America is in the throes of a health food revolution if articles on kale[1] and quinoa[2] are any indication, but that doesn't mean fast food has loosened its grip on the American appetite. A recent Gallup poll reveals that eight out of 10 Americans eat at fast-food restaurants[3] at least once a month.


The stat has improved only slightly since 2006, the last time Gallup asked the question.


fast food gallup

The survey also found that young adults, aged 18 to 29, eat fast food more often. Additionally, men are more likely to eat it than women, and across racial and ethnic groups, blacks and Hispanics tend to eat it most often.


Out of the 2,027 adults surveyed, 76 percent think fast food is "not too good" or "not good at all for you." The same percentage also said so in 2003.


Interestingly, Americans earning $75,000 a year or more were more likely to eat fast food at least once a week than people in lower-income groups.


fast food gallup


Gallup experts conclude that although a large portion of the American public believes fast food to be unhealthy, most people visit fast food establishments frequently. The numbers suggest that "the appeal of the product -- be it the relatively low cost, the taste, or the convenience -- outweighs the health concerns."



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  • 1. McDonald's


    <strong>Overall sales (in billions): </strong> $35.6 <strong>Total units:</strong> 14,157




  • 2. Subway


    <strong>Overall sales (in billions): </strong> $12.1 <strong>Total units:</strong> 25,549




  • 3. Starbucks


    <strong>Overall sales (in billions): </strong> $10.6 <strong>Total units:</strong> 11,128




  • 4. Wendy's


    <strong>Overall sales (in billions): </strong> $8.6 <strong>Total units:</strong> 5,817




  • 5. Burger King


    <strong>Overall sales (in billions): </strong> $8.587 <strong>Total units:</strong> 7,183




  • 6. Taco Bell


    <strong>Overall sales (in billions): </strong> $7.478 <strong>Total units:</strong> 5,262




  • 7. Dunkin' Donuts


    <strong>Overall sales (in billions): </strong> $6.264 <strong>Total units:</strong> 7,306




  • 8. Pizza Hut


    <strong>Overall sales (in billions): </strong> $5.666 <strong>Total units:</strong> 6,209




  • 9. Chick-Fil-A


    <strong>Overall sales (in billions): </strong> $4.621 <strong>Total units:</strong> 1,683




  • 10. KFC


    <strong>Overall sales (in billions): </strong> $4.459 <strong>Total units:</strong> 4,556