The Most Popular Junk Food in America, New Data Shows — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

Americans love their junk food. From chips and candy to burgers and fries, it’s no surprise that junk food is one of the most popular food choices in the United States. But what are the most popular junk foods in America? According to new data from Eat This Not That, the top five most popular junk foods in America are pizza, burgers, fries, tacos, and ice cream. In this article, we’ll take a look at each of these popular junk foods and discuss why they are so popular. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make healthier choices when it comes to these foods. So, if you’re looking for a way to satisfy your junk food cravings without sacrificing your health, read on!

The Most Popular Junk Food in America, New Data Shows — Eat This Not That

Americans love their junk food. From chips and candy to burgers and fries, it’s no surprise that these unhealthy snacks are some of the most popular foods in the country. But what are the most popular junk foods in America? According to new data from the National Center for Health Statistics, the top five most popular junk foods in the United States are:

  • Chips
  • Candy
  • Ice cream
  • Fried chicken
  • Pizza

These five foods make up the majority of the junk food consumed in the United States. But while these snacks may be popular, they are also unhealthy. Eating too much junk food can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems. So if you’re looking to indulge in some junk food, it’s important to make sure you’re eating the right kind.

When it comes to chips, opt for baked chips instead of fried. Baked chips are lower in fat and calories, and they still provide the same crunchy satisfaction. When it comes to candy, choose dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is higher in antioxidants and has less sugar. For ice cream, opt for a low-fat or non-dairy option. And when it comes to fried chicken, opt for grilled or baked chicken instead. Finally, when it comes to pizza, choose a thin crust and top it with vegetables instead of processed meats.

By making these small changes, you can still enjoy your favorite junk foods without sacrificing your health. So the next time you’re craving a snack, remember to eat this, not that!

Whether you find yourself grabbing a handful of candy at the movies or making a beeline for the chips at your holiday party, everyone has their particular vices when it comes to food. However, as unique as your typical junk food urges may seem to you, your munchies may have more in common with your neighbors than you think.

Researchers at Zippia, The Career Expert, compiled data from Google Trends to identify the most popular junk food snacks in each of the 50 states.

Read on to discover what folks in your state really reach for when those junk food cravings hit. And if you’re searching for the perfect cake, check out The Most Popular Cake Flavor in Every State.

ruffles original
Courtesy of Ruffles

Favorite junk food: Ruffles

RELATED: Sign up for our newsletter for more healthy eating tips and food news.

fruit nut granola bar
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Granola bars

cheez it original
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Cheez-It

Related: Sign up for our newsletter for the latest food news.

doritos
Courtesy of Doritos

Favorite junk food: Doritos

Want to know how your favorite chip stacks up nutritionally? Check out The Best & Worst Chips in 2021—Ranked!

cheetos puffs
Courtesy of Cheetos

Favorite junk food: Cheetos

box of cosmic brownies on a white background
Shutterstock / Keith Homan

Favorite junk food: Cosmic Brownies

For some more nostalgic supermarket favorites, check out these 35 Snacks From Your Childhood You Forgot You Loved.

oreos classic
Courtesy of Oreo

Favorite junk food: Oreo

RELATED: The Best & Worst Oreos in 2021—Ranked!

Fritos original corn chips
Courtesy of Fritos

Favorite junk food: Fritos

mini doughnuts on white plate with pink background
Shutterstock / Jennifer Gauld

Favorite junk food: Mini Doughnuts

Lay's classic chips
Courtesy of Lay’s

Favorite junk food: Lay’s chips

RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Eat a Bag of Chips

Oreos
Courtesy of Oreo

Favorite junk food: Oreo

clif bar chocolate chip in packaging
Courtesy of Clif Bar

Favorite junk food: Clif Bar

RELATED: There Are 50 CLIF Bars, And Nutritionists Only Recommend These 5

skinny pop popcorn
Courtesy of Skinny Pop

Favorite junk food: Skinny Pop

For some better-for-you popcorn you can make at home, check out the 9 Healthiest Microwave Popcorn Brands (& The Bags to Skip).

pringles
Courtesy of Pringles

Favorite junk food: Pringles

pringles
Courtesy of Pringles

Favorite junk food: Pringles

nutter butter
Courtesy of Nutter Butter

Favorite junk food: Nutter Butter

RELATED: 16 Copycat Cookie Recipes That Are Surprisingly Healthy

Fritos original corn chips
Courtesy of Fritos

Favorite junk food: Fritos

RELATED: 17 Discontinued Chip Flavors We Want Back

chocolate payday
Courtesy of PayDay

Favorite junk food: PayDay

Courtesy of Ritz

Favorite junk food: Ritz Crackers

oreos classic
Courtesy of Oreo

Favorite junk food: Oreo

RELATED: Oreo Just Released This New Gluten-Free Product

crunch bar wrapped
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Crunch bar

sour patch kids package
Courtesy of Sour Patch Kids

Favorite junk food: Sour Patch Kids

snickers bar wrapped
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Snickers

box of twinkies on white background
Shutterstock / Sheila Fitzgerald

Favorite junk food: Twinkies

RELATED: 25 Classic Foods from the ’80s

package of grandma's cookies on white background
Shutterstock / Keith Homan

Favorite junk food: Grandma’s cookies

box of rice krispies treats on white background
Courtesy of Rice Krispies Treats

Favorite junk food: Rice Krispies Treats

Fritos original corn chips
Courtesy of Fritos

Favorite junk food: Fritos

kit kat bar wrapped
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: KitKat

RELATED: 7 Side Effects of Giving Up Chocolate

almond joy bar on white background
Courtesy of Hersheys

Favorite junk food: Almond Joy

Worried your favorite candy bar is doing harm to your health? Check out The Classic Candy Bars That Are Terrible For You.

oreos classic
Courtesy of Oreo

Favorite junk food: Oreo

beef jerky
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Beef jerky

chips ahoy package
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Chips Ahoy

RELATED: We Tasted 6 Packaged Chocolate Chip Cookies & This Is the Best!

one package of starburst candy on white background
Courtesy of Starburst

Favorite junk food: Starburst

wooden bowl of sunflower seeds on piece of burlap next to two wooden spoons
Shutterstock / chanwangrong

Favorite junk food: Sunflower seeds

But we wouldn’t necessarily call this junk food. Sunflower seeds can be good for you!

one package of starburst candy on white background
Courtesy of Starburst

Favorite junk food: Starburst

Related: Starbursts, Jell-O, and 3,000+ Other Foods Contain This Harmful Chemical, Study Finds

sour patch kids package
Courtesy of Sour Patch Kids

Favorite junk food: Sour Patch Kids

kettle brand sea salt potato chips
Courtesy of Kettle Chips

Favorite junk food: Kettle chips

hersheys candy bar wrapped
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Hershey’s

box of ritz crackers on white background

Favorite junk food: Ritz Crackers

Related: We Tasted 9 Popular Crackers and These Are the Best

potato chips
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Salt and vinegar chips

milky way bar wrapped on white background
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Milky Way

baby ruth candy bar wrapped on white background
Courtesy of Baby Ruth

Favorite junk food: Baby Ruth

yellow bag of funyuns onion flavored rings on white background
Courtesy of Funyuns

Favorite junk food: Funyuns

RELATED: 10 Unhealthiest Food Brands on the Planet

three musketeers bar wrapped on white background
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: 3 Musketeers

chocolate chip muffins
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Muffins

RELATED: 16 Cozy Muffin Recipes That Are Perfect for Weight Loss

oreos classic
Courtesy of Oreo

Favorite junk food: Oreo

cheez it original
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Cheez-It

Lays classic chips
Courtesy of Lay’s

Favorite junk food: Lay’s chips

twix bar wrapped
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Twix

RELATED:  The Classic Candy Bars That Are Terrible for You

Sunflower seeds in a wooden spoon on a gray background
Shutterstock

Favorite junk food: Sunflower seeds

Here are some more regional favorites from your neck of the wood:

The Best Cake In Every State

The Most Popular Cookie in Every State

The Most Popular Drink in Every State