Fast food is the perfect choice for individuals who crave quick, delicious meals. However, behind the scenes, fast food employees know which items are best to avoid, and their reasons might surprise you. This is about more than just taste; it’s about freshness, preparation shortcuts, and sometimes even hygiene concerns.
Some of your go-to menu favorites might look good, but they could have hidden downsides that can affect flavor, quality, or even your health. Whether you’re a loyal customer or an occasional visitor, knowing what to skip can keep your fast-food experience enjoyable. Now, let’s take a look at ten fast-food items that employees say you should avoid. Are any of your favorites on the list?
1. The “Fresh” Salad Surprise
Though a nice, green salad might seem like a healthy choice when it comes to fast food, employees have revealed that many of these salads are pre-packaged and might sit in a fridge for days.
This is why wilted lettuce and soggy toppings are so common. On top of that, many dressings are often packed with way more calories than you might expect. While it might look like a fresh and light meal, it might not be the best if you want something crisp and nutritious.
2. Fish Sandwiches
Fish sandwiches often spike in popularity during Lent, but outside of that time, many employees have reported that many fish fillets often sit frozen or under heat lamps for hours on end. This means that your fish sandwich probably isn’t as fresh as you want it to be.
If the fish sandwich doesn’t sell well at your local spot, it has likely been reheated a few times, which could compromise the taste and texture.
3. Grilled Chicken That’s Not So “Grilled”
You’d be surprised to find how many fast-food chains use pre-cooked chicken that has only briefly been grilled to add marks and warmth. Employees have revealed that this often results in rubbery, bland chicken that has none of that smoky, fresh-off-the-grill flavor you want.
The grill marks are usually just for show rather than actual cooking. If you want a nice, juicy grilled chicken, you might want to just make it at home.
4. The All-Day Breakfast Eggs
The eggs that are usually used in breakfast sandwiches are often cooked all at once and kept warm for hours on end. This leaves the eggs feeling rubbery and dried out. They completely lose their fluffy texture.
When reheating eggs, they undergo protein changes that make them less appetizing over time. The eggs you order at fast food places might not be as fresh or tasty as you imagine, especially if you order them later in the day.
5. Specialty Coffees After Noon
Employees have also revealed that specialty coffee machines are usually cleaned once a day, and it’s usually at night. This means that ordering a fancy coffee later in the day means that you might be getting a drink brewed from a machine that’s been running all day without proper cleaning.
This raises concerns about flavor quality and hygiene, making your afternoon coffee less enjoyable and maybe even less safe to drink.
6. The “Secret Menu” Hacks
While ordering from the “secret menu” might sound fun, many employees have warned that this often disrupts kitchen flow. A lot of the time, they will end up using ingredients that have been sitting out or prepared in advance, leading to sloppy assembly and questionable freshness.
While they might be creative, these hacks might not deliver the quality or taste you expect, so you should think twice about ordering them.
7. Chili: The Leftover Special
Oftentimes, the chili sold at some burger chains is made from leftover hamburger patties that didn’t sell. Though this reduces waste, it does mean that you’re eating reheated meat from the previous day.
While the chili will probably still taste completely normal, the thought of eating leftover meat that has been repurposed into chili can be off-putting for some people and raises questions about freshness and food safety.
8. Ice Cream Machines: Proceed with Caution
Fast-food ice cream machines are often said to be “broken,” but workers say that usually means they need cleaning or are in the middle of a cleaning cycle.
Even when they’re working, the machines might not be as clean as you’d expect, especially during rush hours. That appealing soft serve could come with some cleanliness issues, so it’s worth thinking twice before digging in.
9. Anything Close to Closing Time
A lot of fast food employees have revealed that ordering fast food close to closing time could be a gamble. Meals are often thrown together quickly or made with whatever’s left, leading to soggy fries, dry burgers, and lower overall quality.
For a better experience, it’s best to go earlier in the day when the kitchen is well-staffed and the ingredients are fresher.
10. The “Always Hot” Soup
Soup might feel like a warm, reliable option, but employees say it often sits simmering for hours in big pots. As time passes, the ingredients can turn mushy and lose their flavor.
In many cases, the soup is just reheated from frozen batches, which can affect the taste and texture. If you’re looking for something fresh, the soup may not be your best bet, especially later in the day.