Most of us who regularly enjoy fast food employ something of an "ignorance is bliss" policy when it comes to the contents and production of our meals. If it doesn't taste awful, how bad can it really be, right? Think again. The items on this list and the stories behind them will definitely have you rethinking your decision the next time you consider getting fast food.
Starbucks “Secret Menu” Items
They are a secret because the barista gets to make up their own concoction and try it out on you. No two drinks will ever be the same. A good idea for the adventurous, but not so much for anyone with a specific order in mind.
Donuts from Dunkin’ Donuts
Sorry, guys, but your favorite one-stop donut shop isn't as great as you may think. The doughnuts are delivered to the store frozen and then cooked on the premises.
Baseball Stadium Hot Dogs
Hot dogs and baseball just go together, but unfortunately this meaty treat is not always best prepared at concession stands. Employees say that they are kept hydrated in warming water and the unused portion gets refrigerated and recycled for the next event. That's right, you could be munching on a month-old hot dog.
Taco Bell Steak and Beans
One Taco Bell employee warns any customer to stay away from items containing beans or steak at the famous Mexican-style fast-food chain. The beans are made from a rehydrated mix of ingredients and when the steak sits too long then it starts to take on the consistency of hair gel.
KFC Barbeque Sandwiches
One long-time Kentucky Fried Chicken worker warns against ordering the chain's barbeque sandwiches. Apparently the chicken used in them is so stale that it couldn't even be given to homeless shelters. Instead of throwing it out, workers soak it in barbeque sauce and leave it in the heater for days..
McNuggets
The chicken nuggets sit around in the warming bin until they are ordered by a customer instead of being discarded after a certain length of time. The advice from an employee is to use the phrase, "fresh order of McNuggets" every time you order.
Wendy’s Chili
The chili is made from hamburger meat from the grill that has not been used. The meat gets collected in a container until there is enough to make a batch of chili with rehydrated beans and water.
Eggs From Einstein Bros. Bagels
The bagel shop does not use fresh eggs on their sandwiches. The eggs are microwaved and then placed in a warming bin until they are ordered, which could literally be hours after they have been nuked.
Panera Pasta
None of the pasta is made fresh at the restaurant, instead it is brought in frozen. The frozen pasta is then microwaved and served. Stick to the actually freshly made sandwiches and salads.
McCafe Drinks
According to a longtime McDonald's employee, the McCafe machine is the most neglected part of the cleaning process. Apparently most employees and even managers aren't trained in how to properly clean these machines, so the drinks that come out of them travel through some not-so-clean tubes.
Movie Theater Popcorn
Of course you want to get popcorn at the movies, but be sure that you're doing it at a late showing. If you are seeing an early show, then chances are that the popcorn was kept in a garbage bag overnight and simply reheated in the morning.
Panera Pastries
Much like Dunkin' Donuts, former Panera employees have admitted the baked goods marketed as being 'fresh' are brought in frozen, toasted, and warmed until you order one.
Chipotle Quesorito
People went crazy when they found out that you could order a burrito with a quesadilla shell at Chipotle. While it may taste great, you might want to think twice before you order it. The item takes extra-long to make, so ordering it during peak hours can bring the line to a standstill, and both employees and other customers will hate you. Try it out when the store is empty.
McRib Sandwich
The McRib represents one of the biggest disparities in all of fast food between what is promised and what is delivered. If it's name is to be taken seriously, it purports to be rib meat, but instead is made from trimmings including stomach, heart and tongue. It also contains an ingredient frequently found in yoga mats. Eeeesh.
