National Junk Food Day Facts You Didn't Know

Every year on 22 July, food lovers celebrate National Junk Food Day, an unofficial occasion that gives people the perfect excuse to enjoy everything from burgers and pizzas to fish and chips, fried chicken and sweet treats without feeling too guilty. While the day has its roots in the United States, it has become increasingly popular in the UK, especially on social media where millions share their favourite indulgent meals.

For people across Newcastle and the wider North East, the day also highlights something much closer to home. The region has one of Britain's most recognisable food cultures, combining iconic local favourites with one of the country's busiest takeaway scenes. It is a celebration of comfort food, but it also raises interesting questions about changing eating habits, health and how the region's food scene continues to evolve.

Newcastle's love affair with takeaway food.

Newcastle has never been shy about its love of great food. As the birthplace of Greggs, the city has become synonymous with affordable comfort food, while independent burger restaurants, pizza shops, kebab houses and traditional fish and chip shops remain popular across every corner of the city.

Figures published by Newcastle City Council show the city has one of the highest concentrations of takeaway outlets in England. In 2023 there were 483 takeaways and around 1,750 takeaway and mobile food outlets operating across Newcastle, leading the council to introduce planning measures designed to limit further growth in some areas.

Research published this year also identified 118 online-only delivery kitchens operating in Newcastle, reflecting the growing popularity of app-based food delivery across the city.

The statistics behind Britain's junk food habits.

National Junk Food Day is fun, but the numbers behind Britain's favourite treats are equally fascinating.

According to research by Nesta, UK consumers spend around £21.4 billion every year on fast food and takeaways, while three in five people order a takeaway at least once every week. The same research found that 60 percent of takeaway meals contain more than the recommended 600 calories for lunch or dinner, with some individual meals exceeding an entire day's recommended calorie intake.

Separate research has also found that more than 75 percent of bestselling meals from major takeaway and restaurant chains are considered unhealthy under government nutritional guidance.

Why the North East stands out.

The North East continues to have one of the strongest food identities in Britain, but health experts say the region also faces unique challenges.

A report from the Northern Health Science Alliance found the North has 26 percent more fast food outlets per 100,000 people than the England average. The report also found the North East has England's highest adult obesity rate at 32.2 percent, while 24.5 percent of children aged 10 to 11 are living with obesity, the highest regional figure in the country.

The same report highlighted that households in the North East spend an average of £56.30 per week on food, compared with the England average of £65.50, illustrating the financial pressures many families continue to face.

A day for balance, not guilt.

Despite the statistics, nutrition experts consistently point out that enjoying favourite foods occasionally is perfectly compatible with a healthy lifestyle. National Junk Food Day is about treating yourself rather than abandoning healthy habits altogether.

Many people in Newcastle already strike that balance by supporting local independent businesses, enjoying a Friday night takeaway with family or picking up a Greggs favourite before work, while making healthier choices throughout the rest of the week.

Food has always played an important role in bringing communities together across the North East. Whether your favourite is a parmo, a pizza, fish and chips or a classic sausage roll, today is another reminder that great food is often as much about tradition and enjoyment as it is about nutrition.

A celebration of local food culture.

National Junk Food Day may be unofficial, but it shines a spotlight on one of the UK's favourite pastimes. Newcastle's thriving food scene continues to blend long-standing traditions with modern food delivery, independent restaurants and household names, making it one of Britain's most interesting places for comfort food lovers.

As people across the city decide whether to order in or cook at home this evening, one thing seems certain. Britain's appetite for a great takeaway shows no signs of slowing down.

Join the discussion below.

What takeout will you be ordering today for National Junk Food day?