17 Fast Food Ads That Sparked Backlash
Here's a list of fast food ads that sparked public backlash due to controversy, insensitivity, or poor execution.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Fast food advertising has often crossed the line between clever marketing and offensive messaging, sparking outrage from consumers worldwide. From Burger King’s sexist tweet to Taco Bell’s controversial Chihuahua mascot, these campaigns reveal how easily ads can backfire when humor, shock value, or cultural references are mishandled. This collection highlights 17 real examples where public criticism forced brands to rethink their strategies and in some cases pull their ads entirely.
1. Burger King’s “Women Belong in the Kitchen” Tweet (2021)
Image from Wikipedia
Burger King UK tried to promote a scholarship for female chefs with the shocking line, “Women belong in the kitchen.” Many thought the brand was perpetuating sexism, even if the intent was ironic. The backlash was immediate, forcing the company to delete the tweet and issue an apology.
2. McDonald’s “Dead Dad” Ad (2017, UK)
Image from Wikipedia
McDonald’s UK released a commercial about a boy grieving his father, only to find out they both liked Filet-O-Fish. Critics accused the brand of exploiting childhood grief to sell sandwiches. After public outcry, McDonald’s pulled the ad within days.
3. Pepsi and Kendall Jenner Protest Ad (2017)
Image from Wikipedia
Though not a restaurant chain, this Pepsi spot resembled fast food marketing and sparked outrage worldwide. The ad showed Kendall Jenner calming police tensions at a protest with a soda, trivializing real activism. The backlash was so severe that Pepsi quickly pulled it and apologized.
4. Burger King’s Moldy Whopper Campaign (2020)
Image from Wikipedia
Burger King ran ads showing their signature Whopper covered in mold to promote “no artificial preservatives.” While meant to highlight freshness, many viewers found the images disgusting and unappetizing. The campaign became one of the most divisive in fast food history.
5. KFC Australia’s “I Love You, Bacon Burger” Ad (2012)
Image from Wikipedia
In this ad, a man hides from his partner to eat a bacon burger, framing secrecy and deception as humor. Critics said it reinforced unhealthy stereotypes about relationships and gender. Under pressure, KFC eventually withdrew the spot.
6. Carl’s Jr. “Sexy Burgers” Campaigns (2000s–2015)
Image from Wikipedia
Carl’s Jr. became infamous for using models like Paris Hilton and Kate Upton in bikini-clad burger ads. The over-the-top sexualization of women selling food caused years of criticism. By 2017, the brand admitted the approach had gone too far and abandoned it.
7. Chick-fil-A’s Anti-LGBTQ Stance in Ads and Sponsorships (2010s)
Image from Wikipedia
Though not one specific ad, Chick-fil-A faced widespread backlash for funding organizations opposed to LGBTQ rights. Critics accused the brand of using its image of family values to mask discrimination. Protests and boycotts followed, forcing the chain to change its donation policies.
8. McDonald’s “#McDStories” Twitter Campaign (2012)
Image from Wikipedia
McDonald’s launched a hashtag encouraging customers to share fun stories about their meals. Instead, Twitter users flooded it with horror stories of bad service and gross food. What was supposed to be a positive ad campaign quickly turned into a PR nightmare.
9. Burger King’s “Super Seven Incher” Ad (2009, Singapore)
Image from Wikipedia
This print ad depicted a woman about to eat a very suggestively presented sandwich. Many accused the brand of using explicit imagery to sell food in a way that was offensive. The ad went viral for all the wrong reasons and was quickly pulled.
10. Domino’s “Pizza Turnaround” Ad (2010)
Image from Wikipedia
Domino’s admitted in its ads that its pizza had been bad for years and promised improvement. While the honesty was bold, many saw it as an attack on loyal customers who had supported them all along. Some critics even argued the campaign hurt the brand before it helped.
11. Wendy’s “Pepsi Challenge” Mockery Ads (1980s)
Image from Wikipedia
Wendy’s mocked Pepsi’s famous taste test ads by showing customers confused about the drinks. While it was meant to be funny, the tone came across as petty and mean-spirited. Critics said it weakened Wendy’s brand identity instead of strengthening it.
12. Taco Bell’s Chihuahua Ads (1997–2000)
Image from Wikipedia
The chain’s use of a talking Chihuahua saying “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” became wildly popular. However, Latino advocacy groups accused the ads of cultural stereotyping. Under pressure, Taco Bell eventually ended the campaign.
13. McDonald’s “Love Affair with Salad” Ad (2005)
Image from Wikipedia
McDonald’s launched a campaign presenting its salads as romantic temptations. Critics said the ad was misleading because the salads were high in fat and calories. Nutritionists and watchdog groups accused McDonald’s of greenwashing.
14. Burger King’s “Whopper Virgins” Campaign (2008)
Image from Wikipedia
This global campaign gave Whoppers to people in remote villages who had never tried fast food. Critics said it was patronizing and culturally insensitive, turning indigenous communities into marketing props. The controversy overshadowed the company’s intention of comparing taste.
15. KFC’s “Streetwise Student Meal” Ad (2019, South Africa)
Image from Wikipedia
This campaign encouraged students to “stay in school” by showing how affordable the meal was. Many critics argued it trivialized education and exploited economic struggles. KFC faced backlash for making light of serious social issues.
16. McDonald’s “911 Coffee” Ad (2011, US)
Image from Wikipedia
In one radio ad, McDonald’s joked that customers should call 911 if they missed a coffee deal. People criticized the ad for making light of emergency services. McDonald’s eventually scrapped the campaign after public backlash.
17. Burger King’s International Women’s Day Ad in Spain (2022)
Image from Wikipedia
Burger King Spain tried to launch a campaign suggesting women could get a Whopper based on their zodiac sign. Critics slammed it as nonsense and tone-deaf marketing on a day meant to highlight gender equality. The backlash forced Burger King to apologize once again.