We all had this moment: reaching for that salty or sweet snack, thinking we’re just going to have one bite. And then, boom! We can’t stop. Some junk foods are just too addictive and they’re designed that way to keep you coming back for more. Let’s count down the 10 most irresistible treats you can’t say no to, no matter how hard you try.
10. Sliders
Slider chains are starting to get big in the restaurant scene, and that’s because sliders are fun and easy to eat. They say you can stop when you’ve had enough, but there’s always room for burgers, right? The best slider places have multiple types, so you can try several in just one sitting. That also means eating sliders every day won’t bore you.
9. Tacos
Tacos got a little bit of everything: salty, sweet, tangy flavors that trigger your brain’s pleasure centers. What makes tacos even more appealing is the satisfying textural experience you get from eating them. The crunchy toppings, soft shell, and crispy fillings all add up to the enjoyment. So yes, Taco Bell addiction is real, even Eminem had it.
8. Cheeseburgers
The best cheeseburgers feel like they “melt” in your mouth. What happens next is your brain thinks you’re not getting enough of it so you come back for more the next day. Cheeseburgers are also loaded with fats, salt, and sugar (from the buns), and our brains are wired to crave foods with all three. Thankfully, you can’t turn a corner in the US without finding a burger joint.
7. Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are so satisfying to eat because of their crispy, creamy, and fatty decadence. And that cheese pull? Elegant! Of course, it’s not just the texture and cheese that make this treat so addictive. Some mozzarella sticks are enhanced by adding jalapeño pepper, Italian seasoning, or even an alcoholic drink into the mix.
6. Pepperoni Pizza
You’re powerless against pizza because it’s one of the edible supervillains out there. We’re getting a bit specific here, though, and focusing on pepperoni pizza. Pepperoni is the most popular topping in the US because of its spicy and salty flavors that combine well with cheese and tomato. Even Little Caesars added 33% more pepperoni to their pizzas to better satisfy your (daily) cravings.
5. Chocolate Lava Cake
Chocolate by itself is already addicting; its sugar and fats never fail to give that dopamine hit. So when you’re faced with a chocolate lava cake, it gets more dangerous. How can you resist that fudgy exterior with a chocolate center that flows out? It’s a pleasurable experience you’d want to have again and again. If you’re worried about portion control, there’s always the molten lava cake bites!
4. Nachos
Nachos, similar to tacos, can have a multitude of textures and flavors. But with tacos, you can directly hit the meat and other flavorful toppings, without the tortilla getting in the way. While the chips and cheese already make a great pair, you can load up your nachos with even more flavors by adding beans, salsa, guac, and pickled jalapeños.
3. Fried Chicken
Eating fried chicken can take us back to a time when life seemed less complicated. But it’s not only nostalgia that’s making this junk food so popular. It’s actually salt and fat. Sugar may also play a role if you’re going fast food. Fun fact: the high-calorie chicken skin also appeals to us humans who evolved as foragers. Yup, until now we still desire things that pack a lot of calories.
2. French Fries
You’re not the only who can’t stop eating McDonald’s fries. And it’s not just the salt that sends you into overdrive. It’s also the sugar found in the starch of the potato. When this is combined with corn-derived simple sugar, it makes the fries extraordinarily pleasing. The frying process also adds a high amount of sugar, which completes the grand trifecta of junk food addiction.
1. Mac and Cheese
In addition to being creamy and oh-so-cheesy, mac and cheese is a quintessential comfort food. Hence, it’s both gastronomically and emotionally satisfying. Also, the fact that mac and cheese is so accessible makes it impossible to avoid. There are boxed ones on the store shelves, but if you a bit fancier, go for the cream of the mac and cheese crop: Chick-fil-A’s version!