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LONDON, December 28, 2025 – Forget everything you thought you knew about healthy fast food. A new study reveals that budget-friendly chains like KFC and Gregg’s are surprisingly more nutritionally balanced than their premium-priced competitors, challenging the long-held belief that cost equates to compromised nutrition.
Budget Bites Beat Premium Plates: The Fast Food Nutrition Myth Debunked
A recent analysis of nearly 2,000 menu items shows that affordable fast food options often deliver better nutritional value than more expensive alternatives.
- KFC was crowned the UK’s most nutritionally balanced fast food chain, scoring 81.11 out of 100.
- Gregg’s outperformed pricier chains like pret a Manger, with its Feta & Tomato Pasta scoring an notable 99.17/100 for just £3.90.
- The study highlights a “health halo tax,” where consumers pay a premium for perceived health benefits that don’t always materialize.
- Desserts across all chains were found to be the least nutritious menu items.
- Subway and gregg’s offer the best value for money, providing balanced meals at affordable prices.
For years, chains like Pret a Manger have cultivated an image of health-conscious dining, often justifying higher prices with the promise of better ingredients and nutritional profiles. But a deep dive into 1,898 menu items by Branding by Garden paints a different picture. It turns out that opting for a value meal at KFC or a pastry from gregg’s might actually be a smarter choice for your
