These Fast Food Items Keep The People Coming Back For More
Were you aware that fast food is a $234 billion industry in America? It makes sense; we're always in a hurry, so what better way to fix that than by having options ready on demand? In 2018, there were around 247,191 fast-food establishments in America and that number steadily rises each year. Even with all those options to choose from, people are bound to have a favorite order that they prefer over the rest. Thanks to data provided by QSR magazine, we're able to identify which fast food menu items Americans enjoy the most. Continue reading and see if yours made this list.
The Ultimate Breakfast Companion
Once McDonald's added the option of ordering certain breakfast items throughout the day, it changed the game. While the fries are what people go crazy over, the hash browns are right up there.
Not only are they crunchy, but if you eat them while they're hot and add a bit of pepper with ketchup, you've got yourself a perfect side item. Even if you're not a fan of hash browns, these have the potential to turn you into a believer.
Hard To Go Wrong With A Chicken Sandwich
Politics aside, Chick-fil-A might have the best tasting chicken sandwich on the market. While the beliefs of the chain might be polarizing to some, you can't deny the taste of their menu items and how good they can be.
This particular sandwich doesn't need much. Lettuce is optional; pickles add a nice touch, and the Chick-fil-A sauce is what makes you crave it more. There aren't many chicken sandwiches on the market that can compete.
Go For The Happy Meal
A McDonald's Happy Meal might possibly never go out of style. Every year brings forth a new batch of five-year-olds who want McNuggets with a toy, and McDonald's is happy to provide them with that.
This menu item has been thriving since 1979, and it doesn't look like it'll slow down anytime soon. As long as the chain can keep providing children with colorful packaging and collectible toys, the Happy Meal will always be a popular option.
Can't Go Wrong With A Classic
Before the advent of fast food delivery services, pizza reigned supreme in that field. You couldn't order a burger, but Domino's couldn't help but bring a pie to your doorstep. A pepperoni pizza always hits the spot.
While Domino's is the number-two pizza chain in America, it doesn't mean they aren't making gains on Pizza Hut. The most-delivered item on the menu is the pepperoni topped pizza, a timeless classic that will not get old anytime soon.
Make Sure You Have A Drink Ready
With all the craziness surrounding Popeyes and their chicken sandwich, it's interesting to know that another item on their menu is a crowd favorite. The only thing about Popeyes and their biscuits is that you need to have a drink readily available, or else you might choke eating too fast.
Very few fast food items can inspire copycat recipes like the Popeyes biscuit can. As long as you make sure you have a beverage and the honey they give, you're in good hands.
The Crunchy, Juicy Taco
Taco Bell is America's version of quick Mexican food that's irresistible yummy. The chain might receive a ton of hate for not being "authentic" Mexican food, but it is delicious nonetheless. How can anyone dislike the Doritos Loco Taco?
Before Taco Bell, many Americans never knew what a Chalupa was. That discovery, added with the fact that the Chalupa Supreme is outstandingly addictive, makes it one of the most beloved fast food items in the nation.
The Original Glazed
Is there a war going on between Krispy Kreme Donuts and Dunkin Donuts? If there is, people might have mixed feelings over who has better treats, but only one has a top fast food item in America.
Krispy Kreme has served individuals since 1945 with their classic recipe that hasn't changed. You can forget about it if there's a "Hot Now" sign glowing in the morning. The fresher they are, the better they melt in your mouth.
Grab A Donut, But Don't Forget The Coffee
While many might prefer Krispy Kreme's donuts, Dunkin' Donuts has another option that gets people going. After rebranding to just Dunkin' in 2018, the chain made it obvious they wanted to shift their focus to drinks.
They still serve the sugary bites, but their coffee is the menu item that's highly favored. It isn't Starbucks, but it is worth a trip to your nearest chain if you've never had one. Try something new, and your taste buds might get rewarded.
The Burrito That Reigns Supreme
Taco Bell has a loyal customer base. No matter the type of backlash the chain might receive, the folks that enjoy their food will always be back for more. One of the items that bring them back is the Burrito Supreme.
Taco Bell crowned it "the Supreme Ruler of the Burrito Empire," and if you asked those who eat it, they would proudly agree. It's not too fancy and packs all the right ingredients, so we understand why.
Pumpkin Spice Up Your Latte
Starbucks doesn't need any extra gimmicks to get more customers flooding into their business, but when it's pumpkin spice season, things get hectic. The fall beverage easily becomes their most popular menu item.
No other chain can claim an entire season like Starbucks does when the Pumpkin Spice Latte flavor is around. When customers see that "PSL" on their festive cup, their days get 100 times better. Is it the pumpkin or the spice that gets people going?
Panera's Favorite Pasta
Panera Bread has a ton of items on their menu that make it difficult only to choose one or two things. It's no secret they're the number 11 most successful chain in America. The "fast-casual" diner has a bevy of healthier options that make the menu so desirable.
The star of the show is the Tortellini Alfredo pasta. You can get it a half-sized portion along with a sandwich, or get the full serving. If you've yet to try it, now is the time.
Chill Out With A Frosty
What's so special about a Wendy's Frosty? Well, for one thing, you can get chocolate or vanilla for only 99 cents. Outside of the treat being inexpensive, the taste is pretty good for a fast-food dessert.
It's one of the signature items on their menu, and a favorite across America. They've been going strong since 1969, bringing people to the drive-thru like they're addicted. It's one of those things that you need to try at least once if you haven't.
Spice Up Your Chicken At Panda
As far as fast Chinese food goes, Panda Express is always the go-to spot. They have all the selections you could ask for, like orange chicken, beef, and broccoli, and who doesn't love the fortune cookies after your meal?
While all those are tasty options, the one people tend to flock to the most is the Kung Pao Chicken. The spicy stir-fry dish is a classic and keeps people coming back in flocks all the time.
Have Yourself A Roast Beef
It's crazy to think the restaurant that receives so many mixed reviews has an item that Americans love. You'll rarely hear others rave over a dish at Arby's, but the Roast Beef Sandwich packs some flavor.
With only two ingredients -- a sesame seed bun and roast beef -- the simplicity makes it more delightful. It's a perfect lunchtime grab or even something to pick up on your way home after a long day at work.
Cherry Limeade For A Hot Summer Day
With so many options on the Sonic menu, any one of the choices could have made this list. Their shakes are to die for, and the boneless wings aren't bad at all either.
The item that the nation loves the most is a beverage, but it isn't your average drink. Sonic's Cherry Limeade is a thirst quencher in top form. One sip and you'll wish you would have chosen a larger size. Sonic's happy hour lets you get it for half price, so drink up.
The Perfect Sliders
Hamburgers are a traditional American dish. They're fun to eat, thanks to all the ways you can customize them. The only drawback is that they can pack a lot of calories and carbs. White Castle has an option that a lot of people love.
The restaurant has served sliders since 1921 when they became America's first fast-food burger joint. Decades later, their slider is still the most popular item on the menu, and it remains a top choice across America today.
The Original Recipe
There are plenty of chains that serve fried chicken, but none have made a name for themselves quite like KFC has. Yes, you have your Popeye's and Churches, but the KFC Original Recipe Chicken is legendary.
It's famous for its secret 11 spices and herbs and also bringing the restaurant into superstardom. Craving fried chicken when you're in a hurry doesn't sound like a logical thing until you've had KFC's chicken. It has the perfect crunch and flavor ratio.
One Sensational Cheeseburger
In 2018, The Harris Poll's EquiTrend Study named Five Guys the number one fan-favorite burger place, edging out two-time winner In-n-Out. When you think about how many people go wild over an In-n-Out burger, then you'll understand how epic the Five Guys Cheeseburger is.
What makes it better are the seasoned fries that come with it if you get a meal. It's a bit on the pricey side, but you'll for sure get your money's worth when buying one.
The Quick Apple Pie
Much like Wendy's Frosty, McDonald's has its signature and highly coveted dessert that's scrumptious. They taste great after any meal and it looks like you can make a cake from them, too.
The apple pie has had almost 50 years of success, and that's not by accident. They're very convenient and tasty, which makes them even more desirable when you're zooming through the drive-thru any time of the day or night.
A Whopper A Day...
Burger King's marketing scheme is simple; "America's Favorite Burger." Is there validity in that? Yes, because the numbers don't lie. Over 11 million customers take a trip to the chain each day in search of that Whopper.
You might not think of it as one of the top tier hamburgers, but it is. You don't have to wait in a tremendously long line like at In-in-Out, and you aren't paying high prices like at Five Guys.
