“Mcdonalds not being #1 is crazy”- Netizens react as World Atlas releases report ranking the top 10 unhealthiest fast food chains in the U.S.

World Atlas’s newly released list of the most unhealthy fast food chains in the U.S. has surprised many by naming Wendy’s (not McDonald’s) as the top offender. A tweet announcing the list set off a flurry of reactions, including the now-viral comment:

“Mcdonalds not being #1 is crazy😭.”

World Atlas has released a ranking of the top 10 most unhealthy fast food chains in the U.S., with Wendy’s taking the number one spot! 🍔🍟 pic.twitter.com/r5YwVUrgkb

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) July 15, 2025

The reaction wasn’t just about surprise; it revealed how ingrained some of these fast food giants are in American food culture. Below, we look at how the internet responded and what the rankings actually say about the state of fast food chains and health in 2025.

Online reactions point to deeper food loyalties

While some took the list at face value, others questioned the methodology or challenged the rankings with personal favorites and lived experiences.

One user wrote,

“Wendy’s is only #1 because y’all forgot Arby’s exists,” suggesting that the roast beef chain’s sodium-heavy menu may have flown under the radar.

Another weighed in with

“Nothing is unhealthy if you know how to eat,” shifting the conversation to personal responsibility and nutrition literacy.

Others struck a more emotional tone.

“I wish I still had a Quiznos near me, that place would get all my business,” one user commented, reminding us how regional access and nostalgia color perceptions of healthiness.

Several admitted they were currently indulging:

“Just ate my junior cheeseburgers and my Frosty…”, while one questioned the entire premise:

“Wendy’s above Taco Bell is a crime against humanity 💀.”

That comment taps into a popular belief that Taco Bell, with its customizable “fresco” menu, offers slightly more balanced options despite its fast food status.

These comments reflect more than just internet humor—they show how consumers weigh their personal preferences against health metrics and how loyalty often shapes what people believe about food.

Why Wendy’s landed on top, and what the list says

Wendy’s secured the No. 1 spot largely due to portion sizes and calorie-dense combinations. A single Baconator meal with fries and a Frosty adds up to over 2,100 calories, surpassing many adults’ daily intake needs.

Here’s the full ranking by World Atlas:

1. Wendy’s
2. Sonic
3. Taco Bell
4. Dairy Queen
5. KFC
6. Quiznos
7. McDonald’s
8. Smashburger
9. Little Caesars
10. Chick-fil-A

World Atlas compiled the list by analyzing nutritional data, average meal compositions, sodium and sugar content, and marketing trends that push bundled or oversized items. Popularity of high-calorie items and lack of lighter menu alternatives also factored into the rankings.

Interestingly, McDonald’s, which many assumed would top the list, landed at No. 7. Analysts point to the chain’s more robust selection of calorie-conscious options in recent years, including apple slices, smaller portion offerings, and salads (in some markets), as possible reasons for its lower ranking.

Whether you’re defending your favorite combo meal or questioning the list’s methodology, one thing is clear: fast food chains continue to walk a thin line between indulgence and overconsumption.

World Atlas’s list may surprise loyalists, but it also sheds light on how much nutritional risk can be packed into a single tray. While taste and nostalgia will always play a role, conversations like these push us to rethink what “value meals” really cost, beyond the receipt.