Fast food has become a cornerstone of modern convenience, but some menu items may not be as fresh or appetizing as they appear. Fast-food employees, with their insider knowledge, often have a different perspective on what’s being served. From underwhelming ingredients to questionable preparation methods, some items should be avoided if you want the best value for your money. Here are 14 fast-food items that employees recommend you skip the next time you’re at the drive-thru.
1. Wendy’s Chili
While Wendy’s chili is a comforting and popular option, it may lose its appeal once you know the truth behind its preparation. Employees have revealed that the chili is made using leftover hamburger patties that are overcooked or sit too long on the grill. These patties are chopped up and added to the chili, which may not be ideal for those looking for freshly cooked ingredients.
2. McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets
McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets are a classic favorite, but employees suggest avoiding them unless you ask for a fresh batch. Nuggets are often left under heat lamps for extended periods, and when the timer goes off, some employees simply reset it rather than cook a new batch. This means your nuggets could have been sitting out for much longer than you think.
3. Taco Bell’s Refried Beans
Taco Bell’s bean burritos may seem like a healthy option, but the beans in fact themselves come in a dehydrated form. Fast food employees add water to the mix to rehydrate the beans, and the result may not be as fresh as some customers expect. If you’re looking for something less processed, this could be worth reconsidering.
4. Arby’s Roast Beef
Arby’s is known for its roast beef sandwiches, but what’s in the meat might surprise you. According to employees, the roast beef arrives in liquid form and solidifies when cooked. The meat’s consistency and preparation method might put off customers who prefer a more traditional roast beef sandwich.
5. McDonald’s Dipped Cones
McDonald’s dipped cones might look like the perfect treat, but employees have warned against them. The chocolate dip often sits out for long hours, becoming congealed or contaminated, especially since the machine is sometimes located near cleaning areas. This can result in the dip being accidentally sprayed with cleaning chemicals.
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6. Burger King’s Ice Cream
Like McDonald’s, Burger King’s ice cream machines have been the subject of employee complaints. Shake mixes are sometimes left in the machines for far too long, and the cleaning routine isn’t always followed as strictly as it should be. Some workers have reported using mixes that have expired, which might lead you to think twice before ordering a soft-serve.
7. Panera Bread’s Late-Night Orders
Panera Bread may seem like a healthier, more upscale fast-food option, but employees recommend avoiding complex items like salads or paninis late at night. The end-of-day rush can mean that ingredients aren’t as fresh or that orders are prepared too quickly, resulting in poor quality.
8. Jack in the Box Milkshakes
Jack in the Box’s milkshakes could pose a problem if you have allergies. Employees have revealed that the mixers used for smoothies and milkshakes aren’t always cleaned properly between uses, which could lead to cross-contamination. This can be especially risky for people with fruit allergies.
9. McDonald’s Folded Eggs
If you’re ordering breakfast at McDonald’s, employees suggest skipping the folded eggs found in some sandwiches. These eggs are pre-cooked, frozen, and reheated, often resulting in a rubbery texture. A better alternative would be to order scrambled eggs or an Egg McMuffin, which are made fresh.
10. Grilled Chicken Sandwiches at Burger Chains
Grilled chicken sandwiches may seem like a healthier option at fast-food chains, but employees recommend avoiding them, especially at places known for their burgers. These sandwiches often don’t sell as well, so the chicken can sit out longer than ideal, leading to a less appetizing, sometimes rubbery texture.
Read More: 16 Worst Fast Food Chains to Avoid
11. Fries Ordered “Fresh”
Asking for fresh fries at popular chains like McDonald’s or Burger King may not guarantee you the results you want. Employees say that during busy times, they might not have time to prepare a new batch, meaning you could end up with the same fries you would have gotten without the request. It’s better to stick to regular orders unless you’re certain they’re freshly made.
12. McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish
McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish is a go-to during Lent, but fast food employees suggest avoiding it outside of peak seasons. Since it’s not as popular as other menu items, the fish may sit out longer, which affects its freshness. If you’re craving fish, make sure it’s a high-demand period like Lent to ensure a fresher fillet.
13. Subway’s Tuna
Subway’s tuna sandwich has caused controversy in recent years, with employees saying that the tuna mixture isn’t always the highest quality. While Subway has defended its product, workers suggest it’s one of the least fresh items on the menu. If you’re concerned about freshness, you might want to opt for a different sandwich filling.
14. Five Guys Grilled Cheese
At Five Guys, the grilled cheese sandwich isn’t exactly what you might expect. Employees have revealed that the sandwich is made using a hamburger bun turned inside out, with cheese melted inside. For those hoping for a hearty, traditional grilled cheese, this method might not live up to expectations. If you’re at Five Guys, it’s probably better to stick with the burgers.
Conclusion
Fast food offers convenience and speed, but not all items on the menu are created equal. These 14 items, as revealed by employees, may not meet your expectations in terms of freshness or quality. The next time you find yourself in line at a fast-food restaurant, keep these insider tips in mind to ensure you’re getting the best meal possible. By knowing which items to avoid, you can make better choices that satisfy both your hunger and your standards.