Skip to main content

Do rich eat fast food?

When you picture rich people, what do you imagine they eat? Probably something like avocado toast sprinkled with gold flakes, right? Or maybe sushi served on a marble plate inside a private jet. But here’s a fun fact: even billionaires crave fries sometimes. The question “Do rich people eat fast food?” might sound silly at first, but it actually reveals a lot about how money changes, and doesn’t change, the way people eat. Many of us assume wealth means fancy organic food, private chefs and kale smoothies every day. Yet the truth, backed by studies, is way more surprising. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 36% of American adults eat fast food on any given day. And guess what? People with higher incomes are actually more likely to eat fast food than those with lower incomes. Yep, that’s right, research shows that adults earning over $75,000 a year are more likely to grab a burger or a Starbucks sandwich than someone earning less than $30,000. So, even the rich hit the drive-thru sometimes and not just for the aesthetic TikTok moment.

But why would they, right? Rich people have the money to eat wherever they want, Michelin-star restaurants, chef cooked meal plans, and farm to table everything. So why fast food? The first reason is time. Rich people tend to be extremely busy. Many of them are entrepreneurs, executives, or influencers constantly moving from one meeting to another. For someone running a company or traveling for business, convenience often beats luxury. Elon Musk, for example, has said in interviews that he sometimes eats a cheeseburger at his desk while working. He even admitted that if he has to choose between eating and getting work done, he’ll multitask. That’s the core of fast food’s appeal: it’s not about the price, it’s about the speed. A Starbucks breakfast sandwich or Chick-fil-A wrap can fit perfectly between two Zoom calls. Even though someone might be rich enough to afford a private chef, they don’t always have the time to sit down and wait for a full gourmet meal. Time is money, and sometimes, fast food is faster than fine dining.

The second reason rich people eat fast food is simple: they actually like it. Taste doesn’t change when your net worth does. French fries hit the same way whether you’re broke or a billionaire. Warren Buffett, one of the richest people on Earth, eats McDonald’s almost every day for breakfast. In fact, he chooses his meal based on how the stock market performs. If the market’s down, he gets the $2.61 breakfast; if it’s up, he “splurges” on the $3.17 one. It’s both hilarious and fascinating. The man has billions of dollars and could hire Gordon Ramsay full-time, but instead he’s loyal to the Golden Arches. Bill Gates also has a similar vibe, he loves Diet Coke so much that he drinks several cans daily. It’s a small reminder that even with unimaginable wealth, some habits stick. For many people, fast food isn’t about status, it’s about nostalgia, comfort, and the joy of something familiar. Think about it: people grow up eating McDonald’s Happy Meals, late night Taco Bell runs, and road trip snacks. Even when they become rich, those foods trigger good memories. It’s a cultural thing as much as it’s a taste thing.

Still, rich people don’t eat fast food the same way most others do. They tend to treat it as a snack, not a main meal. Studies from Harvard Health show that people in higher income brackets often consume smaller portions, balance it with healthier foods, or treat fast food as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily diet. For example, someone making six figures might grab a McDonald’s coffee and hash browns in the morning, then have a salad or salmon for lunch. It’s all about moderation. The fitness world calls it the 80/20 rule, eat healthy 80% of the time and enjoy what you love the other 20%. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian have openly said they love McDonald’s fries and nuggets occasionally, but most of their meals are clean, portion-controlled, and prepped. So, it’s not about “avoiding” fast food; it’s about knowing when to enjoy it. In that way, fast food becomes a little reward rather than a habit.

But there’s another side to this conversation, one that’s not about taste or time, but access. While rich people can choose when and how to eat fast food, many people can’t. A 2019 Harvard School of Public Health study found that lower income communities often have far more fast food restaurants than grocery stores. That means for some people, fast food isn’t a craving, it’s the only option. So while a CEO might swing by McDonald’s on the way to the airport just for convenience, a minimum wage worker might rely on it for affordable meals every day. That’s where the difference really lies: choice. Rich people eat fast food because they want to. Poorer people often eat it because they have to. It’s not just about economics; it’s also about environment. In “food deserts”, areas without easy access to fresh produce, fast food becomes survival food. So when we see stats saying “the rich eat more fast food,” it doesn’t mean they depend on it. It means they’re exposed to it by choice, not necessity.

At the end of the day, the relationship between wealth and fast food says a lot about modern culture. Fast food is no longer just about being “cheap.” It’s about convenience, nostalgia, and identity. TikTok videos of millionaires rating McDonald’s fries get millions of views because it makes the rich feel relatable. Seeing a billionaire eat the same fries you do breaks that invisible wall between luxury and normal life. Plus, there’s something kind of poetic about it, no matter how rich you get, the taste of a good burger is still universal. It’s a reminder that money changes your options, not necessarily your cravings. So yes, the rich eat fast food. They just do it differently: smaller portions, less often, maybe in a Tesla instead of a Toyota, but still the same fries, the same Big Mac, and the same satisfaction. Whether you’re a broke student or a billionaire CEO, sometimes all you need is a drive-thru moment to feel human again.

Popular posts from this blog

The Need for Global Housing Price Reduction and the Paradox of an Apartment Costing as Much as a Castle

In a rapidly evolving world, housing remains one of the most fundamental human needs. However, access to it is becoming increasingly difficult. Property prices have skyrocketed in many countries and cities, creating an economic and social divide. A particularly striking (and disappointing) phenomenon is that in some cases, the price of an apartment in an urban area equals or even surpasses the price of a castle or historic mansion in a nearby location. This paradox is not merely a coincidence but reflects deeper imbalances and distortions in the global real estate market. This article attempts to analyze the causes of the phenomenon, highlight the consequences, and present the necessity of a comprehensive market restructuring so that housing can return to its primary role: meeting the need for shelter rather than fueling speculation. In recent years, property prices have surged to unprecedented levels in cities such as London, New York, Geneva, Paris, Berlin, and Athens. The average pr...

Follow the Old Money: NYC, Edinburgh, Brisbane

When people talk about “old money,” they usually mean inherited wealth, discreet tastes and families that built fortunes long before tech unicorns and crypto billionaires. But the imprint of old money isn’t only visible in surnames or social registers, it’s inscribed in property markets. Owning real estate in certain neighborhoods means plugging into centuries of accumulated capital, a cultural code and sometimes even an unspoken hierarchy. Three cities, New York, Edinburgh and Brisbane, reveal how old money continues to shape where people buy, live and aspire. In Manhattan, old money has always clustered around quiet grandeur. The Upper East Side, especially Park and Fifth Avenue co-ops, functions as a living museum of generational wealth. These buildings don’t just sell apartments, they guard them. Co-op boards have long reputations for rejecting high-flying newcomers with flashy liquidity but little pedigree. Even as global wealth pours into glassy Hudson Yards towers or Billionaire...

Comparison between a castle and a yacht

Throughout history, symbols of wealth and power have taken many forms. Among the most enduring are the castle and the yacht. Each represents prestige, exclusivity and the desire for control over one’s surroundings. Yet while both serve as reflections of success, they belong to different eras and philosophies of luxury. Comparing them reveals how humanity’s understanding of comfort, freedom and status has evolved. A castle is a monument to permanence. Built of stone, it dominates its landscape and announces its owner’s authority. Medieval castles served not only as residences but also as fortresses designed for defense and governance. Their thick walls and watchtowers offered protection against enemies, while grand halls and courtyards displayed social rank. Living in a castle meant belonging to a hierarchy rooted in land ownership and legacy. The structure itself was a declaration of endurance, a statement that power could outlast generations. A yacht, on the other hand, embodies mobil...

The true value of ancient history

The true value of ancient history lies in the beauty of the object and its use. It is not simply about the age or rarity of an artifact, but about the deeper significance embedded within its form and function.  Each object, whether a simple tool, a piece of jewelry, or a monumental sculpture, represents a tangible connection to lives once lived, decisions once made and worlds once imagined. The beauty of these objects is not merely aesthetic; it is a testament to the creativity, skill and intention of their makers. Consider a finely crafted vase from a civilization long gone, its curves shaped by hands that understood balance and harmony, its surface adorned with patterns that told stories or symbolized beliefs. Its use might have been practical, to hold water or wine, yet its form transcended mere utility to express cultural values, identity and artistry. Through such an object, we glimpse the daily realities and spiritual lives of those who came before us. This intertwining of be...

If we were all good

If we were all good the world would be a place without conflict or deceit. Every person would act with honesty every heart would open with kindness and every decision would be made for the common good. The idea seems simple. It carries a depth that touches the core of what humanity has always desired. Peace cooperation and prosperity would no longer be dreams but daily realities. In a world where everyone acted with goodness wealth would not be a matter of competition but of harmony. Prosperity would be shared because there would be no greed to divide it. People would build together trade fairly and live in balance with one another. The need for power or dominance would fade away replaced by the quiet strength of mutual respect. Richness would not only be measured in gold but in trust community and peace of mind. Perfect cooperation would become the natural order. Workplaces would thrive through shared understanding families would communicate with patience and nations would move in uni...

A Holistic Guide to Living Your Best Life

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the most important person in your life: yourself. Taking care of yourself is not just about indulgence or self-pampering, it’s about building a strong foundation for a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. Here’s a holistic approach to self-care that covers every aspect of your well-being. Financial stress is one of the leading causes of anxiety. Start by budgeting wisely, saving consistently and planning for the future. When you take care of your finances, you give yourself the freedom to pursue your dreams without the constant worry of money. Small steps like tracking your expenses or setting aside a little each month can make a huge difference. Your body is your most valuable asset. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition and adequate sleep are essential. When you take care of your body, you not only look better but feel stronger, energized and ready to tackle life’s challenges. Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about consistent, h...

Mornings by the water

For many young people success is often measured by city lights, fast careers and constant activity. Yet a growing number of couples are redefining what it means to live well. Instead of chasing corporate ladders or cramped apartments in crowded neighborhoods, they are choosing peace, space and simplicity. Among them is a financially free couple who decided to build a new life in the countryside, where they have found a deeper sense of happiness and purpose. Both partners worked hard in their twenties, saving diligently and avoiding unnecessary debt. They invested wisely and built multiple streams of income that allowed them to live comfortably without depending on traditional jobs. When they realized they no longer needed to live near their offices or maintain city expenses, the decision to move felt natural. They sold their apartment, packed their belongings and set out to create a life centered on freedom and balance. The countryside offered everything they had longed for but rarely ...

We jam the threat

In a world where uncertainty and conflict often dominate headlines, the idea of “jamming the threat” takes on a powerful meaning. It is the conscious decision to prioritize life, prosperity and freedom instead of surrendering to the mechanics of violence and destruction. In this sense, jamming is not a literal act of music, but a metaphor for resilience, creativity and collective human choice. The threat of war is often presented as inevitable, as if societies have no alternative but to prepare, fight or endure. Yet history shows that nations and communities flourish when they choose to invest in innovation, dialogue and shared progress. Prosperity becomes the strongest countermeasure to fear. Economic stability, education and open societies reduce the appeal of conflict and strengthen the bonds that hold people together. Freedom plays a similar role. Individual liberty and social autonomy act as safeguards against the mechanical repetition of aggression. When citizens feel empowered, ...

The main way to allocate money to US economy is not trade, it's stock market

When most people think about how money flows into the United States economy, they immediately consider trade, imports and exports, foreign goods and services, and global commerce. While trade is certainly important, it is not the main channel through which capital enters the economy. The stock market plays a far more significant role, acting as a primary mechanism for investment, wealth creation and the movement of money from investors into businesses and eventually into real estate and luxury assets. Foreign investors, institutional funds and even domestic savers often allocate their capital into US stocks because of the perceived stability, growth potential, and liquidity of American companies. By purchasing shares, these investors provide companies with funding that allows them to expand operations, invest in new technology and hire more employees. In many ways, the stock market functions as a gateway for money to reach the broader economy. Unlike trade, which is largely transaction...

Mansions as mirrors of the modern mind

Every age builds its dreams in stone. In the past, castles were symbols of protection. Palaces expressed divine order. Today, the mansion stands as the reflection of ambition. It is not only a home but an image of the modern mind, a structure built not just of materials but of meaning.  When we look at the grand houses that rise across hills, coasts and cities, we are not only seeing architecture. We are seeing psychology. The mansion is a portrait of what people value, what they fear and what they hope to preserve. It is both a mirror and a message. In every century, architecture has told the story of its people. The temples of Greece expressed harmony. The cathedrals of Europe reached toward faith. The skyscrapers of the twentieth century reflected human ambition and the belief in progress. The modern mansion speaks a different language. It tells a story of individuality, privacy and control. It shows how the wealthy see themselves in a world that feels both open and uncertain. B...