How Often Does the Average Person Eat Junk Food? A Look at Consumption Trends

December 5, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2025 CDC data brief, about one-third of US adults consumed fast food on any given day during a recent period, revealing frequent patterns. This raises the broader question: how often does the average person eat junk food, including snacks and processed items, and what factors are driving these habits?

Quick Summary

This article explores the frequency of junk food consumption using recent data, examining variations across demographics, and the key factors influencing these dietary patterns. It also covers health impacts and strategies for cutting back.

Key Points

Frequent Consumption: Roughly one-third of US adults consumed fast food on any given day between 2021 and 2023.
High Calorie Intake: Americans consumed a significant portion of their daily calories from junk food, with one study showing an average of 47.1% derived from these sources.
Age and Income Variations: Younger adults (20-39) and higher-income individuals tend to consume fast food more frequently, while consumption generally decreases with age.
Driving Factors: Convenience, taste, and cost are the primary reasons for frequent junk food intake, heavily influenced by modern lifestyles and marketing.
Serious Health Risks: Regular consumption is strongly linked to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and negative mental health impacts.
Addictive Properties: Junk foods can be highly palatable and trigger the brain's reward system, contributing to cravings and making them difficult to resist.
Effective Reduction Strategies: Simple interventions like meal planning, stocking healthy alternatives, and staying hydrated can significantly help curb junk food cravings.

Defining 'Junk Food' and Measuring Its Intake

Before delving into the statistics, it is crucial to understand that 'junk food' is a broad term. For the purpose of this analysis, we will include both fast food, which typically comes from restaurants, and other high-sugar, high-fat, or high-sodium packaged snacks and processed foods. Data from various studies help us piece together a comprehensive picture of consumption habits.

Frequency of Fast Food Consumption

Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer key insights into fast food consumption in the United States. A data brief covering August 2021–August 2023 reveals that roughly one-third (32.0%) of adults aged 20 and older reported eating fast food on a given day. The percentage of calories derived from fast food averaged 11.7% of daily intake during this period.

Other surveys report weekly averages, which can be useful for understanding overall frequency. A 2023 survey indicated that two in three people (65%) consume fast food at least once a week. This highlights that while not an everyday occurrence for everyone, fast food is a regular part of most people's weekly dietary routine. For younger demographics, consumption can be even higher. A 2016 BBC survey found that one in six young people (ages 16–20) ate fast food at least twice a day.

Intake of Broader Junk Food Categories

Beyond fast food, overall junk food intake can be measured by item count or contribution to daily calories. A 2022 study on US adults found that between 2015 and 2018, participants consumed an average of 4.8 junk food items daily. These items included desserts, sugary drinks, salty snacks, and more, which collectively provided a mean intake of 1043 kcal/day, or 47.1% of total energy intake. Sugary drinks, desserts, and confectionery collectively contributed approximately 75% of total sugar intake from junk foods.

Demographics and Junk Food Habits

Junk food consumption is not uniform across all demographics. Key differences emerge when looking at age, income, and gender:

Age: Young adults consistently show higher junk food consumption. The CDC data brief from 2025 showed that adults aged 20–39 had the highest percentage of calories from fast food (15.2%), which decreased significantly with age (7.6% for those 60+). Similarly, Drive Research found that Millennials eat fast food more frequently than other generations.
Income: Research shows that fast food consumption patterns can vary by income level. Some studies suggest higher-income individuals may consume fast food more frequently, but other research links consumption of salty food to lower income. The complexity arises from how junk food is defined and purchased (e.g., convenience snacks vs. expensive restaurant meals).
Gender: Consumption patterns differ slightly between men and women. The CDC noted in 2018 that while men consumed more fast food at lunch, women were more likely to report eating fast food as a snack. A 2023 Drive Research survey found that men are nearly three times more likely than females to eat fast food daily.

Influencing Factors and Associated Health Risks

Numerous factors contribute to frequent junk food consumption, often reinforcing a cycle of convenience and cravings. The main drivers include:

Convenience: Fast-paced lifestyles, long work hours, and dual-income households increase the demand for quick and easy meal solutions. Many fast food restaurants are easily accessible and offer quick service.
Taste and Cravings: Junk foods are engineered to be highly palatable, triggering the brain's reward centers and potentially leading to addiction. This creates cravings for more high-sugar, high-fat, and high-sodium foods.
Socialization and Advertising: Many people consume junk food as a social activity, particularly adolescents and young adults who eat with friends. Widespread advertising, particularly targeted at younger audiences, also plays a significant role.
Cost: While some fast food can be expensive, many options are perceived as being cheaper or better value for money than healthier alternatives.

The health impacts of these frequent junk food habits are well-documented. Short-term effects include spikes in blood sugar, increased inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. Long-term consequences can be severe:

Weight Gain and Obesity: Junk food is high in calories and low in nutrients, easily contributing to weight gain and obesity, which in turn increases the risk of chronic diseases.
Cardiovascular Disease: High levels of saturated and trans fats, sodium, and bad cholesterol elevate the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes: High sugar intake from junk food contributes to insulin resistance and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Mental Health: Frequent junk food consumption has been linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and impaired cognitive function.

Comparative Look at Food Choices

The following table highlights the differences between a diet reliant on junk food and one centered around whole, nutrient-dense foods.


Feature	Junk Food (Fast food, processed snacks)	Whole Foods (Fruits, vegetables, lean protein, grains)
Nutrient Density	Low; high in empty calories, low in essential vitamins and minerals.	High; rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Fiber Content	Generally very low, leading to digestive issues.	High, supporting digestive health and promoting fullness.
Satiety	Low, often causing increased hunger shortly after consumption due to quick digestion.	High, helps regulate appetite and keeps you feeling full longer.
Processing Level	Ultra-processed, with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium.	Minimally processed or unprocessed, in their natural state.
Impact on Energy Levels	Spikes blood sugar, leading to a quick crash and fatigue.	Provides sustained energy and promotes concentration.

Strategies for Reducing Junk Food Intake

While the pervasiveness of junk food can seem daunting, there are effective strategies for cutting back and improving one's diet:

Recognize and Manage Triggers: Identify what prompts cravings, whether it's stress, boredom, or emotion, and find non-food coping mechanisms like exercise or talking to a friend.
Plan and Prepare Meals: Cooking at home allows for control over ingredients and nutrition. Meal planning and frequent grocery shopping can prevent impulse buys of unhealthy items.
Increase Nutrient-Dense Foods: Incorporating more protein and fiber into your meals can help you feel full and reduce cravings for empty calories.
Control Your Environment: Keep junk food out of sight and out of the house. This removes temptation and makes healthier choices easier.
Prioritize Quality Sleep: Inadequate sleep can trigger cravings for high-carb and high-fat foods. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night is crucial for regulating appetite.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help manage feelings of hunger and reduce the urge to snack.

Conclusion

The average person's consumption of junk food varies significantly, but data shows it is a frequent occurrence for a large portion of the population, particularly in Western countries. Statistics from the CDC and other research indicate that many adults eat fast food multiple times per week, with younger age groups and higher-income individuals sometimes showing more frequent consumption. These trends are driven by powerful factors like convenience, taste, and aggressive marketing. However, the serious health risks associated with a diet high in processed foods—including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes—underscore the need for more mindful eating habits. By understanding the drivers of consumption and implementing simple strategies like meal planning and managing triggers, individuals can reduce their reliance on junk food and pave the way for a healthier lifestyle.

For more detailed information on US adult fast food consumption, visit the CDC website.

Frequently Asked Questions

While 'high frequency' can be subjective, many studies and health organizations suggest that regular consumption, especially several times per week, is a concern. Most Americans eat fast food at least 1-3 times a week, and over 10% consume it daily, pointing to frequent habits.

Yes, research consistently shows that young people and adolescents tend to eat more junk food. One CDC study found that adults aged 20-39 consume more daily calories from fast food than older adults.

Statistics show some differences. A 2023 Drive Research survey indicated that men are almost three times more likely to eat fast food daily than women. Other reports note that men tend to consume more fast food for lunch, while women are more likely to have it as a snack.

The most commonly cited factors include convenience, the appealing taste, relative low cost, lack of time for meal preparation, and social influences. High-sugar, high-fat foods are also chemically engineered to trigger pleasure responses in the brain, reinforcing the habit.

Patterns can be complex. Some data shows a correlation between higher income and more frequent fast food consumption. However, the affordability of some processed snacks and fast food items also makes them readily accessible to lower-income households. Higher spending power can lead to more opportunities to eat out.

For adults consuming fast food, it contributes a significant portion of their daily calories. Between 2021-2023, the average was 11.7% of daily calories from fast food. A broader look at junk food consumption showed an even higher average energy intake of 1043 kcal/day, or 47.1% of total energy, from junk foods between 2015-2018.

Trends can vary. While fast food consumption in the US might have slightly decreased in recent years, overall ultra-processed food sales are increasing globally, especially in emerging economies. The prevalence and impact of these foods remain a major public health concern.