Burgers Still Reign Supreme
Burgers continue to be a fast food staple, with chains like McDonald’s reporting a huge jump in sales through 2024. According to McDonald’s latest quarterly report, their U.S. same-store sales grew 3.5%, driven mostly by their classic burgers and new menu items like the Double Big Mac. Burger King has also seen a surge, especially after revamping their Whopper campaign. The National Restaurant Association says burgers remain the most ordered fast food item in America, showing their staying power. Americans still love the comfort and familiarity of a juicy cheeseburger, often paired with fries and a soda. The continued popularity is partly due to constant menu innovation and limited-time offers that keep customers coming back.
Fried Chicken Chains on the Rise
Fried chicken has had a major comeback, with Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, and KFC all reporting record sales in the last two years. Popeyes’ chicken sandwich craze, which started in 2019, hasn’t slowed down, and Chick-fil-A continues to top the American Customer Satisfaction Index for fast food. In 2024, KFC launched a new line of spicy chicken tenders that quickly became a fan favorite. These chains are also experimenting with new flavors and healthier oils, responding to customer demand for both taste and slightly better nutrition. Fried chicken’s crispy texture and bold flavors make it irresistible, especially in the South and Midwest, where it’s practically a food group. The numbers say it all: Americans ordered over 4 billion servings of fried chicken from quick-service restaurants in 2023 alone.
Mexican Fast Food Finds New Fans
Taco Bell has seen a steady rise in popularity, especially among younger customers. According to parent company Yum! Brands, Taco Bell’s U.S. same-store sales rose 4% in 2024, fueled by menu items like the Nacho Fries and the comeback of the Mexican Pizza. Chipotle also continues to expand rapidly, opening hundreds of new locations and posting double-digit revenue growth. Americans are loving the customizable options and fresher ingredients these chains offer. The National Restaurant Association’s 2025 trends report highlights Mexican fast food as one of the fastest-growing segments. Convenience and bold flavors—think spicy salsas and creamy queso—are winning over more and more fans every year.
Pizza Chains Hold Strong
Pizza remains a top choice for American families, with Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesars all reporting strong sales. Domino’s saw U.S. same-store sales climb 2.8% in early 2024, thanks in part to their new loaded tots and expanded delivery options. Pizza Hut’s “Melts” and “Big New Yorker” launches have brought in millions of new orders. According to Technomic’s 2024 report, pizza is still the second most popular fast food item in the country, just behind burgers. The easy sharing and versatility—thin crust, deep dish, stuffed crust, you name it—keep pizza chains busy, especially on weekends and during big sporting events. Americans’ love for pizza shows no sign of cooling off.
Plant-Based Foods Are Gaining Ground
Plant-based fast food options are no longer just a fad—they’re becoming mainstream. Impossible and Beyond Meat burgers have found permanent homes on menus at Burger King, Carl’s Jr., and even some McDonald’s locations. A 2024 report by Datassential noted that 31% of Americans have tried a plant-based fast food item in the past year. Fast food giants are responding with new plant-based chicken, sausage, and even fish alternatives. Health and environmental concerns are driving this trend, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. While not yet outselling traditional burgers or nuggets, these options are bringing in new customers and pleasing longtime fans looking for something lighter.
Breakfast Menus Booming
Fast food breakfast is having a moment, with McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Taco Bell expanding their morning offerings. McDonald’s All Day Breakfast may be gone, but its breakfast menu remains incredibly popular, especially their Egg McMuffin and hash browns. Wendy’s entered the breakfast game in 2020 and quickly became a major player, reporting breakfast sales up 15% in 2024. Taco Bell’s breakfast burritos and Crunchwraps are also gaining traction. According to the NPD Group, breakfast is the only fast food daypart still seeing consistent traffic growth. Busy mornings and affordable prices make fast food breakfasts a go-to for millions of Americans.
Chicken Nuggets: Still a Crowd-Pleaser
Chicken nuggets remain a beloved choice, particularly for families with young kids. McDonald’s McNuggets, Wendy’s Spicy Nuggets, and Chick-fil-A’s classic bites are all huge sellers. According to the QSR 50 report, chicken nuggets make up almost 15% of all fast food chicken sales in the U.S. in 2024. New dipping sauces and spicy versions keep things interesting, attracting adults who grew up with nuggets and now want a nostalgic treat. Chains are also experimenting with plant-based nuggets, trying to appeal to changing tastes. Chicken nuggets’ small size, crispy coating, and kid-friendly appeal keep them at the top of the menu boards.
Traditional Salads Losing Steam
While many fast food chains offer salads, they’re not as popular as they once were. McDonald’s dropped salads from its menu in 2020 and hasn’t brought them back, citing low demand. Even at places like Wendy’s and Chick-fil-A, where salads are still available, sales have declined, according to company earnings calls in 2024. Americans appear to be looking for heartier, more comforting options, especially since the pandemic shifted eating habits. The National Restaurant Association’s 2025 forecast notes that fewer customers are ordering salads, with only 9% saying they choose salads at fast food restaurants regularly. Convenience and indulgence seem to be winning over lighter fare.
Soda Sales Fizzling Out
Soda, once a fast food staple, is no longer the automatic choice it used to be. The CDC reports a steady decline in soda consumption, with only about 51% of Americans drinking sugary soda weekly in 2024, down from 61% a decade ago. Fast food chains are responding by adding more bottled water, flavored seltzers, and unsweetened teas to their menus. Consumers are also opting for smaller drink sizes or skipping the drink altogether. Growing health awareness and concerns about sugar intake are driving this shift, especially among parents and younger customers. As a result, soda sales at fast food chains have dropped by over 12% since 2022.
Sub Sandwiches Losing Their Appeal
Sub sandwiches, once a lunchtime favorite, are seeing a significant drop in popularity. Subway, the largest sub chain, reported a 4% decline in U.S. same-store sales in 2024, and competitors like Jimmy John’s and Quiznos are closing locations. Changing tastes, rising bread prices, and competition from trendier fast casual chains are all factors. Consumers are seeking bolder flavors and more customizable options, which sub shops have struggled to deliver lately. According to a 2025 industry analysis by IBISWorld, the sub sandwich segment saw a 6% decrease in traffic over the past year. Americans seem to be moving on from the classic footlong in favor of new fast food experiences.
