National Junk Food Day

National Junk Food Day is the perfect excuse to set aside the advice of doctors and nutritionists—just for one day—and indulge in your favorite guilty pleasures. Whether it’s chips, chocolate bars, pasta, burgers, or candy, July 21 is all about enjoying the foods we usually try to avoid.

History

While the term “junk food” didn’t appear until the second half of the 20th century, people have been enjoying unhealthy foods for much longer. In the Middle Ages, aristocrats often consumed rich meats, fatty dishes, and sweet pastries—foods now considered junk—while peasants typically ate fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains. Ironically, it was the nobility who faced more health issues, including bad teeth, rickets, and scurvy.

In 1893, Cracker Jack—made with molasses, peanuts, and popcorn—debuted at an American exhibition and was officially recognized as the first popular processed snack in the country. By the early 20th century, it had become a global sensation.

Facts About Junk Food

• Fats in fast food stimulate the appetite by triggering reward signals in the brain. This effect can last for up to 48 hours.
• Ancient Aztecs and Mayans used chocolate as currency.
• The Tootsie Roll was named after its creator Leo Hirschfeld’s daughter, Clara “Tootsie.”

How to Take Part

While healthy eating is important, National Junk Food Day is your moment to relax and enjoy all the foods you usually skip. Treat yourself to dough-wrapped sausages, hamburgers, ice cream, or anything else you crave.

You can also use this day to talk about the importance of moderation. Share healthy eating tips and nutritional info on social media while using the hashtag #NationalJunkFoodDay—balance is key!

When is National Junk Food Day in 2025?

National Junk Food Day is observed annually on July 21.

Observations