The 15 Most Unhealthy Junk Foods in America
The 15 Unhealthiest Junk Foods in America
Junk food, those processed treats that are low in nutritional value, are everywhere—even though they’re delicious, inexpensive, and easy to grab on the go. Research tells us that too much junk food can lead to overeating, food cravings, and even obesity. Have you ever wondered why that extra bag of chips is so hard to resist? Let’s take a closer look at 15 of the most harmful junk foods found in America.
1. Pop Tarts
Pop Tarts have been a quick-fix breakfast since the 1960s. Their sweet, frosted appearance masks a load of processed ingredients like refined flour, soybean oil, and a trio of sugars—refined white sugar, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup. With two pastries easily adding up to 400 calories and barely any fiber or protein, they’re a sugar-packed start to your day.
Summary: High in sugar and low in nutrition, Pop Tarts are not ideal if you’re aiming for a balanced breakfast.
2. Arby’s Curly Fries
Everyone loves a good fry, but Arby’s Curly Fries are a calorie and fat heavyweight. A large order can hit around 650 calories, 35 grams of fat, and an overwhelming 77 grams of carbohydrates—with minimal fiber. These deep-fried spirals not only taste amazing but may also contribute to inflammation and heart health issues.
Summary: These fries are fun to eat but pack a punch of unhealthy fats and excess calories.
3. Popeyes Chicken Tenders
Popeyes’ Handcrafted Chicken Tenders seem like a lighter fast-food option at 340 calories for three pieces. However, add a dipping sauce, a side, or a soda, and the calorie count jumps. Being deep-fried, they include partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) that can promote inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease.
Summary: Despite their modest calorie tag alone, these tenders come with hidden trans fats from deep-frying.
4. Cinnabon Caramel Pecanbon
Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are famous for their sweet, indulgent taste—but the Caramel Pecanbon takes that indulgence to extremes. With over 1,000 calories per serving, it’s loaded with fats, carbs, and added sugars that can easily push you over daily limits while offering little nutritional benefit.
Summary: This pastry is a high-calorie, sugar-laden treat that should be enjoyed only on rare occasions.
5. Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
Coffee in its pure form can be healthy, but when it’s transformed into a sweet, blended treat it becomes a liquid calorie trap. The White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, loaded with over 500 calories and a mountain of sugar, won’t keep you feeling full—potentially leading you to snack more later.
Summary: This concoction turns a simple coffee into a sugar bomb without the satiety of a solid meal.
6. Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion
Although intended as an appetizer, the Bloomin’ Onion at Outback Steakhouse is shockingly calorie-dense—with nearly 2,000 calories per serving. It’s not just the carbs but also the fat content (including trans fats) that makes it a risky choice, even if you only eat a small portion.
Summary: Sharing is key; even a quarter of this dish brings a heavy load of unhealthy fats and calories.
7. Burger King Oreo Shake
Milkshakes are no longer just a treat—they’ve morphed into calorie-packed beverages. Burger King’s Oreo Shake comes in at 730 calories, with an enormous amount of sugar (mostly fructose). This means you’re not only getting a sugary drink but also risking the negative impact of liquid calories that don’t keep you full.
Summary: This shake is a prime example of a dessert drink that can tip the scales towards heart health risks.
8. Corn Dogs
A fairground favorite, corn dogs are a fun, on-the-go snack. However, these treats are made with processed meats and dipped in a batter before being deep-fried—factors that have been linked to increased risks of colon cancer and heart disease.
Summary: Enjoy corn dogs only occasionally due to the processed meat and deep-fried nature.
9. Dunkin’ Donuts Glazed Jelly Stick
Among Dunkin’ Donuts’ range of fried treats, the Glazed Jelly Stick stands out as particularly unhealthy. With 480 calories, it relies heavily on refined wheat flour, sugar, and soybean oil. Its jelly filling can hide additional unwanted ingredients like trans fats and high fructose corn syrup.
Summary: This stick is a compact but calorie-dense package of refined flour and sugars.
10. Dairy Queen Royal Reese’s Brownie Blizzard
Dairy Queen’s Blizzard treats are infamous for being over-the-top indulgences. The Royal Reese’s Brownie Blizzard is no exception—it tops out at over 1,500 calories per serving, with high levels of carbs, fats, and even some trans fats. It’s a dessert that turns a tasty moment into a nutritional pitfall.
Summary: This Blizzard is a calorie and fat overload, combining deliciousness with a serious nutritional downside.
11. Sugar-Sweetened Soda
Sodas might be a common beverage choice, but they provide little more than liquid sugar. A typical 16-ounce bottle delivers around 200 calories and over 50 grams of sugar, most of which is fructose—this is linked to insulin resistance and heart issues.
Summary: Regular consumption of sugary soda can seriously affect your heart health and weight management.
12. KFC Famous Bowl
KFC’s Famous Bowl combines deep-fried chicken with mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, and cheese into one dish clocking in at over 700 calories. The mix of ingredients—many prepared by deep-frying and using processed oils—makes it a less-than-ideal meal for balanced eating.
Summary: A medley of deep-fried and processed ingredients, the Famous Bowl can quickly derail your healthy eating habits.
13. McDonald’s Triple Thick Milkshake
While McDonald’s burgers are often criticized for being high in calories, the Triple Thick Milkshake is in a league of its own. Touting 1,100 calories and nearly 200 grams of carbohydrates (most of it from added sugar), this milkshake easily exceeds daily sugar recommendations and is hard to justify as a treat.
Summary: This shake is an extreme example of a dessert drink that overdoes calories and sugars.
14. Mrs. Field’s Cookie Cups
A mall favorite, Mrs. Field’s Cookie Cups blend the worlds of cookies and cupcakes. Each treat comes in at around 460–470 calories, brimming with refined flour, sugar, and about 3 grams of trans fat. It’s a sweet indulgence that makes a fun snack—but one that should be eaten with care.
Summary: Cookie Cups are tempting but pack unhealthy calories and trans fats that add up fast.
15. Cold Stone Mud Pie Mojo
Cold Stone Creamery’s Mud Pie Mojo mixes coffee ice cream with Oreo cookies, peanut butter, almonds, and chocolate fudge into one decadent treat. A large serving clocks in at over 1,200 calories with high amounts of fat and sugars. Its rich array of mix-ins makes it a dessert to enjoy only on very special occasions.
Summary: This dessert may be irresistibly indulgent, but its high calorie, fat, and sugar content should give you pause.
The Bottom Line: While junk food is tempting and hard to avoid, being aware of which options are the worst can help you make smarter choices. Next time you reach for that extra treat, consider if it’s really worth the long-term impact on your health.