10 Absurd Myths About Fast Food That People Still Believe

Our relationship with fast food is a mix of affection and distrust. While drive-throughs are a convenient go-to for quick meals, we often view the food with skepticism. The rapid preparation and industrial kitchens fuel fears of careless production, leaving many longing for simpler times when food sources were transparent and ingredients were familiar.

Although fast food isn’t always the healthiest choice, and we can’t fully ensure its safety without preparing it ourselves, many exaggerated claims about the industry’s shortcomings are far from accurate.

10. The Myth of the Indestructible Hamburger

Many people hold the strange belief that fast food is composed of industrial-grade chemicals more suited for cleaning products than consumption. This has fueled the bizarre idea that fast food hamburgers never decompose. Surprisingly, despite being one of the most widespread food myths, it’s also one of the simplest to disprove. Anyone can purchase a burger and observe its decay over time, yet this myth has only recently been thoroughly debunked.

When questioned about the 'indestructible McDonald’s hamburger,' McDonald’s Canada took the opportunity to dispel this absurd rumor. A spokesperson explained that their burgers dry out rather than rot, but this isn’t due to chemical additives. The lack of moisture after cooking, combined with exposure to air, causes the drying effect. In humid conditions, a McDonald’s burger would decompose just like any other food.

A food blogger conducted an independent study and discovered that McDonald’s burgers decay at the same rate as homemade ones when exposed to similar conditions.

9. Fast Food Outlets Aren’t Necessarily Less Healthy Than Traditional Restaurants

When planning a family meal out, you might opt for a sit-down restaurant, assuming it offers healthier choices than fast food chains like McDonald’s. However, this decision might not be as beneficial as you think.

A study conducted by Drexel University analyzed menus from full-service restaurants, and the findings were alarming. While a fast food combo meal exceeds your calorie needs for a single meal, a full-course dinner at a sit-down restaurant could surpass your daily caloric requirements.

The study defined an adult meal as an entree, a side, half an appetizer, and complimentary bread. On average, such a meal at a sit-down restaurant contained around 1,500 calories, exceeding daily limits for saturated fat and sodium. Adding a drink and half a dessert pushes the meal beyond the recommended daily caloric intake. For truly healthy options, cooking at home might be your best bet.

8. Taco Bell’s Seasoned Beef Contains Only 35 Percent Meat

A few years ago, a rumor circulated claiming that only 35 percent (or another shockingly low percentage) of Taco Bell’s seasoned beef was actual meat, labeling it as Grade D and unfit for human consumption. This myth originated from an Alabama lawsuit, which was dismissed in court due to its baseless nature.

Taco Bell clarified that their seasoned beef consists of 88 percent beef and 12 percent filler, a composition similar to competitors. They also provided explanations for lesser-known ingredients, such as 'Trehalose,' used as a sweetener, to dispel further misconceptions.

While some individuals remain wary of ingredients like 'maltodextrin' in Taco Bell’s food, chemists dismiss these concerns as unfounded, confirming that all components are safe and suitable for consumption.

7. McDonald’s Frozen Treats Contain Pig Fat and Are Dairy-Free

McDonald’s refers to its frozen beverages as 'thickshakes' or simply 'shakes,' avoiding the term 'milkshakes.' This led some to speculate that the drinks lack dairy entirely. Theories about alternative ingredients soon emerged, ranging from pig fat to cow eyeball fluid, Styrofoam, and even bird feathers.

While McDonald’s frozen desserts aren’t made with real ice cream—hence the avoidance of the term 'milkshakes'—they do use a premade mix that includes dairy. Producing fresh ice cream shakes on such a large scale daily would be logistically challenging.

If you dislike the taste, you might avoid their shakes, but for those who enjoy them, there’s nothing unusual to be concerned about, aside from their high calorie content.

6. Salads Are a Nutritious Choice

Salads often appear to be the healthiest choice at fast food restaurants, given their vegetable base. However, the addition of excessive cheese, dressings, and meat often makes them just as unhealthy as other menu items.

The Consumerist analyzed various fast food chains and discovered that salads can be as calorie-dense as burgers or fries. In many cases, they contain higher levels of fat, sugar, and sometimes an overwhelming amount of sodium. While salads can be healthy, fast food versions often miss the mark.

5. Fast Food Is Inexpensive

A common misconception about fast food and junk food is that it’s significantly cheaper than healthier options. This belief is often cited by those who can’t understand why anyone would choose junk food over better alternatives if the cost is similar. However, while fast food is cheaper than dining at other restaurants, it’s far more expensive than cooking at home, even when preparing higher-quality meals.

NY Times food columnist Mark Bittman highlights that a typical McDonald’s combo meal costs around $7, totaling $28 for a family of four. In contrast, a homemade chicken dinner for the same family costs about half as much and is far healthier.

That said, cooking at home comes with its own costs—time and effort. Fast food is undeniably more convenient, which is why it remains a popular choice. However, if you have the time and energy, preparing meals at home is a superior option in every aspect.

4. White Castle’s Onion Bait-and-Switch

If you don’t live near a White Castle, you might recognize it from a popular movie where two characters go to great lengths to reach one. For the uninitiated, White Castle is known for its tiny, affordable burgers, which are rumored to cause indigestion hours later. Fans also love the chain’s signature steamed burgers, always served with onions—a key ingredient. However, rumors suggest White Castle is deceiving customers about this beloved component.

The rumors claim that White Castle’s onions are actually cabbage pieces soaked in onion juice. While this seems bizarre and unnecessary, the rumor has gained enough traction that White Castle addresses it on their website.

The restaurant confirms their burgers contain no cabbage and use real onions, though they admit to using rehydrated onions since World War II.

3. Dark Roast Coffee Doesn’t Have More Caffeine

Many coffee drinkers believe that darker, bolder roasts pack a stronger caffeine punch, especially when ordering at places like Starbucks or fast food chains. However, if you’re seeking the highest caffeine content, you should opt for lighter roasts instead.

Coffee beans begin green and darken through roasting. However, the longer they roast, the more caffeine is lost, meaning darker roasts actually contain less caffeine than lighter ones.

To truly boost your caffeine intake in the morning, consider adding a shot or two of espresso to your coffee—a service most cafes are happy to provide.

2. McDonald’s Egg Patties Are Pre-Formed

The perfectly round shape of McDonald’s Egg McMuffin patties has led many to believe they’re made from artificial, pre-formed substances. However, McDonald’s Canada addressed this by releasing a video showing the actual process behind their egg patties.

The eggs are indeed real, and their flawless shape is achieved by cooking them in a ring mold, a simple yet effective technique. The scrambled eggs, however, are made from a liquid egg mixture and cooked with margarine, but they still contain genuine egg.

1. Arby’s Roast Beef Isn’t Made From Gel

A strange rumor claims Arby’s roast beef arrives as a liquid gel in plastic bags, which is then heated and sliced for customers. While the origins of this myth are understandable, it’s entirely false.

Snopes fact-checkers interviewed several Arby’s employees to uncover the source of this confusion. The roast beef arrives in sealed plastic bags with a thin layer of basting gel, which might appear gelatinous to an untrained eye. While opinions on Arby’s food may vary, it’s important to note that the meat is indeed real beef.