America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure: The Verdict
For generations, America's love affair with junk food has been a cornerstone of its culinary identity, sparking lively debates over which treat holds the ultimate title. However, according to recent data, one clear winner emerges. A national survey conducted in January 2025 by independent research firm Culture Co-op identified pizza as the number one junk food in America. The study, based on a 7,100-person online survey, revealed that 11% of Americans cite pizza as the food they crave most. While many contenders vie for the top spot, pizza's universal appeal across various demographics solidified its victory.
The Runners-Up: Other Highly-Craved Contenders
While pizza may have claimed the top position nationally, it's far from the only game in town. The same survey found other classic indulgences rounding out the top of America's junk food list.
- Ice Cream: Tied with pizza in some regions and a top choice overall, ice cream is a constant favorite, especially in states like Kansas and Ohio.
- Chocolate: A classic sweet treat, chocolate is highly popular, particularly in states like Texas and Maine.
- Chips and Salty Snacks: Preferences swing towards salty snacks like chips in some areas. South Dakota, for example, is the only state where chips ranked number one.
- Fried Chicken and Burgers: Fast food staples like fried chicken and hamburgers also earned top spots, particularly in New Mexico and Nevada.
These varied preferences highlight the diverse palette of American consumers, influenced by regional tastes and local culture.
Regional Junk Food Rivalries: A State-by-State Look
Junk food tastes are not uniform across the country. Different states show distinct loyalties to certain snacks, demonstrating the regional variations in American eating habits. Below are some examples highlighted in the 2025 data:
- Utah: While pizza might dominate nationwide, Utah's residents have the biggest sweet tooth, preferring candy as their number one junk food.
- South Dakota: Contrary to Utah's sweet preference, South Dakota is all about the salty crunch, with chips being the top choice.
- New York: In a split decision, New Yorkers were tied between pizza and ice cream for their favorite guilty pleasure.
- New Mexico: This state showed an affinity for savory fast food, with chicken nuggets ranking highly.
- Mississippi: Residents of Mississippi voted fried chicken as their top junk food.
These variations underscore the fact that while national trends exist, personal and regional cravings can tell a different story.
The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods
The conversation about junk food is closely tied to the broader issue of ultra-processed food consumption. Studies from the CDC indicate that ultra-processed foods make up over half of the average American's diet. These items, which include many of the most popular junk foods, are formulated to be high in sugar, fat, and salt, creating a combination that is both delicious and often nutritionally poor. The high consumption of these foods has led to significant concern among nutrition experts regarding potential health impacts.
Comparing America's Top Junk Foods
| Junk Food | Flavor Profile | Preparation | Popularity Drivers | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza | Savory | Fast food, delivery, frozen | Convenience, customizable toppings, social eating | Colorado has the highest percentage of pizza lovers. |
| Ice Cream | Sweet | Frozen dessert | Comfort food, wide variety of flavors, nostalgic appeal | A favorite in states like New York, Ohio, and Oregon. |
| Chips | Salty | Snack food | Satisfying crunch, wide variety of flavors, portability | South Dakota is the only state where chips are number one. |
| Chocolate | Sweet | Confectionery | Indulgence, emotional comfort, classic treat | Often among the top three favorite junk foods nationally. |
| Fried Chicken | Savory | Fast food | Comfort food, southern staple | A top choice in Mississippi and Tennessee. |
Conclusion: A Widespread Craving for Convenience
Ultimately, what is the number one junk food in America is a question with a clear answer on a national level—pizza. However, this simple answer belies a more complex reality of diverse regional palates and a wider market for other indulgences like ice cream, chocolate, and salty snacks. The consistent high ranking of these items, as shown in the 2025 surveys, speaks to the deeply ingrained role of convenience, comfort, and flavor in American dietary habits. Regardless of the individual favorite, the collective national craving for these treats is undeniable.
The History and Psychology of Junk Food
While modern junk food is a commercial product, the love for indulgent treats is not a new phenomenon. Humans have always been drawn to high-calorie foods for survival. In the modern era, marketing and food science have amplified this instinct, creating highly-processed foods with a perfect balance of salt, sugar, and fat to make them irresistible. This, combined with the psychological comfort derived from nostalgic foods, explains why these items remain a significant part of the American diet. For more details on the 2025 survey, you can read the analysis on Stacker, which reviewed the Hims data.
