Why is Junk Food a Thing? Understanding the Science and Psychology
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to a 2019 report, the average American consumed over 3,600 calories per day, with a significant portion coming from highly processed, energy-dense items. Understanding why is junk food a thing requires looking beyond simple cravings to a complex interplay of evolutionary biology, food science, and modern marketing.