Fast food has become a huge part of American culture, with certain menu items achieving iconic status. Some of these best-selling items have shaped the menus of their chains and created a cult following.
Each of these fast food favorites has its own story reflecting consumer preferences and fast food trends.
Let’s take a journey and walk through the best-selling fast food items in the U.S.A., uncovering the reasons behind their enduring popularity.
McDonald’s Big Mac
The Big Mac is arguably the most iconic fast food item in the United States, known for its two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun. Introduced in 1967, the Big Mac quickly became a staple of American fast food culture, with over 550 million sold annually worldwide. Its unique flavor profile and the catchy “two all-beef patties” jingle have cemented its place in culinary history.
Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Sandwich, featuring a perfectly seasoned, hand-breaded chicken breast filet, dill pickle chips, and a toasted buttered bun, has become a fan favorite across the nation. Introduced in 1964, it has grown in popularity, especially in recent years, helping Chick-fil-A dominate the chicken sandwich market. Known for its simplicity and quality, this sandwich has been a key driver in making Chick-fil-A one of the fastest-growing fast-food chains in the U.S.
Wendy’s Frosty
The Wendy’s Frosty is a beloved dessert that has been a menu staple since the chain’s inception in 1969. This frozen treat, which is a cross between a milkshake and soft-serve ice cream, comes in both chocolate and vanilla flavors. The Frosty’s unique texture and slightly savory taste make it a favorite for dipping fries, a quirky but popular combination among fans.
Taco Bell’s Crunchy Taco
Taco Bell’s Crunchy Taco, filled with seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese, has been a best-seller since the chain first opened in 1962. The simple yet satisfying taco is the backbone of Taco Bell’s menu, offering a taste of Mexican-inspired fast food at an affordable price. Its popularity has helped Taco Bell expand into one of the largest Mexican fast-food chains in the world.
McDonald’s French Fries
McDonald’s French Fries are the best-selling fast food item in the world, known for their golden color, crispy exterior, and soft, fluffy interior. The secret to their irresistible taste lies in the combination of Russet potatoes, a specific frying process, and a flavor enhancer derived from beef. McDonald’s serves about 9 million pounds of fries globally every day, making them a cornerstone of the brand’s success.
Subway’s Italian B.M.T.
The Italian B.M.T. (Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest) is Subway’s top-selling sandwich, loaded with Genoa salami, pepperoni, and ham, topped with your choice of fresh vegetables and condiments. Introduced in 1975, this sub has remained a favorite due to its hearty and customizable nature. Its success reflects Subway’s ability to offer a fast, fresh, and filling option for on-the-go consumers.
K.F.C.’s Original Recipe Chicken
K.F.C.’s Original Recipe Chicken, featuring the Colonel’s secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, has been a cornerstone of the brand since its founding in 1930. The chicken is pressure-fried to achieve a perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness, making it a beloved choice for millions. The Original Recipe is so iconic that it remains largely unchanged, contributing to K.F.C.’s status as a global fast-food giant.
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte, affectionately known as P.S.L., has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 2003. This seasonal beverage, flavored with pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, signals the start of fall for many coffee lovers. Despite being available for only a few months each year, the P.S.L. consistently ranks among Starbucks’ best-selling items, with over 424 million sold worldwide.
Burger King’s Whopper
The Whopper, Burger King’s signature burger, is a flame-grilled beef patty topped with tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, and onions, all on a sesame seed bun. Introduced in 1957, the Whopper has become a symbol of the brand, with over 2.6 million sold daily worldwide. Its size, taste, and customizable options have made it a favorite for generations.
Domino’s Pepperoni Pizza
Domino’s Pepperoni Pizza is a top seller, offering a classic combination of savory pepperoni slices on a bed of melted mozzarella cheese and tangy tomato sauce. Domino’s has perfected the art of pizza delivery, ensuring that this staple arrives hot and fresh at your doorstep. The simplicity and universal appeal of pepperoni pizza have made it a go-to choice for many Americans.
Popeyes’ Chicken Sandwich
Popeyes’ Chicken Sandwich, featuring a crispy chicken filet on a brioche bun with pickles and mayo or spicy sauce, caused a sensation when it was introduced in 2019. The sandwich quickly became a best-seller, with lines forming around the block at locations nationwide. Its success was so overwhelming that it sparked the so-called “chicken sandwich wars” among fast food chains.
McDonald’s Egg McMuffin
The Egg McMuffin, introduced in 1972, revolutionized breakfast by making it a portable, on-the-go meal. This breakfast sandwich features a freshly cracked egg, Canadian bacon, and American cheese on a toasted English muffin. As the first fast food breakfast item, it paved the way for an entire category and remains one of McDonald’s best-selling breakfast options.
Dunkin’s Glazed Donut
Dunkin’s Glazed Donut is a timeless classic, offering a sweet, soft, and slightly chewy treat that pairs perfectly with coffee. Dunkin’ sells millions of these donuts every day, contributing to its status as one of the leading coffee and donut chains in the world. The simple glazed donut has stood the test of time, remaining a customer favorite for decades.
Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Fries
Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Fries are a standout side, with their unique shape and perfect balance of crispy outside and soft inside. Made from whole potatoes and cooked in canola oil, these fries are the perfect complement to any Chick-fil-A meal. Their popularity is so high that Chick-fil-A sells more than 100 million servings of Waffle Fries each year.
Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich, made with thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef on a toasted sesame seed bun, is the chain’s signature item. Since its introduction in 1964, the sandwich has remained a best-seller, known for its quality and distinctive flavor. Arby’s continues to sell millions of these sandwiches annually, making it a cornerstone of the brand’s success.
Wendy’s Baconator
The Baconator, introduced by Wendy’s in 2007, is a burger lover’s dream with two beef patties, six strips of bacon, American cheese, and mayo. This indulgent burger has become a fan favorite thanks to its generous portions and bold flavors. The Baconator’s popularity reflects the growing trend of over-the-top, indulgent fast food creations.
Taco Bell’s Doritos Locos Tacos
The Doritos Locos Tacos, featuring a taco shell made from Doritos chips, was an instant hit when it was launched in 2012. Available in various flavors like Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch, these tacos have sold over a billion units, becoming one of Taco Bell’s best-selling items. The fusion of two beloved snacks—tacos and Doritos—proved to be a winning combination.
Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a fan-favorite comfort food, served hot and creamy in a bread bowl or cup. Made with fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, and cheddar cheese, this soup is both hearty and satisfying. Its popularity has made it one of Panera’s top-selling items, especially during the colder months.
Shake Shack’s ShackBurger
Shake Shack’s ShackBurger, featuring a juicy Angus beef patty, lettuce, tomato, ShackSauce, and a potato bun, has become an iconic item since the chain’s founding in 2004. The ShackBurger’s success lies in its high-quality ingredients and simplicity, offering a gourmet twist on the classic American burger. Its widespread appeal has helped Shake Shack expand from a single hot dog cart in New York City to a global brand.
In-N-Out’s Double-Double
In-N-Out’s Double-Double, featuring two beef patties, two slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and their signature spread, is a cult favorite on the West Coast. Known for its freshness and quality, the Double-Double has earned a devoted following, contributing to In-N-Out’s legendary status among burger enthusiasts. The burger’s simple yet flavorful composition is a testament to the chain’s commitment to quality over quantity.
Chipotle’s Chicken Burrito
Chipotle’s Chicken Burrito, stuffed with grilled chicken, rice, beans, salsa, and a variety of toppings, is one of the chain’s best-selling items. Customers appreciate the ability to customize their burrito, ensuring it’s made exactly to their liking. Chipotle’s focus on fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients has helped the Chicken Burrito remain a top choice for fast-casual dining.
Sonic’s Cherry Limeade
Sonic’s Cherry Limeade is a refreshing beverage that has become a signature drink for the drive-in chain. Made with cherry syrup, lime juice, and Sprite, this sweet-tart concoction is a favorite among customers, especially during the summer months. Its unique flavor and nostalgic appeal have made it a best-seller, with millions of servings enjoyed each year.
White Castle’s Original Slider
White Castle’s Original Slider, a small square burger with onions and pickles, is often credited as America’s first fast food burger. Introduced in 1921, the Slider’s size and price made it a popular choice for customers looking for a quick bite. Despite its simplicity, the Original Slider has become an enduring icon of American fast food, with billions sold over the decades.
