Are you tired of the same ol' Big Mac, McDouble, and Pumpkin Spice Latte? Yeah, so are we. In the world of fast food, sometimes we can grow tired of the same old items. While they may be considered "icons", it doesn't mean they're still as good as they used to be! So let's open our eyes a bit today and widen our horizons, we're calling out America's favourite fast food items and rating them - are they overrated or underrated? You might just find some new menu items to order!
1. Overrated: McDonald's Big Mac
Despite its iconic status, the Big Mac often falls short of expectations. For such a renowned item, the burger usually lacks juiciness and flavour, with the "special sauce" not so special anymore. It's simply not as unique in the world of fast food and burgers anymore.
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2. Overrated: Taco Bell Nacho Fries
Although it was introduced with much hype and excitement, Taco Bells' Nacho Fries quickly became a disappointment. With lackluster seasoning and soggy, not crispy fries, this snack tends to lose its appeal pretty quickly. And with so many other great fast-food fries out there, it's a pass for sure.
3. Overrated: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
While this may be a seasonal favourite for many, in reality, the Pumpkin Spice Latte was simply overhyped thanks to good marketing and social media. This sugary drink is just too sweet and doesn't have much authentic pumpkin flavour at all. It's definitely more about the gimmick and the hype rather than the taste.
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4. Overrated: KFC Original Recipe Chicken
Shots fired! Although KFC's Original Recipe Chicken is beloved for its unique blend of herbs and spices, so many other fried chicken chains have opened and dominated the market. The KFC chicken is just too greasy and is often overcooked, lacking the juiciness and crispiness that quality fried chicken should have.
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5. Overrated: Subway Tuna Sandwich
One of Subway's more popular items is the famous Tuna Sandwich, but the problem here is that it's too inconsistent. Many have complained that the filling can be too overly mayonnaise-y, completely masking the flavour of the tuna (which lacks freshness itself most of the times!).
6. Overrated: Chipotle Burrito
While Chiptole is a beloved fast food chain and its burrito is often lauded for its size and customization options, it doesn't mean there aren't any problems with it. Consumers often complain that it can be a hit-or-miss. It can be disproportionately filled, the meat can be dry, or sometimes the burrito is simply bigger depending on who's making it.
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7. Overrated: Dunkin' Donuts Original Glazed Donut
While it's definitely a classic choice, compared to local bakeries who make fresh donuts daily, Dunkin's Original Glazed Donut often tastes overly processed and can even be a little stale. It just doesn't have the satisfying texture of a superior, amazing donut!
8. Overrated: Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries
Chick-fil-A is best known for its chicken, but don't get drawn into their sides - the waffle fries are often underwhelming! They tend to be under-seasoned and under-cooked, resulting in a not-so-crispy, soft snack that doesn't live up to your expectations.
9. Overrated: Domino's Pepperoni Pizza
For a quick and easy bite, Domino's Pepperoni Pizza is a go-to for many. However, in recent years the pizza has grown to have doughy, chewy crust, and oftentimes there's a disproportionate amount of cheese to pepperoni, making it less and less appealing.
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10. Overrated: Five Guys Cheeseburger
Though hailed for its customizability and size, the Five Guys Cheeseburger is just too greasy and expensive for what you're getting. Compared to other gourmet burger options available in the market, it might be more worth it for your wallet to look elsewhere.
1. Underrated: KFC Pot Pie
Did you know KFC even had a chicken pot pie? Genius! The KFC Pot Pie is a hidden gem, filled with tender pieces of chicken, diced potatoes, peas, and carrots all smothered in a savory sauce. It's then wrapped up in a flaky, buttery crust that really completes the dish. It's a surprisingly hearty meal you can't get elsewhere on the menu!
2. Underrated: Arby's Beef 'n Cheddar Classic
Often overshadowed by more famous sandwiches, Arby's Beef 'n Cheddar Classic is a flavorful combination of thinly sliced roast beef and creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all on an onion roll. It's a satisfying choice for those seeking something a little bit different.
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3. Underrated: Chipotle Chicken Fajita Bowl
While most consumers opt for the burrito or buritto bowl, Chipotle's Chicken Fajita Bowl needs more recognition. It combines their juicy marinated grilled chicken with sauteed fajiita vegetables, providing you with a more flavourful twist from the usual. Try switching it up next time you're ordering!
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4. Underrated: Jack in the Box Mini Churros
Looking for a sweet treat on the go? The mini churros from Jack in the Box are a delightful surprise for any dessert lover. Crispy on the outside but soft on the inside, this cinnamon-y delight will pleasantly surprise anyone with a sweet tooth.
5. Underrated: Arby's Turkey Gyro
Arby's Turkey Gyro is a less-talked-about item that deserves more attention. It features thinly sliced turkey, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in a soft pita. It's a tasty and lighter alternative to their traditional roast beef sandwiches.
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6. Underrated: Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
For a healthier but still tasty option, you need to try the Grilled Chicken Sandwich at Chick-fil-A. It features a juicy, lemon-herb marinated chicken breast that's grilled to perfect, giving you a lighter option for lunch. Some would say it's even better than the fried variations!
7. Underrated: Sonic's Cherry Limeade
On a hot day, nothing quite quenches your thirst like a cool, sweet drink. At Sonic, you can grab a delicious Cherry Limeade that combines sweet cherry and tart lime flavours. It's a refreshing drink you won't be able to get enough of!
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8. Underrated: Bojangles' Cajun Filet Biscuit
Known mostly in the Southeast, Bojangles' Cajun Filet Biscuit deserves wider acclaim. It features a perfectly seasoned and crispy chicken filet served on a freshly-baked biscuit. Yes, it tastes as good as it sounds.
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9. Underrated: Del Taco's Fish Tacos
Del Taco may be known for its burritos, but their Fish Tacos are a standout. The tacos come with crispy fish, fresh lettuce, and a tangy sauce, making them a delicious and lighter fast food option. Skip Taco Bell next time and give these tacos an honest try!
10. Underrated: White Castle's Chicken Rings
A unique take on chicken tenders, White Castle's Chicken Rings are both fun and tasty. They're everything you want in a great side dish - they're crispy, juicy, and perfect for dipping, offering a different texture and experience from the usual chicken options.
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