junk food

American  

noun

1. food, as potato chips or candy, that is high in calories but of little nutritional value.

2. anything that is attractive and diverting but of negligible substance.

   the junk food offered by daytime television.

---

junk food British  

noun

1. food that is low in nutritional value, often highly processed or ready-prepared, and eaten instead of or in addition to well-balanced meals

---

junk food Idioms  

1. Prepackaged snack food that is high in calories but low in nutritional value; also, anything attractive but negligible in value. For example, Nell loves potato chips and other junk food, or When I'm sick in bed I often resort to TV soap operas and similar junk food. [c. 1970]

---

Other Word Forms

• junk-food
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of junk food

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75

Example Sentences

Paediatrician Dr Dana Beasley believes a junk food advertising ban is a vital measure - saying obesity leads to an increased risk of diabetes, cancer, plus poorer educational outcomes.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Blaenau Gwent council is looking at how it can support healthier lives in Wales' most obese area, with a ban on junk food advertising proposed.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

So, yes, junk food is even junkier than previously thought.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

"This bar is actually an opportunity for me," 26-year-old Zhao told AFP, describing her "typical young person" lifestyle of late nights and junk food.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

As I watch my friends alternately tease me, ponder serious things, and stuff their faces with junk food, I conclude that they’re still the best.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan