15 Most Popular Fast-Food Menu Items on the Planet
Fast food has become an integral part of our daily routine, and a few menu items rule this category. Here’s a look at 15 of the bestselling fast-food items worldwide that have earned their spot in the hearts (and stomachs) of millions.
McDonald’s French Fries – McDonald’s
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McDonald’s fries are an iconic part of the fast-food world. With over 9 million pounds sold daily, it’s easy to see why they’re the chain’s top seller. These crispy, golden fries are made from high-quality potatoes. Over 40,000 McDonald’s locations serve them. And, let’s not forget the irresistible scent that lures you in from miles away.
Whopper – Burger King
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The Whopper has been Burger King’s crown jewel since 1957. This flame-grilled beauty features a juicy beef patty, topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions on a soft sesame seed bun. Each year, Burger King sells over 1.3 billion Whoppers worldwide.
Chicken Sandwich – Chick-fil-A
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Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwich is as simple as it is legendary. It delivers a balance of crispy chicken, a soft bun, and pickles. In 2022, Chick-fil-A sold a staggering 527 million of these sandwiches.
Blizzard – Dairy Queen
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Since 1985, Dairy Queen’s Blizzard has been one of the most popular frozen treats in America. This soft-serve dessert comes packed with mix-ins like Oreo crumbs, Reese’s cups, or M&M’s. In fact, Dairy Queen serves over 4,500 Blizzards every minute.
Crunchwrap Supreme – Taco Bell
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Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme is a perfectly portable taco alternative. Launched in 2005, it combines layers of seasoned beef, crispy tostada, sour cream, cheese, and veggies, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and grilled to perfection. It’s no wonder Taco Bell sells hundreds of millions of Crunchwraps annually.
Popeyes Chicken Sandwich – Popeyes
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When Popeyes introduced its chicken sandwich in 2019, it caused a frenzy. People waited in long lines, posted about it on social media, and even argued over which was the better chicken sandwich, Popeyes or Chick-fil-A. The crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken breast on a soft brioche bun with pickles became an instant classic.
Big Mac – McDonald’s
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The Big Mac is a symbol of fast-food culture, and for good reason. Launched in 1967, it features two all-beef patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and the signature “special sauce” all sandwiched between three soft buns. It’s been the anchor of McDonald’s menu for decades and continues to be one of the most ordered items globally..
Original Recipe Chicken – KFC
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KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken, with its famous 11 herbs and spices, is as iconic as the Colonel himself. Since 1952, this crispy fried chicken has been a favorite for chicken lovers everywhere. KFC’s commitment to the original recipe has earned it legions of fans who swear by its flavor. The chicken is available in multiple forms, but it’s the classic, crispy variety that has been the crown jewel of the menu.
McDouble – McDonald’s
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The McDouble is McDonald’s answer to the classic cheeseburger, but with a twist. It consists of two juicy beef patties, a slice of cheese, pickles, onions, and ketchup, and it has gained a cult following since its introduction in 1997. The McDouble is part of McDonald’s value menu, so it combines flavor with cost-effectiveness. Plus, its simplicity means it’s perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings.
Pepperoni Pizza – Domino’s
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This dish is the chain’s most popular item. It has a perfectly crispy crust, gooey mozzarella, and a generous amount of pepperoni. The chain serves millions of pizzas daily, but the pepperoni version consistently leads the pack.
The Works – Papa John’s
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The Works Pizza is loaded with pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, mushrooms, and olives. It’s the ultimate pie for fans of variety. The brand prides itself on high-quality ingredients, which shine through in every bite.
Spicy Chicken Nuggets – Wendy’s
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Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets are a fan favorite for anyone craving something crispy with a kick. It’s made with 100% white meat chicken and seasoned with a bold, spicy coating that gives them a unique flavor. What sets them apart is their texture; they’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Hot-N-Ready Pepperoni Pizza – Little Caesars
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The chain’s promise of no-wait pizza is a huge draw for busy families or anyone looking for a quick meal. The Hot-N-Ready pizza is simple—cheese, pepperoni, and that signature crust—but its affordability and speed make it one of the bestselling fast-food items.
Double-Double – In-N-Out
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In-N-Out’s Double-Double is the burger to end all burgers. This fan-favorite features two perfectly grilled beef patties, two slices of melted cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and In-N-Out’s special sauce, all stacked in a soft, toasted bun. While it’s simple, the combination of fresh ingredients and straightforward flavor is what makes it so irresistible.
Classic Roast Beef Sandwich – Arby’s
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This meal is a classic. Arby’s Classic Roast Beef Sandwich features thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef piled high on a soft sesame seed bun. The secret is in the beef, which is tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.