Fast food is all about convenience, but if you’ve ever worked behind the counter, you know some menu items are better left alone.
In online discussions, interviews, and insider reports, employees from various chains have shared which orders they personally avoid and why.
From items that sit out too long to those that just aren’t worth the price, here’s what workers say you might want to skip next time.
Grilled Chicken That’s Been Sitting Too Long
While grilled chicken can be a healthier choice, some employees say it’s often pre-cooked in batches and left under a warmer for hours. This can dry it out and affect flavor. If you want it fresh, workers recommend asking politely if it can be made to order — it might take a few minutes, but you’ll get a juicier result.
Ice from the Soda Machine
Several employees have warned that ice dispensers in self-serve or behind-the-counter machines aren’t always cleaned as often as they should be. A 2013 Daily Mail investigation even found traces of bacteria in ice at certain UK chains. While this isn’t unique to fast food, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re cautious.
Fish Sandwiches Outside of Peak Hours
Fish-based items can be tasty when fresh, but staff from multiple chains have admitted they don’t sell often, meaning fillets might sit for extended periods. Ordering them during busy times, like lunch or dinner rush, increases your chances of getting something freshly fried.
Hot Dogs from Roller Grills
At convenience-style fast food spots, hot dogs on rollers can be a gamble. Some employees say they’ve seen them stay there for hours, slowly drying out. If you’re craving one, check if a new batch is going on the grill.
Complex “Secret Menu” Creations
Custom orders can be fun, but a few employees have admitted that elaborate “off-menu” requests can backfire — they slow down service, and staff may not have the right ingredients prepped. That can mean substitutions you didn’t expect or inconsistent results.
Chicken Nuggets Right Before Closing
Chicken nuggets are a fast food favorite, but several workers say they’re often made in large batches near the end of the night to finish off stock. This can mean they’ve been sitting under heat lamps for longer than ideal. Ordering earlier in the day or during busy periods is your best bet.
Milkshakes or Soft-Serve from Rarely Cleaned Machines
Multiple employees have said ice cream and shake machines are tricky to clean and sometimes don’t get sanitized as often as they should. This isn’t an issue everywhere, but if a location’s machine is “always down,” it may be a sign of maintenance trouble.
Breakfast Eggs After the Morning Rush
Scrambled or folded eggs are usually made in bulk during breakfast hours. If you’re ordering late in the morning or at an all-day breakfast chain, you may get eggs that have been sitting on the warmer for a while.
Chili at the End of the Day
Some restaurants use leftover meat to make chili, which can be perfectly safe when done right, but employees have cautioned that it’s not always the freshest by closing time. If chili’s on your mind, earlier is better.
Smoothies from Chains That Don’t Specialize in Them
Smoothies can sound like a healthy pick, but workers from certain chains say they’re often made from sugary pre-mixes rather than fresh fruit. If nutrition is the goal, you might be better off elsewhere.
“Value” Burgers During Slow Hours
Budget burgers are cooked quickly, but when customer flow is low, patties might be kept warm for longer than optimal. Ordering during busier times helps ensure a fresher sandwich.
Coffee Late in the Afternoon
Some fast-food coffee is brewed fresh throughout the day. Others? Not so much. Employees have shared that late-afternoon coffee may have been sitting for hours, especially if sales drop after breakfast.
The Bottom Line
Not every location has these issues, and many chains have high standards and diligent staff who keep food fresh. But if you’re aiming for the best quality, timing your visit and choosing high-turnover items can make a difference. As one employee put it, “If it’s made fresh in front of you, you can’t go wrong.”
