10 Unhealthiest Fast-Food Chains In America, Ranked

Roughly 1 in 3 American adults — about 36.6% — grab fast food every single day. On the other side, more than 38 million Americans (11.6%) live with diabetes, and nearly 98 million (38%) have prediabetes. 

To figure out which chains are doing the most damage, World Atlas reviewed nutrition info from major fast-food menus and singled out the most calorie-heavy, sodium-packed items being sold as regular meals. Then they looked at how those meals are marketed — especially to the people eating fast food the most: commuters, families, and kids. 

Here are the worst health offenders in the American fast-food arena. 

Often dubbed the “healthier” kid on the fast-food block, Chick-fil-A still lands on the list thanks to its deceptively dense classic. An original chicken sandwich with medium waffle fries delivers about 800 calories and 750 mg of sodium — roughly a third of the daily recommended limit. 

Its nutritional halo dimmed further when the Georgia-based chain, known for its cult following, backed off its pledge to serve only antibiotic-free chicken in 2024.

The $5 Hot-N-Ready might be easy on the wallet, but it’s a nutritional hot mess. One pepperoni pizza packs 2,140 calories, 4,260 mg of sodium (double the daily recommended value) and a full day’s worth of saturated fat. 

 Little Caesar made the list because it markets this mummifying caloric bomb as a light, everyday meal. The study also pointed to other menu staples like the Bacon-Wrapped Deep! Deep! Dish, Crazy Bread, and sugary dips, which pile on refined carbs and additives.

 Smashburger’s “better burger” branding didn’t save it from scrutiny. The chain’s BBQ Bacon Cheddar burger hits over 1,050 calories on its own, but throw in fries and a classic shake (nearly another 1,000 calories) and you’re staring down a 2,000+ calorie sit-down. 

Researchers noted this combo as one of the stealthier offenders — it feels upscale but doesn’t eat any cleaner. 

Mickey D’s has never been a doctor’s recommendation, so it’s no shock it shows up here. The Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese and fries clocks in near 1,300 calories. 

Researchers flagged the chain for oversized combos, kid-focused marketing, and extras like McFlurries and jumbo sodas that make high sugar and sodium the norm. Even without trans fats, the $5 bundles and 24-hour drive-thru keep the cycle going 

 Sub shops like to play the “healthier than burgers” card, but Quiznos tanked that narrative with its 12” Classic Italian. The sandwich alone racks up around 1,300 calories and nearly 3,000 mg of sodium. 

The evaluation pointed out that customization at chains like Quiznos often makes things worse, not better, especially when customers double down on sauces, cheese, and meats. 

KFC made the list for sticking to what it knows best — deep-frying everything and then some. A three-piece Extra Crispy combo with sides clocks in around 1,300 calories and nearly 3,000 mg of sodium. 

The study flagged it as a longtime offender: oversized portions, heavy breading, and sodium-packed sides that haven’t changed much in decades.

DQ’s food gets overshadowed by its ice cream, but it’s the frozen treats that earned it a spot. A medium Oreo Blizzard packs over 1,000 calories and 44 grams of fat, and that’s without touching the chicken baskets or fries. 

 Dairy Queen made the top five for turning dessert into a daily indulgence, particularly in smaller towns where DQ serves as a one-stop meal hub. 

 Customization is king at Taco Bell, but it’s also a problem. The Double Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito comes with 910 calories, and when ordered as part of a combo with chips and soda, the total climbs well past 1,100. 

The report noted Taco Bell’s value menu makes it easy to rack up extreme numbers fast — and still leave hungry again an hour later. 

Sonic’s whole thing is doing too much. A cheeseburger, tots, and a Cherry Limeade gets you past 1,600 calories without even trying. Add a shake — especially the Reese’s one — and you’re looking at over 3,000. 

 Researchers described the retro chain as “a nutritional minefield,” with excessive sugar, sodium, and saturated fat tucked into what looks like harmless Americana. 

 Wendy’s came in first, and not in a good way. The Triple Baconator meal — paired with large fries and a medium Frosty — delivers 2,160 calories, 54 grams of saturated fat, and 3,400 mg sodium. That’s well over daily recommended limits across the board. 

The study’s authors labeled it the most extreme fast-food combo on the market, especially because it's actively marketed as a satisfying everyday option.