The Most Popular Junk Food in America, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the junk food you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:42
Everyone has their go-to snack for a quick pick-me-up or a cozy night in, and over time, these snacking habits paint a broader picture of national preferences. By compiling data on America's favorite junk foods, we gain insights into trends and tastes that define snacking culture across the country. Such rankings are not just fun to digest but can also reveal the shifts in flavor profiles and ingredient popularity from coast to coast.
Engaging with this ranking system allows snack lovers to have their voices heard and see how their choices stack up against those of others. Your votes play a crucial role in shaping a real-time snapshot of what's hot in the world of junk food. Whether you're a fan of sweet, spicy, or savory, your participation helps ensure that our list reflects the true preferences of the American palate.
What Is the Most Popular Junk Food in America?
-
131votes
Evan-Amos · Public domainPotato chips
George CrumPotato chips are a popular snack food in America due to their crispy texture and wide range of flavors. They are often consumed as a quick snack on-the-go or as a side dish with sandwiches or burgers.Potato chips are a beloved American snack made from sliced and deep-fried potatoes. They are commonly thin, crispy, and flavored with various seasonings. Whether enjoyed plain or paired with dips, they are a go-to snack for many people.- Flavors: Available in numerous flavors such as original, barbecue, sour cream and onion, salt and vinegar, and more.
- Texture: Thin and crispy, providing a satisfying crunch.
- Size: Typically small and bite-sized, but larger-sized options are also available.
- Ingredients: Made primarily from potatoes, vegetable oil, and seasonings.
- Variations: There are various types, including kettle-cooked, ridged, baked, and wavy chips.
Potato chips in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular salty snack
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular potato dish
-
217votesChocolate is a widely consumed junk food in America. It is available in various forms like bars, chips, and candies. Chocolate is known to release endorphins, which gives a feeling of happiness and satisfaction.Chocolate is a sweet, typically brown food preparation made from cacao seeds. It is commonly used as a flavoring ingredient in various recipes, especially in baking. The rich and indulgent taste of chocolate makes it a favorite among people of all ages.
- Type: There are various types of chocolate, including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate.
- Cocoa Content: Chocolate varies in terms of cocoa content, with dark chocolate typically having higher cocoa content than milk or white chocolate.
- Ingredients: The main ingredients of chocolate are cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar, and sometimes milk or other flavorings.
- Texture: Chocolate can range in texture from solid bars to more fluid forms such as melted or tempered chocolate for coating or drizzling.
- Flavor: The flavor of chocolate can be described as rich, sweet, and sometimes slightly bitter, particularly in the case of dark chocolate with higher cocoa content.
-
317votesPizza is a favorite fast-food item in America due to its convenience and tastiness. It can be customized with various toppings and is often delivered to homes and offices.Pizza is a popular Italian dish that has become a staple in American cuisine. It typically consists of a round, flat dough base topped with various ingredients and baked in an oven. The toppings often include tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. The combination of these flavors creates a savory and satisfying meal enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Dough: A flattened round dough made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes olive oil.
- Toppings: A variety of ingredients can be used, including tomato sauce, cheese (often mozzarella), meats (such as pepperoni, sausage, or ham), vegetables (like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers), and herbs (such as basil or oregano).
- Baking: Typically baked in a hot oven, reaching temperatures around 475°F (245°C), for a short period of time (usually 10-15 minutes).
- Styles: There are various regional styles of pizza in America, with New York-style and Chicago-style being among the most famous. Each style has its own unique characteristics, such as the thickness of the crust, the proportion of toppings, and the cooking method.
- Versatility: Pizza can be customized to suit individual preferences, allowing for countless topping combinations and variations. This versatility contributes to its popularity and widespread appeal.
-
414votesFrench fries are a popular side dish in America, served with burgers or sandwiches. They are deep-fried potatoes that are often seasoned with salt and served with dipping sauces.French fries are a classic and beloved dish made from thinly sliced potatoes that are typically deep-fried until they become crispy and golden brown on the outside, while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. They are one of the most popular choices for cooking in an air fryer, as this method yields a healthier and equally delicious alternative to traditional deep-frying.
- Potato type: Russet potatoes are typically used for French fries as they have a high starch content that results in a fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
- Cut: French fries are usually cut into long, thin stick-like shapes, often referred to as matchstick or shoestring cut.
- Preparation: Before frying, the potatoes are often soaked in water to remove excess starch and then dried. They are then fried twice, once at a lower temperature to cook the interior and again at a higher temperature to achieve crispiness.
- Seasoning: French fries are commonly seasoned with salt, but can also be flavored with various seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or herbs.
- Cooking time in an air fryer: French fries typically require around 20-25 minutes in an air fryer, depending on the desired level of crispiness.
French fries in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular fried food in America
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular potato dish
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular frozen food
-
521votesCheeseburgers are a classic American junk food. They consist of a beef patty, cheese, and various toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and ketchup.Cheeseburgers are a classic and widely popular bar food item. They consist of a grilled beef patty topped with melted cheese, served on a bun. The creator of the cheeseburger is generally credited to Lionel Sternberger, who introduced it in the late 1920s.
- Beef Patty: Grilled
- Cheese: Melted
- Bun: Soft and toasted
- Toppings: Can include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, and mustard
- Size: Typically served as a single patty, but can come in multiple patty variations
-
613votes
Peachyeung316 · CC BY-SA 4.0Ice cream is a sweet and frozen treat that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is available in various flavors and toppings and is often consumed as a dessert or snack.Ice cream is a frozen dessert that is enjoyed and loved by people all around the world. It is typically made from dairy products like milk or cream, combined with sweeteners, flavorings, and often fruits, nuts, chocolate, or other delicious additions. The mixture is then churned or stirred while freezing to create a smooth and creamy texture. Ice cream is usually served in a bowl or cone and can be enjoyed alone or as a topping for other desserts.- Temperature: Typically served at around -15°C to -20°C
- Ingredients: Dairy products (milk or cream), sweeteners, flavorings, fruits, nuts, chocolate
- Texture: Smooth and creamy
- Serving Style: In a bowl or cone
- Popular Flavors: Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream
Ice cream in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular summer treat
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular frozen food
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular frozen dessert in Pakistan
- Position 5 of 10 in Most delicious dessert
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular dairy product
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beloved food in the world
-
714votesCandy is a popular junk food in America, available in various forms like gummies, hard candies, and chocolates. It is often consumed as a quick snack or as a treat during special occasions.Candy is a type of sweet food made from sugar, typically flavored and often combined with other ingredients such as chocolate, nuts, or fruit. It is usually enjoyed as a treat or a snack.
- Varieties: Candy comes in numerous varieties such as hard candies, chocolates, gummies, caramels, licorice, taffy, and more.
- Textures: Textures can vary from chewy, soft, and creamy to crunchy and hard.
- Flavors: Candy can have a wide range of flavors including fruity, minty, chocolatey, sour, or savory.
- Shapes: Candies can be found in various shapes such as bars, bites, disks, balls, sticks, or novelty shapes.
- Packaging: Candy is often individually wrapped or placed in colorful packaging for convenience and appeal.
-
815votesPopcorn is a popular snack food in America, often consumed while watching movies or sports events. It is available in various flavors and can be made at home or purchased at stores.Popcorn is a light and fluffy snack made from dried corn kernels that have been heated until they burst open. It is typically seasoned with salt or a variety of flavors like caramel, butter, or cheese. The result is a crispy and addictive snack that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Nutritional content: Popcorn is low in calories and fat, making it a healthier alternative to many other snacks. It is also a good source of fiber.
- Popping method: Popcorn kernels pop when heated due to the moisture inside turning into steam. This causes the kernel to expand and create the characteristic airy texture.
- Varieties: Popcorn comes in various shapes and sizes, including butterfly, snowflake, and mushroom varieties. Each has its own unique popping characteristics.
- Popcorn machines: Specialized machines are available to cook popcorn, ranging from stovetop pans to electric poppers. These machines ensure even heating and prevent burnt or unpopped kernels.
- Common flavors: While salted popcorn remains a classic favorite, other popular flavors include butter, caramel, cheese, chocolate, and even spicy variations.
-
98votesSoda is a carbonated drink that is widely consumed in America. It is available in various flavors and is often consumed with fast food or as a refreshing drink during hot summer days.Soda is a popular caffeinated drink that is known for its carbonation and variety of flavors. It is a sweet and effervescent beverage that is widely consumed worldwide.
- Caffeine Content: Varies based on the type of soda, but typically contains around 30-55 mg per 12-ounce serving.
- Carbonation: Soda is carbonated, which gives it its characteristic fizziness and bubbles.
- Flavors: Soda comes in a wide range of flavors, including cola, lemon-lime, orange, root beer, ginger ale, and many more.
- Sweetness: Soda is known for its sweet taste, often achieved through the addition of sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Caloric Content: Calorie count varies depending on the type and brand of soda, but it typically ranges from approximately 90-200 calories per 12-ounce serving.
-
104votes
Hot dogs
Charles FeltmanHot dogs are a popular fast food in America, consisting of a sausage placed in a sliced bun and topped with various condiments like ketchup, mustard, and relish. They are often consumed at sporting events or as a quick snack on-the-go.Hot dogs are a popular barbecue food made from a cooked sausage served in a sliced bun. It is typically grilled or heated and often topped with various condiments and garnishes. It is a classic American staple enjoyed at barbecues, picnics, and sporting events.- Origin: United States
- Main Ingredients: Sausage, Bun
- Cooking Method: Grilled or heated
- Toppings: Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, Onions, Sauerkraut, Cheese, etc.
- Variations: Beef hot dogs, pork hot dogs, turkey hot dogs, veggie hot dogs
Hot dogs in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular barbecue food
Missing your favorite junk food?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular junk food
-
Sales figuresAnalyze the sales data of various junk food items to determine their popularity. This can include annual revenue, market share, and sales growth.
-
Consumer surveys and preferencesCollect information through surveys, polls, and interviews to understand consumers' favorite junk food items and why they prefer them.
-
Social media and online trendsMonitor trends on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to gauge people's engagement and interest in specific junk food products and brands.
-
Frequency of consumptionAssess how often people consume particular junk foods, as this is an important indicator of their popularity.
-
Availability and accessibilityDetermine how easily consumers can find and purchase specific junk food items. This includes factors like regional availability, convenience store presence, and restaurant partnerships.
-
Brand recognition and loyaltyAssess the popularity and loyalty towards specific junk food brands and their products. This can include brand reputation, advertising, and consumer perceptions.
-
Nutritional content and portion sizeThough junk food is typically associated with unhealthy diets, consider the nutritional content and portion sizes of various items, as this may influence their popularity.
-
Price point and affordabilityAnalyze the cost of different junk food items and how it influences purchasing decisions and consumption habits.
-
Cultural and regional preferencesConsider the regional and cultural preferences of consumers that might impact the popularity of specific junk food items in different parts of the country.
-
Innovation and product developmentEvaluate the frequency of new junk food products introduced to the market and how they might affect the popularity of existing products.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular junk food in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or snack is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2145 views
- 149 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each snack once every 24 hours. The rank of each snack is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular junk food in america
Junk food has been a popular indulgence for Americans for decades. From chips and candy to fast food burgers and pizza, Americans love to treat themselves to these guilty pleasures. In fact, the consumption of junk food has become so prevalent that it has led to concerns about obesity and other health issues. Despite these concerns, Americans continue to enjoy their favorite junk food snacks on a regular basis. But what exactly is the most popular junk food in America? Let's take a closer look at the polls and rankings to find out.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
