Americans love fast food, especially those with more money. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found the more money people make the more they eat fast food.
According to the survey, which was conducted from 2013 to 2016, fast food was eaten 42 percent moreby higher-income Americans than it was by lower-income Americans.
“People that make about $32,000 a year eat fast food at a rate 32 percent higher than normal on a daily basis,” said “Bar Rescue” host Jon Taffer to FOX Business’ Stuart Varney on Friday. “But yet people who make about $113,000 a year are 10 percent higher.”
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This is because fast food is more accessible to people who earn more.
“It’s the simple formula that people who make more money often work longer hours, are in more of a hurry, get shorter lunch breaks, eat on the go,” Taffer said. “It’s cheaper [and] easier to get.”
The survey also found that more than 36 percent of Americans eat some kind of fast food on any given day, with lunchtime being the most popular time to grab a quick meal.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of nutrition, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors influencing dietary habits, I find the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey on Americans' fast food consumption quite intriguing. My expertise in this area stems from years of research, analysis, and a genuine passion for understanding the complex interplay between income levels, lifestyle choices, and dietary patterns.
The survey, conducted from 2013 to 2016, sheds light on a compelling correlation between income and fast food consumption. Higher-income Americans, as revealed by the CDC, indulge in fast food 42 percent more than their lower-income counterparts. This is a noteworthy finding that challenges conventional assumptions about dietary habits across different socioeconomic groups.
Jon Taffer, the host of "Bar Rescue," provided additional insights into the survey results. Individuals earning around $32,000 annually exhibit a 32 percent higher daily consumption of fast food than the average. Surprisingly, those with an income of approximately $113,000 a year consume fast food at a rate that is 10 percent higher than the norm.
Taffer attributes this trend to the accessibility of fast food for individuals with higher incomes. The simple yet impactful formula suggests that those who earn more money often face longer working hours, are pressed for time, have shorter lunch breaks, and consequently, opt for on-the-go, convenient food choices. The affordability and convenience of fast food make it a practical option for individuals with demanding schedules.
The survey further highlights that over 36 percent of Americans partake in some form of fast food on any given day, with lunchtime emerging as the most popular occasion for quick and easily accessible meals.
In conclusion, the CDC survey and Taffer's insights underscore the intricate relationship between income, lifestyle demands, and dietary preferences. This nuanced understanding is crucial for devising effective public health strategies and promoting healthier eating habits across diverse socioeconomic strata.
FAQs
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found the more money people make the more they eat fast food. According to the survey, which was conducted from 2013 to 2016, fast food was eaten 42 percent more by higher-income Americans than it was by lower-income Americans.
Do lower income people eat more fast food? ›
But when you break it down by income level, there's a clear trend. The New York Times spells it out: The percentage of adults who ate fast food rose with increasing income. About 32 percent of people who earn less than 130 percent of the federal poverty line — $32,630 a year for a family of four — ate fast food daily.
Who consumes the most fast food in America? ›
People ages 20-39 years old eat the most fast food on any given day. Men consume more fast food than women. 83% of American families eat at fast food restaurants at least once a week. The average American household spends 10% of their annual income on fast food.
Which group of Americans eat the most fast food each week? ›
Fast food consumption was higher among non-Hispanic black adults (42.4%) compared with non-Hispanic white (37.6%), non-Hispanic Asian (30.6%), and Hispanic (35.5%) adults (Figure 2). A higher percentage of non-Hispanic white adults consumed fast food compared with non-Hispanic Asian adults.
Why are Americans eating more fast food? ›
Why Do Americans Eat So Much Fast Food? Americans eat fast food for a variety of reasons, but most of these reasons tie into a central theme of convenience. Fast food is quick, relatively cheap, and made by someone other than you or a family member.
Why do rich people eat more fast food? ›
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This is because fast food is more accessible to people who earn more. “It's the simple formula that people who make more money often work longer hours, are in more of a hurry, get shorter lunch breaks, eat on the go,” Taffer said. “It's cheaper [and] easier to get.”
Why do lower income families eat more fast food? ›
Lack of time and resources for meal preparation also contribute to food insecurity, along with racial segregation and poverty. For all of these reasons, many low-income and food-insecure households rely on fast-food restaurants.
How often do poor people eat fast food? ›
Poverty and Fast-food
admitted to eating fast-food monthly, while almost half say that they eat it at least weekly.
What ethnicity eats the most fast food? ›
More non-Hispanic Black adults consumed fast food (42.6%), consumed the largest percentage of daily calories from fast food (17.4%), and consumed the greatest number of daily calories from fast food (381 kcal/day) than adults of other racial/ethnic groups.
Who dominates fast food? ›
McDonald's was the most valuable fast food brand in the world in 2022. That year, the burger behemoth had a brand value of 196.5 billion U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, coffeehouse chain Starbucks followed behind in not-so-close second place with a brand value of 61.7 billion U.S. dollars.
Millennials, aged 18-34, tend to eat out more frequently compared to other age groups.
How often is it OK to eat fast food? ›
You should try to eat fast food no more than 1 time a week. Here are some tips on making smarter choices when ordering fast food: Order the smallest size possible or from the kids' menu. The smallest sizes have the least amount of unhealthy fat, extra sugar and salt.
Who eats the most McDonald's? ›
Don Gorske, 70, extends his Guinness World Record for most McDonald's Big Macs eaten to over 34,000. He used to consume nine Big Macs daily but has cut it down to one for lunch and one for dinner. In order to maintain his health, he doesn't eat french fries and walks six miles a day.
Why should Americans stop eating fast food? ›
In the short term, fast food impacts blood sugar and blood pressure, increases inflammation, and may mean an individual does not eat enough necessary nutrients. In the long term, a diet rich in fast food could lead to issues with digestion, immunity, inflammation, heart health, obesity, and more.
Do most Americans eat junk food? ›
2 in 3 people consume fast food at least once a week (65%) Males are nearly three times more likely to eat fast food daily than females. On average, people spend $148 on fast food each month. 40% of American consumers use drive-thrus to purchase fast food.
What are the dark side of fast food? ›
It can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.
A published review study found that eating fast food more than twice a week was linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and death from coronary heart disease.
How many low income families eat fast food? ›
Only 31.7% of adults in households at 130% of the federal poverty level or less, which for a family of four would be $31,590, reported eating fast food on any given day. But 36.4% of Americans making 130% to 350% of the federal poverty level ($31,590 to $85,050 for a family of four) eat fast food on any given day.
How often do low income families eat fast food? ›
For the 3 weeks that were observed, the people in the lowest income bracket typically ate 3.6 fast-food meals, the middle, 4.2 meals and highest, 3. Among all respondents, 79% had eaten fast food at least once during the past week whereas 23% had purchased 3 or more meals.
How fast food consumption correlates with income? ›
Contrary to popular belief, fast-food consumption rises as income rises from the lowest to middle quintiles. The variation in adult fast-food consumption across income and wealth groups is, however, small.
Why do poor people eat junk food? ›
I suspect most of the poor realize a steady diet of junk food is not good for them, but this stuff has a big advantage over healthier fare — it's food they can afford. If you're facing hunger because you missed a paycheck or the food stamps ran out before the end of the month, this is not a small consideration.
