Fast-food juggernauts such as McDonald’s and KFC might have taken over the world, but their days of domestic dominance may be numbered if they don’t start offering healthier and more innovative menu items. That was the takeaway from , which came out today.
Consumer Reportsreceived feedback from readers who ate 92,208 meals at 65 chains and ranked the food on a scale of 1 to 10. Results were divided into culinary categories, like burgers, sandwiches, and Mexican food.
The results had many of the larger chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Subway scoring near or at the bottom in their respective categories, while chains known to focus on quality ingredients, such as In-N-Out Burger and Chipotle, fared much better.
As Consumer Reports senior projects editor Tod Marks, “More and more, food quality—not just low price—is emerging as a deciding factor for many Americans.”
Food quality is also usurping convenience in what American consumers look for in fast food, as survey results also suggest that consumers are increasingly willing to go farther out of their way to get a more satisfying dining experience.