What is the top junk food in the US? Pizza ranks number one

According to a 2025 survey by telehealth platform Hims, 11% of Americans name pizza as their top guilty pleasure food, officially answering the question of what is the top junk food in the US. While many contenders vie for the title, from salty chips to sugary cookies, pizza consistently tops the list in national polls and across numerous states. This article explores the reasons behind pizza's reign and looks at other popular junk foods in the American diet.

Quick Summary

An analysis of recent surveys reveals that pizza is the number one junk food in the US, with a significant percentage of Americans naming it their favorite. The article examines the factors behind its popularity, reviews other contenders like ice cream and chips, and discusses the broader context of junk food consumption trends in America. Statistics from various states highlight regional preferences and how junk food preferences differ across the country.

Key Points

• Pizza is America's Most Craved Junk Food: Multiple 2025 surveys confirm that pizza is the top junk food in the US, based on popularity polls and search data.

• Regional Favorites Vary by State: While pizza is a national winner, some states show stronger preferences for specific items, such as chips in South Dakota or chocolate in Texas.

• Top Junk Foods Include Savory and Sweet: After pizza, other highly ranked junk foods include ice cream, chocolate and candy bars, and fast-food classics like hamburgers and fried chicken.

• Convenience is a Major Factor: The rise of pizza and fast food is largely attributed to its convenience, affordability, and accessibility through delivery and chain restaurants.

• Health Concerns Linked to Junk Food Consumption: High intake of popular junk foods, rich in fats, sodium, and sugar, is associated with various health risks, including obesity and heart disease.

• Junk Food is a Cultural Phenomenon: Beyond its taste, pizza's popularity is tied to its role in social gatherings and its status as a nostalgic comfort food for many Americans.

America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure: Why Pizza Reigns Supreme

Pizza's status as the top junk food in the US is no accident. Its widespread availability, customizable nature, and status as a comfort food have cemented its place in the American culinary landscape. Unlike many snack foods that are consumed on the go, pizza often represents a social occasion, whether it's a family movie night, a party with friends, or a quick, satisfying meal after a long day.

The Allure of the Perfect Slice

The reasons for pizza's appeal are multifaceted. For starters, it is a versatile food that can be tailored to virtually any taste preference. From the simplest Margherita to complex combinations piled high with toppings, there is a pizza for everyone. Its composition—crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings—also taps into a deep-seated craving for savory, fatty, and carbohydrate-rich foods. The combination of melty cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and a crispy or chewy crust creates a unique texture and flavor profile that is hard to resist.

Key factors contributing to pizza's popularity:

• Customization: The ability to add any topping, from pepperoni to pineapple, means it never gets old.
• Social Ritual: Pizza is often associated with positive social gatherings, such as parties and sports events.
• Convenience: Frozen pizzas, delivery services, and fast-food chains make it readily accessible.
• Comfort Food Status: It provides a sense of nostalgia and comfort for many Americans, dating back to childhood experiences.
• Price Point: In many cases, it is a relatively affordable meal option for families and individuals.

Other Contenders in the Junk Food Hierarchy

While pizza holds the top spot nationally, other junk foods command significant devotion. Survey results from 2025 placed ice cream and chocolate/candy bars just behind pizza in popularity, with hamburgers and fried chicken also ranking highly. This reveals a clear split between savory and sweet cravings, with Americans indulging in both equally.

A look at other leading junk foods:

• Ice Cream: A classic dessert, ice cream is a top choice in many states, particularly in colder climates.
• Chocolate/Candy Bars: The sheer variety and accessibility of chocolate make it a constant favorite, especially for quick, sugary fixes.
• Hamburgers and Fried Chicken: These fast-food staples represent a different type of junk food—the quick, high-calorie meal.
• Chips and French Fries: For salty cravings, potato chips and their hot counterpart, french fries, are undisputed champions.

Junk Food Trends Across the States

America's love affair with junk food has regional differences, with specific states showcasing unique preferences. A closer look reveals how geography and culture influence what people crave most. For instance, while pizza dominates most states, certain regions exhibit different leanings. Texas, for example, shows a stronger preference for chocolate. South Dakota, a state with a fondness for salty snacks, favors chips. These variations highlight the diverse nature of American eating habits.

Junk Food Category	National Popularity	Dominant States	Typical Consumption Setting
Pizza	Most Popular	Colorado, California, New Jersey	Social gatherings, delivery, restaurant
Ice Cream	Second Most Popular	Utah, New York, Pennsylvania	Dessert, treat, comfort food
Chocolate/Candy	High Ranking	Alabama, Maryland, Texas	Snacks, dessert, on-the-go
Chips	Consistent Favorite	South Dakota, general snack food	Parties, home snacks, casual
Fried Chicken	Moderate Ranking	Mississippi, Tennessee, Wyoming	Fast food, takeout, large meals

The Broader Context of Junk Food Consumption

Understanding what is the top junk food in the US provides a snapshot of American dietary patterns, which are often characterized by high consumption of processed foods. Junk food consumption is influenced by factors like price, convenience, and aggressive marketing. The prevalence of fast-food restaurants in certain areas also plays a significant role in dictating dietary choices.

While the occasional indulgence is a common part of many diets, the consistent consumption of junk food can contribute to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes due to high levels of unhealthy fats, sodium, and sugar. Recent trends have seen some shifts, with the COVID-19 pandemic potentially altering some at-home cooking and fast-food habits. However, the fundamental role of beloved, calorie-dense foods like pizza remains a powerful and enduring force in American eating.

Conclusion: The Reign of Pizza Continues

In conclusion, while the US has a diverse and beloved array of junk foods, pizza's dominant position as the top choice is clear from recent nationwide surveys. Its blend of convenience, customizability, and comfort food appeal makes it a consistent and enduring favorite across the country. Other snacks like ice cream, chocolate, and chips follow closely behind, each filling a specific niche in the national appetite for indulgent treats. Ultimately, the question of what is the top junk food in the US is answered not by a single item, but by a cultural phenomenon driven by convenience, nostalgia, and an undeniable craving for the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. For more insights into how food choices impact health, consider exploring resources like the American Heart Association.

Key takeaways

• Pizza is America's Top Junk Food: Surveys consistently rank pizza as the number one junk food nationwide, with a significant margin over other contenders.
• Regional Preferences Exist: While pizza is a national favorite, preferences for junk food vary by state, with some regions favoring chocolate, chips, or fried chicken.
• Convenience and Customization are Key: Pizza's high ranking is driven by its ease of access through delivery and its highly customizable nature, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
• Fast Food Plays a Big Role: Fast-food items like hamburgers and fried chicken are major players in the junk food category, offering quick, calorie-dense meal options.
• Salty and Sweet Cravings Dominate: The list of top junk foods is split between savory options like pizza and chips and sweet treats like ice cream and chocolate.
• Consumption Trends are Complex: Factors like affordability and social occasions influence junk food consumption, reflecting broader dietary trends in America.

FAQs

Question: Is pizza the most unhealthy junk food in the US? Answer: While pizza is the most popular, its health profile depends heavily on ingredients. A frozen or fast-food pizza with processed toppings can be very unhealthy, but a pizza made with whole grains, fresh vegetables, and lean protein can be more balanced.

Question: How often do Americans eat fast food? Answer: A significant portion of the US population consumes fast food regularly. A 2018 CDC study found that 37% of adults reported eating fast food on a given day.

Question: Do Americans prefer salty or sweet junk food? Answer: Americans show a high preference for both, with national surveys showing high rankings for both sweet treats like ice cream and chocolate, and salty items like chips and pizza.

Question: What are the main health risks associated with a high junk food diet? Answer: Diets high in junk food are linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, due to excessive intake of fats, sugar, and sodium.

Question: How did pizza become so popular in the US? Answer: Pizza's popularity grew significantly in the post-World War II era, introduced by Italian immigrants and popularized by returning soldiers. Its mass-market appeal was cemented by fast-food chains, making it a national staple.

Question: Is fast food consumption increasing in the US? Answer: While fast food has faced competition from fast-casual restaurants, consumption remains high due to its low cost and convenience. Overall, the market share has fluctuated, but demand persists.

Question: What makes junk food so addictive? Answer: The combination of high levels of sugar, salt, and fat in junk food can trigger the brain's pleasure centers, leading to cravings and overconsumption. These foods are specifically engineered to be highly palatable and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pizza the most unhealthy junk food in the US?

While pizza is the most popular, its health profile depends heavily on ingredients. A frozen or fast-food pizza with processed toppings can be very unhealthy, but a pizza made with whole grains, fresh vegetables, and lean protein can be more balanced.

How often do Americans eat fast food?

A significant portion of the US population consumes fast food regularly. A 2018 CDC study found that 37% of adults reported eating fast food on a given day.

Do Americans prefer salty or sweet junk food?

Americans show a high preference for both, with national surveys showing high rankings for both sweet treats like ice cream and chocolate, and salty items like chips and pizza.

What are the main health risks associated with a high junk food diet?

Diets high in junk food are linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, due to excessive intake of fats, sugar, and sodium.

How did pizza become so popular in the US?

Pizza's popularity grew significantly in the post-World War II era, introduced by Italian immigrants and popularized by returning soldiers. Its mass-market appeal was cemented by fast-food chains, making it a national staple.

Is fast food consumption increasing in the US?

While fast food has faced competition from fast-casual restaurants, consumption remains high due to its low cost and convenience. Overall, the market share has fluctuated, but demand persists.

What makes junk food so addictive?

The combination of high levels of sugar, salt, and fat in junk food can trigger the brain's pleasure centers, leading to cravings and overconsumption. These foods are specifically engineered to be highly palatable and satisfying.