the U.S., and which could affect our health the most?

1. Pizza - 6.12 million average monthly searches

Topping the list with an average monthly search volume of 6.12 million is pizza, making it the most popular junk food in the U.S. by far. However, as well as being the most popular item, it’s also the most unhealthy dish on the list. On average, there are 1,210 calories, 55.6g of fat, and 16.1g of sugar in one 15.1oz (452g) frozen cheese pizza.

Unsurprisingly, pizza is the most-loved junk food item in 37 of the 50 U.S. states. The Western side of the country, in particular, is big on pizza, including Washington, California, and Nevada. Some of the most popular pizza toppings in the U.S. are pepperoni, sausage, and extra cheese2.

However, with an average of 1,210 calories and 55.6g of fat, a frozen pizza can take up 60.5% of the daily recommended calories (2,000)3 and 71.3% of the daily recommended fat intake (78g)3.

Eight states, including Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, prefer to tuck into a helping of chili rather than a pizza. A 2023 survey found that most Americans prefer ground beef (66.8%) and a combination of black, pinto, and kidney beans (37.2%) in their ‘ideal bowl of chili4.

However, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, Utah, and West Virginia can’t quite decide whether they prefer pizza or chili, with both junk food items being the most searched for in the five states.

1. McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets - 60,500 average monthly searches

The most popular fast food chain in the U.S.5, McDonald’s, tops the list. On average, 60,500 searches are made each month for their Chicken McNuggets. The popular menu item can be bought in quantities of four, six, 10, 20, and 40 in the U.S. In a serving of six McNuggets (95g), there are 287 calories and 18.8g of fat.

McDonald’s chicken nuggets are the most popular fast food item in half of the 50 U.S. states, including Alabama, Hawaii, Kansas, Minnesota, and New York. McDonald’s offers a variety of sauces for diners to dip their nuggets in, from classics like barbeque and ketchup to fan favorites like spicy buffalo and creamy ranch.

Whilst some people may add McNuggets on to their meal as a snack item, Six McNuggets take up almost 14.4% of the recommended daily calorie intake and 24.1% of the recommended daily fat intake.

Seven states, including Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, all opt for a Big Mac burger when visiting the Golden Arches. However, 17 states switched up their McDonald’s orders depending on their mood, with Arkansas, Delaware, and Missouri having both McDonald’s items as their most popular fast food dish.

Although Nevadans love McDonald’s nuggets and Big Macs like the rest of the country, they are also big fans of In-N-Out's Animal-Style fries.

1. Pancakes - 368,000 average monthly searches

One of America’s favorite breakfast foods, pancakes, tops the list with an average monthly search volume of 368,000. Generally speaking, one plain medium pancake (50g) contains 142 calories, 6.05g of fat, and 3.53g of sugar. Of course, most people like to stack up their pancakes and top them with maple syrup or butter or include some chocolate chips or blueberries in the mixture, increasing the calories, fat, and sugar content.

Despite being the most popular sweet food in the U.S. overall in terms of average monthly searches, pancakes are only one of the most-loved foods in seven states. This includes Maryland, New Jersey, and Hawaii. 

Banana bread is the most popular sweet food in 26 states, including Alaska, Indiana, and New Mexico. Nine additional states have it alongside other options as one of their most-loved sweet dishes. One slice (57g) of banana bread typically has 240 calories, 9.01g of fat, and 24g of sugar. 

Some other sweet foods that are loved include peach cobbler in Kentucky and Utah, beignets in states such as Florida and Mississippi, and apple crisp in Maine and New Hampshire.

1. Wendy’s Frosty - 33,100 average monthly searches

Wendy’s Frosty tops the list, garnering an average of 33,100 monthly searches. The chain’s signature dessert is currently available in three flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and white chocolate strawberry. One junior 6oz cup (113g) has approximately 149 calories, 2.94g of fat, and 24g of sugar, which accounts for 48% of the daily recommended sugar intake.

31 of the 50 states, including California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, have Wendy’s Frosty as their most-loved takeout sweet food. Wendy’s Frosty is also listed as the fast food joint’s most popular sweet dish in seven states, such as Indiana, Iowa, and Oregon.

Dairy Queen’s Blizzard desserts are popular in Kentucky, Nebraska, and North Dakota. The sweet treats are available in 19 flavors, including classics such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, signature creations such as chocolate chip cookie dough, and limited editions such as brownie batter. One medium 16oz (453g) Blizzard cup contains 420 calories, 18g of fat, and 43g of sugar, which takes up a huge 86% of the recommended daily sugar intake.

1. Starbucks pink drink - 40,500 average monthly searches

One of the most beloved drinks in the U.S., the Starbucks pink drink, receives the highest average monthly searches, at 40,500. The strawberry açaí refresher is made with hints of passion fruit and combined with coconut milk, providing the perfect taste of spring, no matter what time of year it is. One grande serving (16 fl oz) of the famous menu item contains 140 calories, 2.5g of fat, and 25g of sugar.

All 50 states chose the Starbucks pink drink as their most-loved drink, making it a clean sweep across the country. The menu item has the third-lowest calorie count (140) out of all the items on our list. However, it does still contain 25g of sugar, which could take up half of the recommended daily sugar intake.
There are over 16,6006 Starbucks stores across the U.S., showing just how popular their products are. This means it’s no surprise that other Starbucks drinks are also among the most-searched each month, including their pumpkin spice latte and peppermint mocha.

Dr. Jamie Winn PharmD, at Universal Drugstore, explains the importance of avoiding overconsumption and maintaining a balanced diet:

“We are lucky to have so many delicious food options that derive from all different cultures right at our fingertips. However, endless options can lead to overconsumption.  Factors contributing to overconsumption include bigger portions and increased availability and marketing of unhealthy foods. 

Overconsumption, especially of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, is a primary cause of obesity, which occurs when more calories are consumed than expended. This can be made worse by excessive food intake and limited physical activity, which is a significant public health concern due to obesity’s links to numerous chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and various forms of cancer.

“A balanced diet is crucial in reducing the risks associated with obesity and overconsumption. It involves eating a variety of foods in the right proportions, ensuring that individuals get enough nutrients necessary for good health. Key components of a balanced diet include:

• Fruits and vegetables: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they help reduce the risk of chronic disease.
• Proteins: Necessary for muscle repair and growth; sources include meat, fish, eggs, and beans.
• Carbohydrates: These should come from whole grains rather than sugars and refined grains, providing sustained energy.
• Fats: Essential for brain health and energy, but should be consumed in moderation. Focus on unsaturated fats found in fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.
• Dairy or alternatives: Important sources of calcium and protein. Options like milk, cheese, and yogurt should be chosen carefully to avoid excessive intake of saturated fats.

Methodology:

Using YouGov US’s list of the most popular American dishes (Q2 2024) and the number of annual searches sourced from Google Ads Keyword Planner, we created a list of the most popular dishes in the United States. We also did the same for popular fast food dishes, taking the most-searched-for menu items.

Each item's calories, fat, and sugars were sourced from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central and fast-food restaurant websites.

The most popular items nationally and by state were based on the number of average monthly searches according to Keyword Planner.

Additional sources:

1. https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/obesity-statistics/
2. https://today.yougov.com/consumer/articles/45715-americans-favorite-pizza-topping-pepperoni-poll
3. https://www.fda.gov/media/99059/download
4. https://www.shaneco.com/theloupe/articles-and-news/how-every-state-prefers-its-chili/
5. https://www.delish.com/food-news/a61039585/these-are-the-top-10-fast-food-chains-in-america/
6. https://www.scrapehero.com/location-reports/Starbucks-USA/