Junk-Food Nation - 14 percent of Americans consume a diet comprised almost entirely of fast food - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

American Demographics, Nov 1, 2001

There's a good reason for that long waiting list to buy a McDonald's franchise: 14 percent of Americans consume a diet comprised almost entirely of fast food. A report released by Chicago-based Mintel Consumer Intelligence in August reveals that young adults are the ones most tempted by the golden arches. More than 1 in 5 of those ages 18 to 24 (22 percent) say their diet consists mainly of fast food and convenience food, such as frozen dinners. Ironically, their parents, those in the 45- to 54-year-old age range, are the least likely to report dining at a greasy spoon. Only 7 percent of this group says that their diet consists of convenience and fast food. Salty snacks like chips and pretzels form the foundation of the convenience/fast-food pyramid. And, according to Mintel, 17 percent of Americans report they just "can't help snacking on salty snacks."

BET YOU CAN'T EAT JUST ONE

Sales of salty snacks in the U.S. have increased by 17 percent between 1995 and 2000.

Source: IRI/Mintel/PLMA