for and against essay about fast food

Fast Food Industry: Arguments for and Against Essay

Executive summary, introduction, managing expectations, managing perceptions, evaluations, list of references.

The fast food industry has experienced massive growth over the last one decade. Health experts have linked foods offered in this industry to the increasing lifestyle diseases. They argue that the industry subjects people to junk foods, causing serious health concerns in the society. Some members of the society have also associated fast food industry with a lot of social evils that make them believe that the industry should be strictly regulated through government policies. However, it is unfair to associate all the lifestyle diseases such as coronary complications and diabetes to the industry. Every type of food has its negative effects when it is consumed in large quantities. What needs to be done is to increase awareness campaigns about dangers of overconsumption of some types of food.

The role played by this industry is so vital that it would be unreasonable to propose punitive regulatory policies against it. There are those who depend a lot on this industry. Some people believe that they get maximum variety of foods they need from the fast food stores. A standard McDonald’s store will have a variety of meals to choose from, making them very popular with the youth. This industry is also known for its innovative nature. We need to promote healthy eating among members of the society. When we visit fast food stores, we should ask for healthy foods that do not pose any health risks to us. It would be okay to take some of the delicacies such as fried chicken once in a while, but it should not form the basic dish in the daily menu.

Fast food industry has experienced a massive growth over the last two decades in various countries across the world. McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Burger King, and Domino’s Pizza are some of the leading fast food restaurants that have managed to expand their operations beyond their local market. However, there has been a raging debate about the benefits and negative consequences of this industry. The controversy has been on the health consequences of the industry against some of the benefits it offers. While a section of the society believes that this industry is very beneficial, especially to those who have limited time to prepare their own meals, another section has been complaining about some of the negative health consequences and financial impact this industry has on people.

The arguments against fast food industry are just as strong as the argument for it. It is important to analyze specific facts that are put forth by the group opposed to it, and those who are in support in order to determine the relevance of the industry (Carney 1995, p. 66). Basing our arguments on business ethics, this research will analyze benefits of this industry against the negative consequences it has on people.

In a piece of research, it is always important to be able to manage expectations of the audience in order to improve chances that they will accept the findings of the research. According to Schlosser (2012, p. 25), the society is highly diversified, and when approaching specific issues, people are likely to take sides based on their feelings about the issues. Their feelings will define their expectations. For instance, those who believe that fast food industry is beneficial to them and other members of the society will expect the findings of this research to be in support of their beliefs. On the other hand, those who are opposed to the industry will expect this report to give strong points that will be against the industry.

Each of the two sides has its own reasons why it takes a specific stand on the issue, and this must be respected. However, both sides must appreciate that in research work such as this one, there will be a need to take a stand based on the findings that will be made. The findings will form the basis of evidence that will advice whether the report will support or reject specific point of reasoning.

Different people have different perceptions towards fast food industry. There are those who believe a mention of fast food industry means such delicacies as fried chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, and those other fancy foods that they enjoy taking along the city streets (Cate 2011, p. 69). This group therefore, associates this industry with fun, and it may be difficult to change their perception from this. It may be difficult to convince them that the fun they generate from such food may pose some threats to their health. On the other hand, there are those who believe that this industry is the main reason why countries like Qatar, the United States, and the United Kingdom is spending a lot in the health sector.

These extreme perceptions must be managed so that they can appreciate that in one way or the other, they may be wrong. Before getting into the evaluation of different scholarly opinions, it is strongly suggested that those who have strong beliefs over the issue should take a break and appreciate that they could be wrong. This way, it becomes easy to open a fair ground of debates over the issue.

Fast food industry has been in existence for some time now, and the recent statistics shows that it is expanding at an unprecedented rate. According to Jakle and Sculle (2002, p. 45), fast food stores have outmuscled conventional hotels that was popular before, both in the developing and developed countries. Hotels are currently considered a preserve for the rich, or those on tours. Despite massive campaigns by the medical fraternity and other members of society against fast foods, there have been no indications that people are willing to withdraw from eating such foods. They continue to ignore for reasons they believe are justifiable enough. It would be important to analyze specific reasons that make them support or denounce this industry.

Arguments for the Fast Food Industry

According to Smith (2006, p. 55), fast food industry is one of the fastest developing industries not only in the developed nations but also in the developing world. This scholar argues that for the last one decade, there has been over 70% growth of this industry worldwide. Travelers find it easy to pope into fast food stores, and so do those at work or in a picnic within the city or city suburbs. This research sought to identify specific benefits that people get from this industry, making it one of the most robust industries in many countries around the world. One of the reasons that have been cited as the reason for the growth of this industry is its convenience. In the current economy, most people find themselves working in town settings. As a result of the pressure that employers have on their employees, it becomes difficult for people to find time to rush home for lunch.

In some cases, some of these employees only have one hour or less to get their lunch. Scherer (2010, p. 53) says that ,it is during such breaks that these employees get some little time to address some personal issues, or complete some assignments that they were not able to do, just to ensure that they can beat their deadlines. For this group, what they need most is a convenient location that is near their offices, and can offer foods they need within the shortest time possible.

Such locations are definitely not hotels where they will have to wait for over 45 minutes for their meals to be ready. Fast foods offer a perfect solution to this group. With a list of foods that are always ready such as fried chicken and hamburgers, customers get to be served in less than five minutes. It would take them another five to ten munities to take such meals, and less than two minutes to pay the bill. This means that in less than twenty minutes, one would have taken lunch and would be ready to go back to their work stations (Emerson1979, p. 88). This is one of the main reasons why this industry has experienced tremendous growth.

According to Johansen (2012, p. 87), the friendly prices that fast foods offer must have been the main source of attraction, especially among the middle class people. With the ever increasing cost of living, people are looking for alternatives that would cost them less as compared to other alternatives. Smith (2012, p. 78) says that a meal that costs $ 180 in a standard hotel may probably cost $ 60 or $ 70 in some of the fast food outlets. The middle class is very sensitive about the cost they have to pay for various products. Such a massive difference in price would easily make them be drawn to fast food stores. Given the fact that they have to eat in such outlets for at least five times a week, they easily find it economical to eat at the fast food stores.

A section of the society believes that they get maximum variety of foods they need from the fast food stores. For instance, a standard McDonald’s store will have a variety of meals to choose from, making them very popular with the youth. This industry is also known for its innovative nature. While hotels tend to be conservative by preparing only those meals that are known to their customers, fast food outlets always try to bring something new into their menu. This way, they get to present a variety of meals to their customers. Some of these customers like the experience of having new types of food every time they visit these stores. This makes them anticipate for more new products on every visit they make. This has seen many people, especially the youth, flock in fast food stores.

The societal structure is changing, and some of the roles that were associated with a specific gender, have to be redefined in an environment where both parents are bread winners. The notion that women were supposed to take care of children and home, while men look for family bread is no longer in existence. Women are currently as active in the corporate world just as their male counterparts. They leave their houses in the morning, and come back in the evening as tired as their husbands. It becomes difficult for them to go to the kitchen and prepare meals for the family. Such families have found their solace in the fast food industry (Rosoman 2008, p. 97).

On their way home from work, they can easily walk into a fast food outlet and buy a complete meal for the entire family. This way, they do not have to subject themselves to a tedious task of preparing meals once they get home. Given the friendly pricing of most of the fast food stores, they find it easy to manage their budget easily, while still ensuring that every family member is pleased with the meals they get. Fast food stores have been viewed as a symbol of diversity that we currently have in our society.

The world has been turned into a global village, and it is easy to find people from various corners of the world staying within a small part of town within this country. Qatar, just like the United States, has been attracting many visitors from all parts of the world. With such diversity comes the need to have food outlets that will offer a variety of food products that would meet the diversified needs. Most of the hotels prefer sticking to specific types of food that are popular within a given region. However, giant fast food stores such McDonald’s will find it easy to prepare a variety of meals as long as there is a ready market for these foods.

This not only make such stores convenient for people, but they also act as forums where members of the society get to appreciate the diversity they have in the country. Such social forums encourage integrations among people of different cultural settings. This makes the industry an integral part of the society whose role goes beyond offering meals, but also fostering peace and unity among people from different cultural backgrounds.

Arguments against the Fast Food Industry

Fast food industry has been viewed as one of the leading health concerns in the current society. Some members of the society have also associated fast food industry with a lot of social evils that make them believe that the industry should be eliminated through government policies. It would be necessary to analyze some of the specific claims that have been made against this industry to determine if they are relevant.

According to Dalgleish (2006, p. 67), most of the foods offered in the fast food industry are associated with a series of health problem. The fast food industry offer junk food that many people prefer simply because of their tastes or the belief that they are cheap. The deep-fried chicken or meat, the hamburgers, and such other related foods are rich in calories. When taken regularly, such calories may accumulate in the body leading to serious health consequences.

Currently, the leading causes of death in the United States are the coronary related problems. Other lifestyle diseases such as diabetes are also on the rise. These diseases are directly related to the kind of meals we take, and that is why many health experts have associated them with the fast food outlets. Foods offered in these stores also pose other health problems to the innocent population (Duram 2010, p. 47). As the name suggest, most of the meals at such stores take very a short period of time to be prepared. For example, meat would be fried within the shortest period possible because of the large number of customers that have to be served.

This means that if that particular meat had some infections, then it would be easily consumed by people, a fact that puts their lives into a great danger. The main problem is that the victims do not appreciate that they are subject to some serious health problems that may affect their lifestyle. They know that these risks exist, but prefer to live in denial. This may require some interventions from the government to make the players in this industry comply with some of the standards that should be set by relevant governmental agencies on health.

Fast food industry is one of the strongest forces that lead to distortion of the traditional family structure. According to Hargreave and Hill (2001, p. 95), one of the most important moments in a family is during the meal time. It brings together all members of the family at a table, and this helps strengthen family ties. Members of the family may get to discuss other important matters after meals, and this helps in developing strong foundations for children. This way, children develop as responsible members of the society who appreciates social structures. Parents also get to understand their children, and the specific issues that may be affecting them in one way or the other.

Fast food stores are changing this attractive family structure. Parents now know that they can work till late hours, pass by a fast food outlet and buy food for the entire family. When they reach home late at night, children are always too sleepy to engage in any healthy discussion with their parents. They are forced at eat in a hurry so that they can go to bed. The parents also fail to get quality time for each other. They slowly get withdrawn from each other, and the feeling that they do not need each other starts developing in their minds. The man develops the feeling that he can do without the wife because some of the duties he expected her to address can be taken care of by these outlets. This explains why there is a consistent rise in the rates of divorce (Hayes & Laudan 2009, p. 83).

Most of the fast food stores have been associated with human rights abuse and total disregard to some of the labor laws. According to Torelli (2011, p. 77), the law defines that every American is entitled to work for 7-8 hours in a day. Any other extra hours must be treated as overtime, and such overtime must have higher remunerations. However, a recent study by Aaseng (2001, p. 68) shows that some of these fast food stores are not following this regulation. They subject their employees to poor working environment, and some are forced to be on duty for over 12 hours in a day. While some pretend to pay a little higher for the extra hours worked, most of these stores pay a flat rate even for the overtime that employees are subjected to work. In New York, there have been demonstrations by workers in this industry claiming that their rights are being violated.

In Qatar, things are not any different. Most of the fast food stores prefer employing people as casuals. They would lay them off when they realize that they have worked for them long enough to qualify for permanent employment, only to higher them latter as new employees. According to the report by Pendrys (2011, p. 96), this tactic is very common among the leading firms in this industry. In order to perfect this impunity, they have developed a strategy where their employees are paid per day. This is to confirm that they are treating these employees as casuals whose services are only needed at that moment they are within the firm. As Sacco and Schott (2011, p. 86) observe, poor pay that employees receive from their work is one of the reasons why there is social strife in parts of the society. Such cases as industrial actions have negative impact on the economy.

Some of these employees may even consider engaging in criminal acts to help them increase their income to supplement with what they get from these stores. The increasing numbers of people who visit hospital with lifestyle related diseases have overstretched capacities on most hospitals. This has lowered the quality of service delivered at such institutions.

It is clear from the discussion above that there are people who strongly believe that fast food industry is important in the normal developmental processes in our society. On the other hand, another section believes that fast food industry is associated with health problems and other social evils that make it an undesirable industry. These two factions have very strong reasons that make them believe in their stand. However, a review of both sides’ views reveals that there is some truth in what both sides say. It is a fact that some of the foods offered in the fast food outlets are junk, and therefore, pose serious health problems to the users.

These health problems not only affect the victims but also the government and public in general. When many people fall ill with some complex diseases such as heart problems, the government will be forced to spend a lot to take care of this population. Government expenditure on health sector has been increasing over the last one decade. This is closely related to the foods offered by this industry. As mentioned above, some of these foods pose serious health problems to those who consume them.

The government has the responsibility of ensuring that its citizens get access to quality medical care. Given the increasing number of those who visit hospitals with diseases related to their eating disorders, government facilities are overstretched. This makes it difficult to offer them quality healthcare. In the meantime, the number of people who will be working in the government or private institutions will be decreased. This in turn lowers the output level of the society. Ethically, this may be an unacceptable trend that this society may not tolerate.

On the other hand, it is also true that fast food stores have offered a cheap alternative to the middle class who are struggling to make ends meet. These food outlets are conveniently located along the streets, making it easy for the working class to have access to meals during lunch hours without much struggle. This industry has been very supportive to women who have gotten into the corporate world. They can now get ready meals for their families, lessening the burden of having to prepare meals on their own. In order to find a middle ground between these two contradicting arguments, there is need for a rational reasoning.

Everything when taken in excess has its negative consequences. The society needs awareness campaign to let them know the specific foods to eat in moderation to avoid any negative health consequences. This way, the society will know how to eat responsibly. When the demand for food classified as junk by medical experts reduces, these fast food stores will be forced to stock healthy foods.

Aaseng, N 2001, Business builders in fast food , Oliver Press, Minneapolis. Web.

Carney, G 1995, Fast food, stock cars, and rock ‘n’ roll: Place and space in American pop culture , Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Lanham. Web.

Cate, A 2011, The fast food detox: The 14-day plan to help you eat clean and get lean , Cengage, New York. Web.

Dalgleish, S 2006, Fast food, Smart Apple Media, North Mankato. Web.

Duram, L 2010, Encyclopedia of organic, sustainable, and local food , Greenwood, Santa Barbara. Web.

Emerson, R 1979, Fast food: The endless shakeout , Lebhar-Friedman Books, New York. Web.

Hargreave, J & Hill, T 2001, Fast food Felicity , Nelson Thornes, Cheltenham. Web.

Hayes, D & Laudan, R 2009, Food and nutrition / editorial advisers, Dayle Hayes, Rachel Laudan , Marshall Cavendish Reference, New York. Web.

Jakle, J & Sculle, K 2002, Fast food: Roadside restaurants in the automobile age , Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. Web.

Johansen, L 2012, Fast food vindication: The story you haven’t been told , Murray Press, Los Angeles. Web.

Pendrys, E 2011, Memoirs of a fast food man , Authorhouse, New York. Web.

Rosoman, C 2008, Therapy To Go: Gourmet Fast Food Handouts for Working with Adult Clients , Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London. Web.

Sacco, P & Schott, J 2011, Fast food dating: Your 2 cents: over one thousand served! . DoctorZed Publishing, Adelaide. Web.

Scherer, L 2010, Fast food , Greenhaven Press, Detroit. Web.

Schlosser, E 2012, Fast food nation: The dark side of the all-American meal , Mariner, Boston. Web.

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Smith, A 2012, Fast food and junk food: An encyclopedia of what we love to eat , Greenwood, Santa Barbara. Web.

Torelli, S 2011, The fast-food kitchen , Harvest House Publishers, Eugene. Web.

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• Ideology of Fast Food Industry Development
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• Fast Food's Main Detrimental Effects
• Schlosser's Articles
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• Fast Food, Quick Problem Emergence, Rapid Addiction and Slow Recovery Process
• The Consequences of Fast Food

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IELTS Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Food

Updated On Nov 06, 2023

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Task 2 of IELTS Writing is similar for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General. In this task, you will be expected to write an essay on a given topic. Different types of essays are given in the exam, advantages and disadvantages essay being one of them. Here, we will go through a sample answer of the IELTS essay on advantages and disadvantages of fast food.

Before proceeding to the sample answer, it is best to learn some ways to achieve a band score of 8 for Writing Task 2 that will help you write your own essay on the topic.

Here is a step-by-step guide to write such essays in Writing Task -1.

• Understand the Prompt: Read the essay prompt carefully and ensure you comprehend the topic. Identify whether you are required to discuss advantages, disadvantages, or both.
• Brainstorm Ideas: Spend a few minutes brainstorming points for each aspect (advantages and disadvantages) of the topic. Jot down key ideas and examples that support your arguments.
• Plan Your Essay: Create a rough outline for your essay. Decide on the structure, including how many paragraphs you’ll have and the main points for each section.
• Write the Introduction: Start with a clear and concise introduction. Mention that you will discuss both advantages and disadvantages in your essay. Provide a brief overview of your main points.
• Develop the Body Paragraphs: Dedicate one or two paragraphs to each aspect (advantages and disadvantages). Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point. Follow with supporting details, examples, and explanations.
• Address Each Point: Balance your discussion of advantages and disadvantages, giving roughly equal attention to both unless the prompt specifies otherwise.
• Write a Conclusion: Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. Restate your position on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa. Provide a final thought or recommendation, if appropriate.
• Proofread and Edit: Carefully review your essay for grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and spelling errors. Ensure that your sentences are clear and concise. Check that your essay meets the word count requirement.

Now, let us learn how to frame an essay using the above-mentioned steps.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task .

Write at least 250 words.

Nowadays people have greater access to fast food. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Advantages – Disadvantages Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic of the essay and mention that the essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages.

Paragraph 1: Advantages of access to fast food

Paragraph 2: Disadvantages of access to fast food

Conclusion 

Clearly restate points covered in the essay.

Sample Answer 1 

The traction towards fast food has been on the rise for the past few years. As a result, fast-food outlets have mushroomed in every corner of the world. This essay will discuss both sides of this inclination and highlight how the disadvantages of the rampant availability of fast foods outweigh the advantages.

On the bright side, the availability of fast food is a boon to the working population as well as people who live alone away from home. Nowadays, it is quite common for spouses to go outside to work. Consequently, the easy access to these foods makes life easier for them as they juggle their office and home chores . Moreover, these convenience foods are economical and delectable if bought from appropriate places. Therefore, they are the best alternatives for healthy food, which is sometimes exorbitant .

However, unbridled accessibility and consumption of fast foods have an array of adverse effects. Firstly, it affects the health of the consumer and raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases, dental problems, etc. Obesity is one of the major side effects of these foods. Secondly, the innumerable ways of obtaining fast food is making people sluggish . For example, due to online delivery options like Zomato, Swiggy, etc., people do not have to go out to eat. This makes them dependent on these apps and gradually, they give up cooking and become torpid . Lastly, overconsumption of fast foods can lead to mental issues like depression and anxiety, as argued by many scientific researchers. They claim as people are more inclined towards eating fast foods, they do not maintain a healthy lifestyle, which contributes to these issues.

In the end, even though fast foods are easy to cook, inexpensive and readily available, greater access to them certainly has more pitfalls than gains.

• Traction (noun)

Meaning: the extent to which something new becomes popular

E.g: His debut album gained a lot of traction.

• Mushroomed (verb)

Meaning: increase, spread, or develop rapidly

E.g: Beauty salons have mushroomed in our village in the past two years.

• Rampant (adjective)

Meaning: happening a lot or becoming worse, usually in a way that is out of control

E.g: The rampant poaching of animals and birds has led to biodiversity loss in many places.

• Boon (noun)

Meaning: a thing that is helpful or beneficial

E.g: The construction of the dam is a boon to the nearby villages.

• Chores (noun)

Meaning: a job or piece of work that needs to be done regularly

E.g: I divide the chores equally among all members of the household.

• Exorbitant (adjective)

Meaning: much more than is reasonable

E.g: The supermarket charges an exorbitant price for most items it sells.

• Unbridled (adjective)

Meaning: unrestrained

E.g: Letting the tiger roam unbridled in the forest can be dangerous to the nearby villages.

• Sluggish (adjective)

Meaning: lacking in energy; lazy

E.g: My son has become sluggish.

• Torpid (adjective)

Meaning: not active

E.g: Most students in our high school are torpid.

• Pitfall (noun)

Meaning: problem that is likely to happen

E.g: There are pitfalls of using cars on these roads.

Looking for expert advice to ace IELTS? Worry no more. Check out our guide on IELTS Exam Preparation tips .

Sample Answer 2 (320 words)

In today’s fast-paced world, access to fast food has become more convenient than ever before. This essay will explore both the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

One of the primary advantages of greater access to fast food is convenience. Fast food restaurants are widely available, often 24/7, allowing people to grab a quick meal on their way to work or when they have a busy schedule.

Another advantage is the affordability of fast food. In comparison to dining at traditional restaurants, fast food is usually more budget-friendly. Families on a tight budget often find it economical to choose fast food as an occasional dining option.

Furthermore, fast food establishments often offer a variety of menu choices. This allows consumers to select from a range of options, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.

On the flip side, greater access to fast food can lead to health-related problems. Many fast food items are high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sugar, which can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Excessive consumption of fast food has been linked to various health issues, making it a concerning aspect of this accessibility.

Another disadvantage is the environmental impact of the fast food industry. The production and distribution of fast food contribute to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and excessive waste generation. This has a detrimental effect on the environment and contributes to climate change.

Moreover, the convenience of fast food may lead to a decline in home-cooked meals. As more people opt for the ease of fast food, traditional cooking skills may erode, resulting in a loss of cultural culinary traditions and diminished family bonding over meals.

In conclusion, while greater access to fast food offers convenience, affordability, and menu diversity, it also presents significant disadvantages such as health concerns, environmental issues, and a potential decline in home cooking. Whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages largely depends on an individual’s choices and lifestyle.

• Convenience (Noun)

Meaning: Suitable for one’s needs; making life easier.

Eg: The convenience of online shopping has revolutionized the way we shop.

• Budget-friendly (Adjective)

Meaning: Cost-effective; not expensive.

Eg: The local farmer’s market offers budget-friendly organic produce.

• Diverse (Adjective)

Meaning: Showing a great deal of variety; different.

Eg: The city’s cultural festival showcased diverse traditions from around the world.

• Obesity (Noun)

Meaning: Excessive body weight often associated with health issues.

Eg: Childhood obesity is a growing concern in many developed countries.

• Deforestation (Noun)

Meaning: The action of clearing forests, often for agricultural purposes.

Eg: Deforestation has led to the loss of many endangered species’ habitats.

• Culinary (Adjective)

Meaning: Relating to the practice or skills of cooking.

Eg: The culinary school offers a wide range of cooking courses.

• Erode (Verb)

Meaning: Gradually destroy or diminish something over time.

Eg: The constant exposure to water eroded the coastline.

• Cultural Traditions (Phrase)

Meaning: The customs, beliefs, and practices passed down within a society.

Eg: Preserving cultural traditions is essential for maintaining a sense of identity.

Also, check:

• IELTS Writing Actual Test & Band 8.0 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay – Topic: Travel
• IELTS Writing Actual Test In 2016 & Band 8.0 Sample Advantage/Disadvantage Essays
• IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Of Band 8.5 – Topic: Traffic & Accommodation
• IELTS Writing Actual Test & Band 9.0 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay – Topic: Gap Year
• IELTS Writing Actual Test In April 2016 – Band 8.5 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
• Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic & Band 8.5 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

Practice IELTS Writing Task 1 based on report types

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IELTS Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Food: Tips to Write

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Updated on 13 April, 2023

Mrinal Mandal

Study abroad expert.

Want to practice the IELTS essay on advantages and disadvantages of fast food? This is one of the common topics for the IELTS essay. Do not devote more than forty minutes to this assignment. You should maintain a minimum word count of 250 words. There is no upper limit, but that does not mean that you go overboard and write a few thousand words! Stick to a logical and coherent essay that crisply articulates your opinion.

Table of Contents

Popular study abroad destinations, ielts essay on advantages and disadvantages of fast food- samples.

Question-  The advantages and disadvantages of fast food . 

Essay 1- 

Fast food has steadily become an intrinsic component of our daily lives, and while it keeps attaining popularity, there is a need to review its advantages and disadvantages. 

We cannot deny that fast food ushers in lifestyle ailments and health problems for its consumers and society. Fast food contains lipids in excessive amounts, which are harmful chemical substances that people should ideally stay away from. With the growing consumption of fast food, people keep adding more lipids to their bodies, leading to obesity and a lower inclination towards exercising and physical activities. Eating excessive fast food also increases blood cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) and causes major ailments like heart disease. 

While it has its clear disadvantages, fast food has still attained more popularity owing to its widespread benefits. In modern times, with hectic schedules to meet, most people lack the time and energy to prepare home-cooked meals. They consume fast food conveniently at competitive prices, offering sufficient nourishment and energy to sustain long working hours. At the same time, fast food has a unique and compelling taste that stimulates food lovers to indulge it. Fast food is also prepared hygienically in most cases while being a blessing for busy working people who barely have time to sit down and eat their meals, let alone prepare them! Studies have also shown that consuming fast food in smaller amounts periodically can boost immunity and enhance the appetite of individuals. Many fast foods also incorporate healthier items, including vegetables, herbs and even salads, which ensure some minerals and vitamins in the daily diet. 

Thus, it can be concluded that fast food has its own set of advantages and disadvantages though the onus to regulate consumption rests with consumers. While fast food offers great taste and convenience, it does bring health issues in the long run. Hence, regulating consumption and adopting a balanced approach is the best solution in this regard. (317 words)

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Essay 2- 

Fast-food consumption has increased exponentially in recent years. Many people encourage fast food consumption, stating that it offers better taste, enhances the appetite, and comes with certain healthy ingredients. At the same time, another cross-section warns of the impending health issues sparked by excessive consumption of fast food, including higher blood cholesterol, obesity, and heart disease. It is important to discuss both arguments objectively to conclude. 

There are numerous advantages of fast food that cannot be ignored. Firstly, fast food can be consumed easily since it is prepared quickly and sold almost everywhere. Secondly, many people do not have sufficient time to prepare meals at home. They depend on readily available and pocket-friendly fast food for their daily dose of energy and nutrition. At the same time, it is not always the case that fast food companies use only unhealthy ingredients. Many fast food items make use of healthy vegetables, organic elements, herbs, and other ingredients at times. Thirdly, fast food consumers vouch for the riot of flavours that enrich their taste buds, thereby increasing their appetite and inculcating a love for food in their minds. 

However, the disadvantages of fast food cannot be ignored. Fast food is often prepared with unhealthy lipids and fats, which we unknowingly keep adding to our bodies. Fast food can make us overweight or obese while leading to issues with blood cholesterol, heart ailments and more. Fast food can sometimes impact the liver as well. It has also led to the slow death of many home-cooked recipes that have been consumed traditionally across households. 

To sum up the argument, fast food has its drawbacks and advantages. The best way out is to consume fast food in limited amounts every month for starters and emphasize on preparing healthy home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients. The Government and other authorities can also consider implementing minimum health standards to make fast food less harmful from a long-term perspective. (320 words) 

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Home Essay Samples Food Fast Food

Why Fast Food Should Be Banned: Overview of the Arguments in the Debate

Table of contents, the health crisis argument, the environmental impact argument, the counterarguments, social and cultural considerations, the conclusion.

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Essay#60 | Fast food

In many cases, when you give your view in the introduction of an opinion essay, your ideas may be more complicated than ‘I completely agree’ or ‘I completely disagree’. It’s a good idea to learn some phrases to explain your opinion in a more sophisticated way.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model answer.

The growth of the fast food industry has, without doubt, impacted the eating habits and the health of many societies around the world. Diabetes, high cholesterol, heart, and respiratory problems are all on the rise due to fatty and sugar-rich food. However, the question is whether a higher tax would improve this situation or not.

From an economic point of view, a higher tax might seem sensible. In countries such as the USA, Australia, and Britain, the healthcare system spends a large part of its budget on people with diet-related health problems. It could be argued that these people have caused their own illnesses because of their choice of food. In this case, why should they expect the state to pay for their treatment? The tax could help fund the healthcare system.

However, we also need to consider which socio-economic group consumes fast food as the main part of their diet. Statistics indicate that lower income groups eat more of this food than wealthier people. One possible reason for this is that fast food is far cheaper than fresh produce. This is because many governments offer large subsidies to farmers who provide products for the fast food industry, such as corn, wheat, and beef. Fruit and vegetables, on the other hand, are not subsidised. Research suggests that many families simply cannot afford to buy healthy food or pay higher taxes on fast food. For them, fast food is not a choice but a necessity.

In conclusion, imposing a higher tax on fast food does not seem to be the answer. If the government chose to do this, it would only lead to greater poverty and families facing further hardship.

(278 words)

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The Fast Food Industry, Essay Example

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Present a reasoned argument for and against the fast food industry in the US. You may include the advantages such as economic and social advantages, along with the disadvantages including increases in obesity, types of employment, etc.

Fast food consumption in America has risen over the last decades. Consumers spend a good amount of money on fast food rather than cooking inside the home most of the time(Jekanowski, Binkley, & Eales, 2001). This lends to assumptions and research facts regarding the concept of advantages and disadvantages in the fast food industry.

Advantages of the Industry

Fast Food Businesses

The fast food industry offers advantages to businesses, individual consumers, and the economy in the U.S. Fast food businesses benefit from the industry in the way of profits received from the demand for fast food by the public. Fast food businesses use promotional strategies to increase sales and thus increase their profits. For example, McDonald’s is known for using “in-your-face” strategies that include having McDonald’s restaurants in many different locations where “people live, work, play, or gather”(Jekanowski, Binkley, & Eales, 2001, p. 59). According to an article in Forbes , fast food restaurants have very lucrative per-store profits every year. For instance, Chick-fil-A grosses an average $3.1 million per store each year. McDonald’s is in second place with $2.6 million in sales per store, and Jason’s Deli is in third place with $2.55 million per store(Tice, 2013).

Individual Consumers

While fast food businesses profit from consumer spending on fast food, the individual consumer benefits from the fast food industry in the way of convenience and accessibility. Consumers assess prices of food products, but they also assess the time it takes to obtain the food for consumption. This refers to “time costs incurred when purchasing and consuming food” (Jekanowski, Binkley, & Eales, 2001, p. 60).Time cost is important to consumers and they benefit from fast food because it allows them to get food faster than having to cook it at home. Also, there are so many fast food choices in the U.S. today that it is very accessible, so there is no fear of not having choices when it comes to fast food. Another advantage of the fast food industry for consumers is employment (HNC, 2014).

The Economy

The advantages of the fast food industry for the economy is that it promotes economic development, and consumer spending, which stimulates the economy. This is particularly true because fast food sales in the U.S. contribute to the buy local movement, which impacts the flow of money in the country. This has an economic impact by keeping the economy going. In addition, the economy benefits from the high volume of dollars spent in the fast food industry, because it stimulates currency circulation in the country by which more people can benefit, such as the restaurant owners and workers getting paid to take care of their expenses, families, and lifestyles(Schwartz, 2009).

Disadvantages in the Industry

As stated, the fast food industry also has it disadvantages, which largely affect consumers in the way of health problems that stem from the unhealthy contents of most fast foods. Fast food often has high levels of cholesterol, sodium, Trans fats and saturated fats, which lead to heart disease, obesity and other health issues(HNC, 2014). Eating fast food on the run has replaced traditional sit-down dinners that were cooked at home for the family. Unfortunately, many children are fed fast foods more often than having the benefits of home cooked meals(Jekanowski, Binkley, & Eales, 2001). Additionally, fast food consumption has been proven to contribute to obesity and the health conditions that stem from being obese. Studies show that consuming fast food two or more times a week is associated with a 31% higher risk of abdominal obesity in men and a 25% higher risk in women(Jaworowska, Blackham, Davies, & Stevenson, 2013). Another study by the Journal of the Medical Association (2010) revealed that the obesity rate in the United States has doubled since 1970 until now, which is now one-third of Americans. Additionally, the number of Americans who are overweight but not yet classified as obese is two-thirds of the people in the country(Hojjat, 2015). In other words, 60% of Americans are overweight and 30% have gone past that to obesity.

Health issues resulting from fast food consumption has a negative economic impact on the country, because it is associated with higher health and medical costs. Disease and conditions related to unhealthy diets and obesity raises healthcare and health insurance costs. In addition, it causes increased disability insurance premiums and premature deaths. It also causes work absenteeism and lost productivity in the working sector because people are sick. This is due to individual decisions to make unhealthy choices with poor diets and lack of exercise and other unhealthy life behaviors(Hojjat, 2015).

The fast food industry is both a blessing and a curse, it seems, as there are some advantages; however, the disadvantages seem to outweigh the advantages to individuals and the economy, as it pertains to healthcare costs. This is particularly true when the disadvantages affect the nation’s children. Research shows that the fast food industry has attempted to change some menu items to healthier choices, but the problems outlined here remain(Jaworowska, Blackham, Davies, & Stevenson, 2013).

HNC. (2014). Pros and Cons of Fast Food . Retrieved from http://healthnewschannel.net/Disadvantages-Of-Fast-Food.html

Hojjat, T. A. (2015). The Economic Analysis of Obesity. Review of Business & Finance Studies, 6 (1), 81-98.

Jaworowska, A., Blackham, T., Davies, I. G., & Stevenson, L. (2013, May). Nutritional challenges and health implications of takeaway and fast food. Nutrition Reviews, 71 (5), 310-318.

Jekanowski, M. D., Binkley, J. K., & Eales, J. (2001). Convenience, Accessibility, and the Demand for Fast Food. Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 26 (1), 58-74.

Schwartz, J. D. (2009, June 11). Buying Local: How It Boosts the Economy . Retrieved from Time: http://content.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1903632,00.html

Tice, C. (2013). Million-Dollar Burger — The Most Lucrative Fast-Food Restaurants . Retrieved from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/caroltice/2013/08/30/million-dollar-burger-the-most-lucrative-fast-food-restaurants/

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Essay on Fast Food: Pros and Cons

It is evident that fast food essays generally deal with the question of whether it is reasonable or not to eat junk food. The following fast food essay will therefore explore the issue of junk food consumption revealing both sides of the question. The paper represents an argumentative essay on fast food as it contains arguments both in favor and against junk food. It also briefly discusses the health problems of American nation explained by the consumption of fast food in great amounts. Therefore, the paper presented below can be regarded as a fast food nation essay. Just like any essay on fast food, the current paper will give details as for the development of fast food industry and the consequences of regular eating of junk food for the world population. The current fast food argumentative essay will focus on the American nation as a target population. Although fast food industry provides products and services to almost every country of the world, the current essay about fast food will provide data on the prevalence of junk food only in the United States.

First of all, let us discuss the arguments against fast food in an attempt to answer the question of why junk food should be avoided at all costs.

• The first counter-argument against junk food is the fact that such food greatly contributes to the problem of obesity and overweight across the American nation. It is associated with other health problems as well. Cardiovascular disease is among the threats associated with regular consumption of fast food. Although it is quite understandable that in today’s fast-moving world people do not have much time for having a proper snack, it is much better to find some healthier alternatives rather than consume junk food. Due to all the health hazards associated with junk food, it would be even better to skip the meal and go hungry than drop at some fast food restaurant.
• Another issue of concern is the horrible conditions in which animals are kept before slaughter. You’ve probably seen the terrifying movies about how badly animals are treated before they are slaughtered, while the heart-breaking photos of poor animals are broadly promoted by mass media. Many of these animals are kept in extremely tight places, so that in order to prevent them from getting sick in such horrible conditions, the animals are fed with antibiotics that consequently end up in the food we consume. Isn’t it a reason to stop eating junk food? Maybe with such knowledge some people would even become vegetarians, although it is at least possible to simply choose some healthier options. Nowadays, the choice of food is really diverse and you can always find something that would meet your preferences and tastes.
• Another issue is the ingredients of junk food. It is evident that fast food contains various chemicals in the form of preservatives that are needed to keep the food fresh. Some chicken foods are produced mechanically, and this means that the scraps from chickens actually end up in hamburgers and other kinds of meat-containing fast food. Furthermore, if you ever happen to learn the ingredients of your favorite junk meals, you would probably be greatly surprised to see that apart from preservatives junk food is filled with artificial coloring substances, sodium glutamate and many other harmful components.
• One more issue is the quality of junk food . You do not need to be an expert to see that most of the fast-food restaurants do not use ingredients of the highest quality. This includes the wilted lettuce used for the production of hamburgers and excessively chewy chicken that does not look like a high-quality meat at all. Fast-food restaurants use the cheapest ingredients in the process of production, and most people do not even realize that sometimes it is better and much healthier to make a hamburger yourself than buy one from a fast-food chain. 
• Besides, fast food safety and preparation leave much to be desired. The employees hired for cooking the fast food meals do not undergo any adequate training on food safety. Therefore, you might expect that someone who was preparing your hamburger did not even wash their hands. No one wants to suffer from food poisoning, but most people do not realize that fast food poses a great threat of poisoning, and should therefore be avoided. As for the food preparation, most of the meals available in fast-food restaurants are not even cooked properly. The frozen food is simply unwrapped and dropped into a greasy microwave to be processed into something more or less edible.

Despite the obvious danger of fast food consumption, many people still enjoy dropping at fast-food restaurants to have a snack during the break or simply because they like the taste of such meals. Here are some counter arguments why people choose fast food over healthier options.

• Fast food is quick to cook. In today’s busy and dynamic world, most people simply do not have much time to eat properly. Therefore, they choose a quick way to get nourished by dropping at fast-food restaurants.
• Many people also claim that they enjoy the taste of junk food. It is true that junk food is tasty, and most people cannot resist the temptation of eating their favorite hamburger or French fries.
• Another reason why people choose junk food is its price. Fast food is rather inexpensive so that you don’t have to spend much money to have a quick snack.
• Most people also claim that they are too busy to cook, while some people admit that they simply want to treat themselves with something tasty every so often and at the same time avoid the necessity to cook.
• Another argument in favor of junk food is that it helps in socializing with family and friends. It is obvious that it is much better to sit in the comfort of a fast-food restaurant and chat with friends than eat a snack alone.  

It is up to you whether to choose fast food or some other kinds of snacks, but the truth is that the drawbacks of fast food seem to overweight the positive sides. That is why if you are a fan of junk food, you’d rather reconsider your preferences for the sake of health and safety.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Fast Food — Fast Food And Why It Should Be Banned

Fast Food Should Be Banned: Analysis of Health Effects

• Categories: Fast Food Junk Food Obesity

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Words: 1465 |

Published: Jan 28, 2021

Words: 1465 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, why should fast food be banned, works cited.

• Oliver, J. (2010, February). Teach every child about food. TED. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver?language=en
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Overweight & obesity: Adult obesity facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
• World Health Organization. (2021). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
• American Heart Association. (n.d.). Fast food and your heart. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/fast-food-and-your-heart
• Stuckler, D., & Nestle, M. (2012). Big food, food systems, and global health. PLoS Medicine, 9(6), e1001242. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001242
• Ludwig, D. S., Peterson, K. E., & Gortmaker, S. L. (2001). Relation between consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity: A prospective, observational analysis. The Lancet, 357(9255), 505-508. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(00)04041-1
• Rosenheck, R. (2008). Fast food consumption and increased caloric intake: A systematic review of a trajectory towards weight gain and obesity risk. Obesity Reviews, 9(6), 535-547. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2008.00477.x
• Nestle, M. (2013). Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health (3rd ed.). University of California Press.
• Roberts, C., Troop, N., & Connors, M. (2019). Eating Behaviours and Obesity. In R. F. Bell & J. M. Lundahl (Eds.), Handbook of Obesity Treatment (pp. 55-67). Springer.
• Smith, T., Smith, B., & Kelly, P. (2018). "Just one more piece of cake." Obesogenic environments and the irresistible pull of sweet treats. In M. K. Demauro (Ed.), Sugar Consumption and Health (pp. 61-76). Nova Science Publishers.

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Ielts essay # 1423 - more and more people are turning towards fast food, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, with the fast pace of modern life, more and more people are turning towards fast food for their main meals., do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages.

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Student Opinion

What Is Your Relationship With Fast Food?

Do you love it, hate it or feel something in between?

By Michael Gonchar

Fast food is seemingly everywhere. One can find a McDonald’s, a Chick-fil-A, a Taco Bell, a Wendy’s, a Dunkin’ or a Domino’s, just to name a few of the most popular chains, in towns and cities across the United States and around the world.

What do you think about fast food? Is it something that improves our lives and makes the world a better place? Or is it a bad thing for our health and a negative influence in our communities?

Brian Gallagher begins the article “ Fast Food Forever: How McHaters Lost the Culture War ” by discussing how the fast food industry faced a strong backlash two decades ago, when the film “Super Size Me,” directed by and starring Morgan Spurlock, became a smash hit. He writes:

Following Mr. Spurlock as he ate nothing but McDonald’s for 30 days — and the ill effects that diet had on his health — the film became the high-water mark in a tide of sentiment against fast food. McDonald’s, specifically, became a symbol for the glossy hegemony of American capitalism both at home and abroad. “McJobs” became a term for low-paying, dead-end positions, “McMansions” for garish, oversize houses. In 1992, the political theorist Benjamin Barber used the term “McWorld” as shorthand for emergent neoliberal dominance; seven years later, protesters against the World Trade Organization seemed to agree, launching a newspaper box through a McDonald’s window during the “Battle of Seattle” marches. Two years after that, Eric Schlosser’s “ Fast Food Nation ” was published. A broad indictment of the entire fast-food industry, the best seller accused the industry of being bad for the environment, rife with labor issues, culturally flattening and culinarily fattening.

The article explains that fast food is still thriving 20 years later:

But two decades later, not only is McDonald’s bigger than ever, with nearly 42,000 global locations, but fast food in general has boomed. There are now some 40 chains with more than 500 locations in the United States. Fast food is the second-largest private employment sector in the country, after hospitals, and 36 percent of Americans — about 84 million people — eat fast food on any given day. The three major appeals of fast food remain intact: It’s cheap, it’s convenient and people like the way it tastes.

Mr. Gallagher also discusses the pivotal role that children play for the fast food industry:

Historically, fast-food companies have been very astute about marketing to children, realizing decades ago that creating customers early means creating customers for life. At the peak of his fame in the 1980s, Ronald McDonald was in some countries more recognizable to children than Mickey Mouse. In 2000, 90 percent of children ages 6 to 9 visited a McDonald’s in a given month. But as Frances Fleming-Milici, the director of marketing initiatives at the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, put it, “If it’s marketed to children, it’s probably bad for you.” That became increasingly clear in the mid-2000s. Childhood obesity rates had nearly tripled in 25 years, and the public outcry was growing more urgent. A consortium of large food brands, including McDonald’s, Burger King, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, tried to get out in front of the problem. They formed the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative , and the participating corporations self-imposed limits on advertising to children under 13 (later 12). In place of that marketing to children, though, the big fast-food chains have found something arguably more potent, with McDonald’s, as ever, leading the way. “They’re hyperfocusing on what they call fan-favorite moments, trying to essentially identify how we emotionally connect to McDonald’s,” said Kaitlin Ceckowski, who researches fast-food marketing strategies at Mintel, a market research agency. “What ‘human truths’ exist around their brand?”

Students, read the entire article and then tell us:

Do you like to eat fast food? Why, or why not?

Which fast food chains are your favorites — or least favorites? Why?

When was the last time you ate fast food? In a typical month, how often do you eat it?

Do you think fast food chains make your town or city a better place to live? Why, or why not?

The article discusses paid partnerships between Travis Scott and McDonald’s, Megan Thee Stallion and Popeyes, Ice Spice and Dunkin’, and Lil Nas X and Taco Bell. Do these celebrity ad campaigns make you want to eat fast food more? In general, do you think that fast food advertising is effective — especially with children and teenagers? Why, or why not?

Are you concerned about health issues associated with eating too much fast food, such as diabetes and obesity? Do you think more should be done — by parents, companies or the government — to help limit how much fast food children eat? Why, or why not?

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Watch CBS News

Americans are choking on surging fast-food prices. "I can't justify the expense," one customer says

By Khristopher J. Brooks

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: May 9, 2024 / 2:03 PM EDT / CBS News

Kevin Roberts remembers when he could get a bacon cheeseburger, fries and a drink from Five Guys for $10. But that was years ago. When the Virginia high school teacher recently visited the fast-food chain, the food alone without a beverage cost double that amount.

Roberts, 38, now only gets fast food "as a rare treat," he told CBS MoneyWatch. "Nothing has made me cook at home more than fast-food prices."

Roberts is hardly alone. Many consumers are expressing frustration at the surge in fast-food prices, which are starting to scare off budget-conscious customers.

A January  poll  by consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions found that about 25% of people who make under $50,000 were cutting back on fast food, pointing to cost as a concern.

For some of the nation's best-known restaurant chains, losing lower-income customers means weaker sales, and potentially a dent to profits, said restaurant analyst Mark Kalinowski, president of Kalinowski Equity Research.

"When you look at McDonald's, they're not getting a majority of high-income customers — the middle- and lower-income class are the bulk of their business," he said. "They need to be cautious with their spending, and that's what you're seeing right now."

"Forget about it — I'm going home"

As fast-food prices have risen, recent earnings reports from industry leaders such as McDonald's and Taco Bell parent Yum Brands show that same-store sales have slipped over the last year. 

"The whole conceit was that you were getting some OK-level of food for a low price and you could get it quick," Roberts said. "Now I can't justify the expense. If I'm paying $15 for a burger and fry and drink and it's McDonalds quality, forget about it — I'm going home."

Casual dining restaurants are also feeling the absence of low-income Americans. The CEO of Dine Brands, which owns Applebee's and IHOP,  told CNBC this week that the casual restaurants are seeing a decline in low-income customers. 

How much have fast-food chains raised prices?

Fast-food prices have shot up over the last decade,  according  to FinanceBuzz. The personal finance site found that the price of a McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal from McDonald's more than doubled in price from $5.39 in 2014 to $11.99 this year.

Other restaurant chains also have jacked up their prices, FinanceBuzz said. Between 2014 and 2024, Popeye's, Jimmy John's and Subway hiked their food prices 86%, 62% and 39%, respectively. The price of a two-piece chicken combo at Popeyes jumped from $6.49 to $11.39 over that period, while an eight-inch club tuna from Jimmy Johns rose from $5.75 to $9.10, according to FinanceBuzz. 

FinanceBuzz derived its data by selecting 10 menu items from each fast-food chain, using third-party websites like fastfoodmenuprices.com and menuwithprice.com to check the menu prices in 2014, 2019 and 2024. 

To be sure, menu item prices at fast-food restaurants can vary wildly by state. While prices are set at the corporate level for some fast-food restaurants, they are determined by individual franchise owners at others. 

Why are fast-food prices rising?

Restaurant chains point to rising labor costs as a  key factor driving up prices . Across the U.S., 22 states raised their  minimum wages in January , although the federal baseline pay remains stuck at $7.25 an hour. In California, fast-food chains with 60 or more locations nationwide are now required to pay their workers a minimum wage of  $20 an hour  following passage of a new law last fall. 

Labor advocates dispute that rising employee wages are to blame for higher fast-food costs. A March analysis of California fast-food restaurants by the Roosevelt Institute, a liberal think tank, noted the industry's record profit margins.

"Our analysis of financial data for the past decade finds increases in fast-food industry operating profits and rising markups, suggesting that affected employers can absorb the increased operating costs associated with a higher industry minimum wage without increasing consumer prices or reducing employment," the report states.

Jack in the Box, Jimmy Johns, McDonald's, Popeyes, Subway and Yum did not respond to requests for comment from CBS MoneyWatch. 

For now, companies appear to be looking toward rewards points programs,  discounts  and mobile  apps  in an effort to keep customers loyal. But McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged the impact of rising prices last month in an earnings call. 

"[A]cross almost all major markets, industry traffic is slowing," Chris Kempczinski told Wall Street Analysis. "McDonald's has a long history of being the go-to destination for value, and it's imperative that we continue to keep affordability at the forefront for our customers."

Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, Newsday and the Florida Times-Union. His reporting primarily focuses on the U.S. housing market, the business of sports and bankruptcy.

More from CBS News

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