National Junk Food Day

National Junk Food Day in United States US celebrates Every year, July 21st marks one of the most indulgent and lighthearted food holidays in the United States: National Junk Food Day. This unofficial celebration is all about setting aside healthy habits for just one day to enjoy your favorite comfort foods—be it burgers, fries, chips, soda, candy, pizza, or doughnuts. It’s a fun excuse to treat yourself and relive those nostalgic tastes of childhood.

🍔 What Is Junk Food, Anyway?

“Junk food” is a popular term used to describe foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat, with minimal nutritional value. These foods are usually processed and are beloved for their taste and convenience—think chips, soda, fried items, candies, fast food, and even ice cream.

History of National Junk Food Day

While the exact origins of National Junk Food Day are unclear, it is believed to have been created by food lovers or marketers in the United States as a light-hearted way to celebrate popular snacks and fast foods. The day likely started in the early 2000s as part of a growing trend to assign “national days” to various foods and activities. Over time, National Junk Food Day caught on, especially on social media, and is now widely recognized across the U.S. Despite its fun theme, the day also occasionally sparks conversations about nutrition, balance, and moderation in diet—reminding us that indulgence is okay, as long as it’s not every day. Don’t Get Confused with World Food Day or World Food Safety Day. World Food Day is on October 16 and in year 2025 World Food Day Theme. “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”. This theme focuses on collaborative efforts across governments, organizations, sectors, and communities to achieve a sustainable and food-secure world. It encourages actions to transform agri-food systems to ensure healthy diets for everyone and harmonious living with the planet. World Food Safety Day is on June 7 and its theme in 2025 is “Food Safety: Science in Action”.

🎊 How to Celebrate National Junk Food Day

Here are some fun and delicious ways to celebrate:

1. Have a Junk Food Party

Invite friends or family over and serve a buffet of everyone’s favorite snacks—chips, popcorn, soda, candy, fast food, and desserts. Make it a themed party for extra fun!

2. Indulge Guilt-Free

Pick your favorite junk food that you usually avoid, and enjoy it without guilt. Whether it’s a double cheeseburger, a slice of pepperoni pizza, or an extra-large milkshake—this is your day to splurge.

3. Share Your Plate on Social Media

Join the conversation using hashtags like:

• #NationalJunkFoodDay
• #JunkFoodLovers
• #CheatDayFeast

Post a photo of your indulgence and tag your favorite junk food brands!

4. Try New Junk Foods

Use the day to discover regional or international junk foods you’ve never tried before. Ever heard of Japanese Kit-Kats, Korean honey butter chips, or Canadian poutine?

5. Create DIY Junk Food

Get creative in the kitchen by making your own versions of popular treats—homemade nachos, deep-fried Oreos, or loaded French fries!

Where Is National Junk Food Day Celebrated?

National Junk Food Day is primarily celebrated in the United States, but its appeal is increasingly global. Thanks to the reach of social media, junk food lovers from around the world have joined in on the fun—especially in countries with large fast-food industries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the Philippines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is National Junk Food Day an official holiday?

No, it’s an unofficial food holiday, but it’s widely recognized and celebrated by foodies, restaurants, and social media influencers.

Q2. Who created National Junk Food Day?

The exact origin is unknown, but it is thought to have been created by food marketers or enthusiasts in the U.S. to highlight beloved snacks and processed treats.

Q3. Is it okay to eat junk food on this day?

Yes! National Junk Food Day is about enjoying your favorites in moderation. It’s a great reminder that occasional indulgence can be part of a balanced lifestyle.

Q4. What are the most popular junk foods in America?

Some top favorites include:

• Potato chips
• Pizza
• Ice cream
• Doughnuts
• Cheeseburgers
• Candy bars
• Soda

Q5. Are there healthy alternatives to junk food?

Absolutely. Many people use the day to recreate “healthier” versions of their favorites—like air-fried snacks, baked chips, or low-sugar desserts.  

Deals & Discounts on National Junk Food Day (July 21)

One of the best parts of National Junk Food Day? The delicious discounts and limited-time offers from fast-food chains, snack brands, and restaurants across the U.S. and beyond! Many eateries take this opportunity to treat their customers with mouth-watering bargains. Here are some popular places that often offer deals on National Junk Food Day:

🍔 Fast Food Chains

These brands frequently participate in the celebration with buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals, free items with app purchases, or $1 snacks:

• McDonald’s
  • Expect freebies via the McDonald’s App—like free fries, $1 McChicken, or BOGO Big Macs.
• Burger King
  • National Junk Food Day often brings exclusive app-only deals such as BOGO Whoppers, free nuggets with any purchase, or $3 snack bundles.
• Taco Bell
  • Look out for their Cravings Box offers, limited-time value meals, and free delivery promotions on apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
• Wendy’s
  • Past years have included free Frosty with any purchase, free fries, and $5 meal deals.
• Domino’s Pizza
  • Choose from carryout specials, mix-and-match deals (2 for $6.99), or $5.99 sides.

🍕 Pizza Deals

• Pizza Hut
  • Watch for $7 pizza deals, stuffed crust specials, and free sides on the app.
• Papa John’s
  • Offers like 40% off regular menu prices or special “Junk Food Day” bundles may be available.

🍩 Snacks & Sweets

• Krispy Kreme
  • They’ve previously celebrated with $1 dozen deals or free doughnuts with purchase.
• Dunkin’
  • Possible offers include free donuts with beverage purchase or app-only discounts on cold drinks and snacks.
• 7-Eleven
  • Members of the 7Rewards app may enjoy $1 chips, 2-for-1 candy, or discounted Slurpees.

🍟 Convenience Stores & Delivery Apps

• DoorDash / Uber Eats / Grubhub
  • Look for free delivery, discount codes, and special partner offers for junk food chains.
• Instacart / GoPuff
  • Expect discounts on your favorite junk food brands like Cheetos, Oreos, Mountain Dew, and more.

🔔 Pro Tip: Follow Your Favorite Brands

To make the most of the day:

• 📱 Download fast-food apps in advance along with iPhone Fitness and set Your Goal to burn Calories.
• 📧 Subscribe to email newsletters for secret offers
• 📲 Follow brands on Instagram and Twitter—they often drop flash deals just for the day

BONUS: National Brands That May Offer Junk Food Day Specials

While offers vary yearly, keep an eye on:

• PepsiCo & Frito-Lay
• Hostess
• Little Debbie
• Reese’s & Hershey’s
• Ben & Jerry’s
• Snickers & Mars

Many of these brands run online giveaways, BOGO coupons, or limited-edition treats around this date.   National Junk Food Day isn’t just about overindulging—it’s about nostalgia, flavor, and fun. Whether you’re enjoying a slice of pizza or savoring a candy bar from your childhood, this day is a reminder that sometimes, the heart wants what it wants. Just remember: balance is key!

So go ahead—treat yourself. Happy Junk Food Day! 🎉 National Junk Food Day 2025