McDonald’s Popularity Amidst Criticism and Survey Insights

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski recently faced criticism for eating on camera. Fox & Friends hosts compared his chicken nugget bite to a previous burger video, noting public disfavor. Despite the negative attention, McDonald’s remains a primary choice for fast food among Americans.

A new report analyzed restaurant performance and consumer preferences in the United States. It found McDonald’s is top-of-mind for fast food, even though other chains rated higher for burger quality. The international research group YouGov conducted the survey titled “Best Bites 2026: U.S. Restaurant Brand Rankings.” They aimed to identify which restaurant brands are preferred by American adults.

Ashley Brown, senior director at YouGov, highlighted that McDonald’s leads in consideration despite other chains offering better-tasting burgers. However, McDonald’s stands out for having the best fries, a conclusion from their survey findings. This suggests consumers evaluate various menu items and features, not only burgers, when selecting fast food.

The YouGov survey asked respondents about their preferences when choosing food or drink. McDonald’s topped the list with nearly 40% consideration. Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s followed closely.

The survey also listed top spots for burgers, sandwiches, and tacos. Five Guys led in burgers, while Subway was preferred for deli sandwiches, and Taco Bell took the top spot for tacos and burritos. For french fries, McDonald’s dominated with over 39% of the vote.

Chick-fil-A was named the favorite chicken spot based on quality despite McDonald’s not making the top ten in this category. Wendy’s ranked as the top brand based on value, ahead of McDonald’s at eighth place.

The report also described fast-food dining trends. About two-thirds of Americans buy fast food at least monthly, with 30% visiting weekly. Among weekly diners, 55% are male and nearly half are under 45. People often prioritize value and cleanliness in fast-food restaurants.

McDonald’s attributes its appeal to using quality ingredients like real beef patties and fresh eggs. The company claims to adapt its menu to customer tastes continually. The fast-food chain’s practices and customer focus may explain its continued popularity, despite some criticisms.