Pizza is the United States' favorite junk food, hitting top spot in 37 out of 50 states, but nutrition experts say it doesn't have to be an unhealthy choice.
"Pizza can be a balanced meal if prepared with wholesome ingredients," Amani Kaite, lecturer at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, told Newsweek.
"It can provide high-quality protein from toppings like chicken or salmon, calcium from fresh cheese, antioxidants such as lycopene from fresh tomato sauce and fiber from wholegrain crusts and vegetables.
"Vegetable toppings, such as spinach, mushrooms and peppers also add vitamins A and C, magnesium and potassium, which support immunity and heart health."
Pizza was crowned the U.S.'s favorite junk food in a report by Universal Drugstore, a prescription service provider, called "Unhealthiest Foods: The Most-Loved Junk Foods Across the U.S."
The results were based on data from 2024 monthly Google searches and YouGov data. Pizza racked up 6.12 million searches per month, according to the report, which dubbed it "the most unhealthy dish on the list" with 1,210 calories in one 15.1oz frozen cheese pizza.
Registered dietitian Melanie Marcus, of Dole Food Company, told Newsweek: "For a healthier slice, opt for a thin crust, wholegrain dough and plenty of veggies while skipping the double meat and cheese options."
Other meals that featured high up on the report's list of the U.S.'s favorite junk foods included chili—a favorite in eight states—as well as tacos, steak, hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken and burritos.
But again, some nutritionists say, not all these meals have to be "junk." Jordan Anthony, Head of Nutrition at AHARA, told Newsweek: "Things like pizza, chili and tacos in particular are incredibly customizable.
"Prioritize vegetables in them over simple carbohydrates and fats and you've got a nutritious, filling, indulgent meal."
Kaite said that commercially-prepared, processed versions of chili, made with poor-quality ground meat, could contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, refined oils and additives, but: "Chili can be a nutrient-dense dish when made with whole ingredients such as beans, vegetables, lean protein and fresh spices."
Kaite said that steak could contribute to excess saturated fat intake, but that not all saturated fats were harmful, and recommended choosing grass-fed or organic beef, grilling or searing it with ghee and herbs, and serving it with fiber-rich sides such as roasted vegetables rather than fries.
Katie Sanger, dietitian at WellTheory, told Newsweek: "Depending on preparation, tacos can be relatively nutrient-dense. Using wholegrain or corn tortillas, lean protein, fresh vegetables, avocado and a moderate amount of cheese or salsa can make them a balanced meal."
The Universal Drugstore report also included a league table of popular fast food, with McDonald's favorites Chicken McNuggets, Big Mac and fries taking all three top spots in terms of searches.
Overall, the most popular sweet food in the U.S. was found to be pancakes but banana bread was the most popular in 26 states. Peach cobbler was a favorite in Kentucky and Utah, beignets are beloved by Florida and Mississippi and apple crisp was popular in Maine and New Hampshire.
Marcus said: "Banana bread may seem wholesome, but it can also be a sneaky source of added sugar and saturated fat. At home, you can make it healthier by cutting back on sugar, swapping butter for applesauce or an extra banana and using a mix of wholegrain and white flours."
Another sweet favorite in the top five was frozen yogurt, and dietitian nutritionist Vandana Sheth told Newsweek: "Frozen yogurt is often thought of as a healthy alternative to ice cream. However, many are quite high in added sugar.
"Consider using plain or a low-sugar option and top it with your favorite chopped fruit for a healthier choice."
Wendy's Frosty was found to be the U.S.' favorite takeout sweet food, preferred in 31 states, followed by Dairy Queen Blizzard, Subway Cookies, McDonald's McFlurry and Sonic Blast.
"Bottom line, you can enjoy these foods in moderation," said Sheth. "The key is to make swaps and tweaks to help balance indulgence with your overall health and wellness."
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