Junk food” is a classification of processed foods that provide little in the way of nutritional value. Some of these items may even contain harmful components.
Unfortunately, they are generally flavorful, cost-effective, and easily obtainable. Research has shown that habitual intake of junk food can contribute to food addiction, overeating, and obesity.
The following list presents 11 of the unhealthiest junk foods available in America.
Unhealthiest fast foods in america
1. Cinnabon Caramel Pecanbon
People widely recognize Cinnabon for the captivating scent and indulgent sweetness of its signature cinnamon rolls.
The classic Cinnabon cinnamon rolls boast a substantial and dense texture, characterized by high fat and carbohydrate content, with each roll containing 880 calories.
However, these rolls are not the most calorically dense option on the menu; that distinction belongs to the caramel pecanbon.
This item boasts an impressive 1,080 calories, along with 51 grams of fat and 146 grams of carbohydrates, of which only 3 grams are fiber.
Notably, added sugars provide 75 grams of the carbohydrates, exceeding the American Heart Association’s recommended daily limit for added sugars by more than double.
Depending on individual nutritional requirements, the caramel pecanbon could potentially account for over half of one’s daily caloric and carbohydrate intake while lacking essential vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.
2. Arby’s Curly Fries
French fries are considered one of the most beloved fast food items available. Despite their popularity, these deep-fried potatoes pose serious health risks.
Research has demonstrated a link between the consumption of deep-fried foods and various health issues, including inflammation, heart disease, and diminished arterial function. Moreover, fries are exceedingly high in calories and fast-acting carbohydrates.
For example, a large serving of Arby’s Curly Fries contains 650 calories, 35 grams of fat, and 77 grams of carbohydrates, with only 7 grams being fiber.
3. Pop Tarts
Kellogg’s Pop Tarts have been available since the 1960s. These pastries have a sweet filling and typically have a layer of frosting on top.
Pop Tarts can serve as a convenient breakfast option for those pressed for time. You can store them at room temperature and easily prepare them in a toaster.
However, despite their convenience, manufacturers make Pop Tarts with highly processed ingredients, such as soybean oil and refined flour.
Additionally, they contain three forms of sugar: refined white sugar, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup.
These sugars are high in fructose, a simple sugar associated with an elevated risk of various health issues, including diabetes and heart disease.
The Pop Tarts packaging provides nutritional information for a single pastry. Nevertheless, each box contains two pastries, making this a more accurate serving size.
Two Frosted Strawberry Pop Tarts provide 400 calories, 76 grams of carbohydrates, less than 2 grams of fiber, and only 4 grams of protein.
This high-sugar, low-protein snack is not an advisable way to begin your day.
4. Burger King Oreo Shake
For several decades, milkshakes have been a staple at fast food restaurants. In recent years, however, these shakes have evolved to be both sweeter and larger, resulting in calorie counts that can be surprisingly high. Take, for example, the Oreo Milkshake from Burger King, which contains 730 calories—more than the majority of hamburgers.
Additionally, it has 121 grams of carbohydrates, with 100 grams coming exclusively from sugar. It is crucial to note that at least half of this sugar is fructose, a substance associated with health risks such as heart disease, insulin resistance, and obesity.
5. Corn Dogs
Corn dogs enjoy widespread popularity at state fairs across the United States. You create them by immersing a fryer in cornbread batter and then frying it until it reaches a golden-brown color.
In terms of calorie and macronutrient content, corn dogs are not as detrimental as many other fast food options. A single corn dog contains around 330 calories, 34 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of protein.
However, it is worth mentioning that corn dogs include processed meat, which numerous studies have linked to a higher risk of colon cancer and heart disease.
Furthermore, vendors often deep-fry corn dogs in processed vegetable oil.
6. Sugar-Sweetened Soda
Sugar-sweetened soda ranks among the least healthy liquid options available, primarily due to its elevated fructose levels.
Evidence suggests that the consumption of fructose in liquid form may be particularly hazardous in relation to heart disease and obesity.
In a specific study, overweight and obese individuals who consumed 25% of their daily calories from fructose-sweetened beverages while adhering to a weight maintenance regimen showed a decrease in insulin sensitivity, an increase in visceral fat, and a deterioration in cardiovascular health metrics.
Notably, a 16-ounce soda bottle contains around 200 calories and 52 grams of sugar, with at least half of that being fructose.
7. Cold Stone Mud Pie Mojo
Cold Stone Creamery distinguishes itself with its innovative mix-in concept, incorporating delightful sweet and crunchy ingredients into soft ice cream rather than simply placing them on top.
Although these mix-ins can enhance the overall taste, they also elevate the calorie, sugar, and fat content of a product that is already quite rich. Many of the desserts offered at Cold Stone could be considered among the most unhealthy junk foods available.
The Mud Pie Mojo, featuring coffee ice cream, Oreo cookies, peanut butter, almonds, and chocolate fudge, is particularly noteworthy.
A large “Gotta Have It” serving contains 1,240 calories, 80 grams of fat, and 123 grams of carbohydrates, with 105 grams coming from sugar.
The extensive variety of mix-ins complicates the determination of whether the 1.5 grams of trans fat in each serving is solely the naturally occurring type that is present in dairy products.
8. McDonald’s Triple Thick Milkshake
McDonald’s widely recognizes its signature burgers, such as the Big Mac and the Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Although these burgers are rich in calories, carbohydrates, and fats, their nutritional impact is minor when compared to a specific milkshake from McDonald’s.
The large Triple Thick Milkshake contains a staggering 1,100 calories, which is comparable to the caloric intake of two Big Macs.
Additionally, it contains 193 grams of carbohydrates, with 135 grams coming from sugar alone. This quantity is at least three to four times higher than the recommended daily sugar consumption.
The presence of trans fat in this milkshake is a natural consequence of the milk and other ingredients, and it does not carry the same health risks as trans fats produced industrially.
However, the remarkably high calorie and sugar content makes this milkshake one of the most unhealthy fast food options on the McDonald’s menu.
9. Mrs. Field’s Cookie Cups
Mrs. Field’s cookies are a prominent feature in shopping malls across the United States. The chain has recently diversified its menu by introducing Cookie Cups, which are an innovative combination of cookies and cupcakes.
These treats consist of cookie-like dough shaped into a cupcake and topped with a generous layer of frosting. Each cookie cup contains around 460 to 470 calories and 56 to 60 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from refined flour and sugar.
Notably, the trans fat content is concerning, with each Cookie Cup containing 3 grams, a figure that is particularly high in light of the ongoing efforts by food manufacturers to phase out trans fats.
10. KFC Famous Bowl
KFC is a notable fast food franchise renowned for its fried chicken specialties.
In recent years, the chain has diversified its menu by introducing additional items such as chicken pot pies and chicken bowls.
The KFC Famous Bowl features deep-fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, and cheese, totaling 710 calories, 82 grams of carbohydrates, and 31 grams of fat, which aligns with typical fast food nutritional profiles.
Nevertheless, deep-frying is considered one of the least healthy cooking methods. Moreover, this bowl’s ingredient list features a number of unhealthy components, such as partially hydrogenated oils and corn syrup.
11. Dairy Queen Royal Reese’s Brownie Blizzard
Dairy Queen is renowned for its exceptional frozen desserts. Among their offerings are dipped cones, sundaes, and the immensely popular Blizzard, a thick shake that incorporates various mix-ins.
All Blizzards from Dairy Queen are notably high in calories, carbohydrates, and fats. Nevertheless, one particular option stands out in this category.
The large Royal Reese’s Blizzard Treat contains an astonishing 1,510 calories, 189 grams of carbohydrates, and 72 grams of fat.
Additionally, the combination of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and naturally occurring trans fats present in dairy derives 1.5 grams of trans fats.
The bottom line
The widespread presence of tempting junk food is a notable characteristic of modern life, with portion sizes increasing at an alarming rate. This fact is unavoidable.
Nonetheless, some of these food options are significantly higher in calories, refined carbs, processed oils, and other harmful ingredients than healthier alternatives.
If you find yourself indulging in junk food on occasion, it is wise to refrain from those that carry the highest potential for negative health impacts.
