In 2017, American eating habits reflected a nation balancing convenience, wellness, and global flavors. Burgers, pizza, and chicken wings remained crowd favorites, while food trends like cauliflower rice and smoothie bowls signaled shifting tastes.
Data from restaurant visits, packaged food sales, and social media mentions highlight which dishes dominated plates and headlines that year. This overview captures the most popular food in America 2017 through clear comparisons and practical insights.
| Food Category | Top Dishes | Dining Occasion | Key Trend in 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Service | Burgers, Chicken Wings, Pizza | Casual family meals | Fast-casual upgrades and customization |
| Comfort Food | Mac and Cheese, Fried Chicken | Weekend and family dining | Nostalgia-driven menu revivals |
| Health-Conscious | Avocado Toast, Smoothie Bowls | Breakfast and light lunch | Plant-based, gluten-free options |
| Snacking On-the-Go | Greek Yogurt, Protein Bars | Between meals and work breaks | High-protein, portable formats |
Classic Fast Food Favorites in 2017
Chain restaurants and drive-thru windows pushed classic fast food into the spotlight in 2017. Burger joints introduced thicker patties and artisanal buns, while pizza chains focused on deeper flavor through unique crusts and premium toppings.
Burger Trends
Thick, juicy patties, aged cheeses, and creative toppings made burgers a top seller. Limited-time offers and regional variations kept consumer interest high throughout the year.
Wings and Pizza Popularity
Buffalo wings gained traction through game-day promotions and spicy sauces, and pizza benefited from thin, deep-dish, and gluten-free crust options that appealed to diverse diets.
Comfort Food Revival and Home-Style Cooking
Amid a fast-paced lifestyle, many consumers sought solace in rich, familiar dishes. Comfort food menus leaned on creamy sauces, crispy coatings, and shareable formats that encouraged lingering at restaurants.
Mac and Reinventions
Mac and cheese moved beyond basic school lunches, appearing with truffle oil, lobster, and spicy chorizo twists that broadened its appeal across age groups.
Fried Chicken and Sides
Crispy fried chicken, often paired with creative sides like waffle fries and pickled vegetables, became a signature dish for both casual and celebratory meals.
Health-Conscious Eating Patterns
Rising interest in wellness influenced food choices in 2017, with consumers gravitating toward fresher ingredients, lean proteins, and vibrant produce. Restaurants responded by highlighting salads, bowls, and dishes that aligned with plant-forward lifestyles.
Avocado and Bowl Culture
Avocado toast and mixed bowls featuring quinoa, roasted vegetables, and lean meats defined breakfast and lunch for health-focused diners. These formats lent themselves well to customization and visually appealing social media posts.
Clean-Label and Alternatives
Gluten-free bread, dairy-free milks, and snacks with shorter ingredient lists signaled a shift toward transparency, helping brands build trust with increasingly informed consumers.
Snacking and On-the-Go Options
Busy schedules encouraged eating patterns centered around portability and speed. Single-serve products and grab-and-go formats thrived in retail and food service, especially among younger demographics.
Protein-Centric Snacks
Greek yogurt, jerky, and protein bars helped consumers manage hunger between meals while aligning with fitness and satiety goals.
Convenience without Compromise
Mini wraps, pre-cut produce, and ready-to-drink smoothies offered balanced nutrition without lengthy preparation, supporting on-the-go lifestyles.
Looking Ahead from 2017
- Monitor flavor-forward twists on classics, such as loaded burgers and globally inspired pizza toppings.
- Prioritize protein and fiber in on-the-go options to meet demand for sustained energy.
- Balance indulgent comfort dishes with lighter, vegetable-forward sides.
- Leverage customization to appeal to diverse dietary preferences and tastes.
- Emphasize transparent labeling and recognizable ingredients to build consumer trust.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which dishes were most ordered in U.S. restaurants in 2017?
Burgers, chicken wings, pizza, mac and cheese, and grilled chicken sandwiches topped ordering data from both quick-service and casual dining segments.
What health trends influenced popular food choices in 2017?
Consumers sought gluten-free, plant-based, and high-protein options, driving popularity of dishes like avocado toast, smoothie bowls, and protein-centric snacks.
Why did chicken wings see a surge in popularity during 2017?
Wings benefited from game-day promotions, bold sauces, and diverse flavor profiles that encouraged sharing in social and sports-viewing settings.
How did snacking habits evolve in 2017 compared to earlier years?
Snacking shifted toward nutritionally focused products such as Greek yogurt, jerky, and portion-controlled bowls, reflecting a desire for convenience without sacrificing nutrition.