Holiday on July 21, 2026 — International Junk Food Day
July 21 is celebrated around the world as International Junk Food Day. This unofficial holiday is dedicated to everyone who, at least occasionally, enjoys burgers, pizza, French fries, potato chips, or sweets. Despite its lighthearted nature, this day also serves as a reminder of the importance of a balanced diet and taking a responsible approach to one’s health.
International Junk Food Day is celebrated annually on July 21. It is not known for certain who exactly started this holiday. Unlike many international observances, it is not linked to decisions by the UN or other official organizations. It is believed that the idea originated among advocates of a healthy lifestyle and fast-food lovers as a symbolic day when one can allow oneself a small deviation from the rules. That is why, in English, the holiday is called Junk Food Day—a day dedicated to unhealthy or so-called “junk” food.
The main idea is simple: if a person eats a balanced diet most of the time, one day with a burger or a slice of pizza won’t be a problem. At the same time, doctors emphasize that the holiday shouldn’t be seen as an invitation to overeat or completely abandon healthy habits.
What Is Junk Food?
The category of junk food typically includes foods that are high in calories, sugar, salt, or saturated fats, but low in vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients. Most often, these include:
- hamburgers;
- french fries;
- hot dogs;
- pizza;
- potato chips;
- sweet carbonated drinks;
- doughnuts;
- chocolate bars;
- cookies and other sweets.
These foods quickly satisfy hunger and often have a rich flavor, but when consumed regularly, they can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.
How Fast Food Came to Be
The popularity of fast food began to grow rapidly as early as the 19th century. During the Industrial Revolution, people moved to cities in large numbers to work in factories. Due to a lack of time, they increasingly turned to ready-to-eat meals that could be quickly consumed at work or on the go. One of the first well-known snacks was Cracker Jack—a mixture of popcorn, molasses, and peanuts. It was introduced at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893, and within just a few years, the product became extremely popular in the United States.
Another iconic story is connected with Coca-Cola. The beverage was created in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton. Initially, it was sold in pharmacies as a tonic. It was only later that Coca-Cola became one of the most famous soft drinks in the world. Brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald sparked a true revolution in fast food. In 1948, they opened a restaurant featuring a new quick-service system. It was this model that later became the foundation of the world-famous McDonald’s chain.
In the 1950s, along with the rise of car culture, establishments where you could get food without leaving your car became popular. That’s how fast food finally became a part of everyday life for millions of people.
When Unhealthy Food Gained a Bad Reputation
Until the 1970s, the harms of fast food were hardly ever discussed. The situation changed after numerous scientific studies proved that excessive consumption of salt, sugar, trans fats, and highly processed foods negatively affects health. It was then that American microbiologist Michael Jacobson began actively using the term “junk food.” It soon became popular around the world.
Today, the World Health Organization recommends limiting the consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats. Experts emphasize that the problem isn’t a single burger or slice of pizza, but rather when such foods become the staple of one’s daily diet.
How This Holiday Is Celebrated
Since the holiday is unofficial, it has no mandatory traditions. Most often, people simply treat themselves to their favorite dish, which they usually avoid. Some go to a fast-food restaurant, some order pizza, and others make homemade burgers or french fries. On social media that day, users share photos of their favorite dishes, compile lists of the best burgers, or joke about the “official no-diet day.”
At the same time, nutritionists advise against treating this holiday as an excuse to overeat. If a person eats a balanced diet for most of the year, one favorite dish won’t do any harm.
Interesting Facts About Unhealthy Food
Despite the name, not all fast food is equally unhealthy. Many modern restaurants offer burgers with fresh vegetables, whole-grain buns, or baked potatoes instead of fried ones. Studies show that the main danger lies not in a single dish, but in its regular consumption in large quantities. In addition, modern manufacturers are increasingly reducing trans fat content and gradually changing the recipes of popular products.
It’s also interesting that psychologists advise against setting overly strict dietary restrictions for yourself. Moderation and balance often work better than strict limitations, which frequently lead people to slip up. That is precisely why many people view International Junk Food Day not as a celebration of uncontrolled overeating, but as a reminder that even while leading a healthy lifestyle, it’s sometimes okay to treat yourself to a little culinary pleasure without feeling guilty.
