McDonalds’, KFC Among Top Worst Fast-Food Chains for Health

McDonald’s and KFC have been ranked among the world’s unhealthiest fast food chains in a report that evaluated leading restaurant brands based on the nutritional quality of their menu items.

The WorldAtlas report shared by Yahoo Finance placed KFC, McDonald’s, Smashburger, Little Caesars, and Chick-fil-A in the Top Worst fast food chains for health.

The rankings were based on the calorie, sodium, and saturated fat content of signature menu items, as well as the promotion of oversized meal combinations. According to the report, many of the chains’ best-selling meals contain enough calories and sodium to exceed recommended intake for an entire meal.

One example: Burger King

Burger King’s burger buns contain ingredients such as potassium iodate, a flour treatment agent that has been restricted or banned in some countries due to potential thyroid-related issues.

Other ingredients include mono- and diglycerides, additives associated with gut inflammation. Its chicken products also rely on processed coatings, seasoned batters, and frying oils containing dimethylpolysiloxane, an anti-foaming agent.

Many menu items also include silicon dioxide, an anti-caking additive that helps prevent ingredients from clumping.

Is Fast Food Unhealthy?

The report warns that frequent consumption of such meals can increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions.

Data also pointed to the widespread use of ultra-processed ingredients, including refined seed oils, added sugars, preservatives, emulsifiers, and other food additives designed to improve taste and extend shelf life.