Top Onion Ring Brands: A Crispy Countdown

Onion rings have become a staple appetizer and snack, appealing to those who love the crispy, golden batter that encases the tender, juicy onion inside. With so many brands on the market, choosing the best one can be a delightful yet daunting task. This article aims to guide you through some of the top brands renowned for their delicious onion rings, considering factors such as taste, texture, and value for money. Continue reading below to discover our top picks and see which ones might become your new favorite.

Illustration of onion rings

Best brands of onion rings in 2025

Burger King

Burger King, although not the top choice for onion ring connoisseurs, remains a significant player in the fast food industry, offering onion rings as part of its extensive menu. With over 6,600 locations in the U.S., Burger King ensures high availability of its onion rings, making them accessible to a wide audience. The company's onion rings are part of its sides category, which accounts for 8% of its total sales, amounting to $1.8 billion annually. Despite a reformulation to onion paste in 2001, Burger King's onion rings remain a popular option, especially with flexible pricing starting at $2.49 for a value size. However, in terms of taste and freshness, they are often overshadowed by competitors like Culver's.

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic Drive-In is renowned for its handmade onion rings, a staple in their extensive and varied menu. In 2020, Sonic experienced a significant sales boost of 21% to $5.7 billion, partly attributed to the appeal of their drive-in model and broad menu offerings, including their popular onion rings. Each small order of Sonic's Handmade Onion Rings contains 440 calories, 21g of fat, 55g of carbohydrates, and 6g of protein. The unique drive-in experience, which includes multiple ordering stations, helped Sonic thrive during the pandemic by providing a convenient and enjoyable dining experience for families. With over 3,500 locations across the U.S., Sonic continues to be a leader in the fast-food industry.

Red Robin

Red Robin is renowned as one of the best producers of onion rings, offering a delicious and satisfying side dish that is high in both flavor and nutritional content. A single serving of Red Robin Onion Rings contains 550 calories, with 48% of the daily value (DV) of total fat and 56% of the DV for dietary fiber. These onion rings also have a significant carbohydrate content, making up 21% of the DV, and they are relatively low in protein at 7 grams per serving. The brand's success is reflected in its annual revenue, which has consistently been over $1 billion since 2015. Red Robin's onion rings are a popular choice due to their crispy texture and flavorful taste.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen stands out as one of the best producers of onion rings, garnering a perfect 5 score in a taste test for their hot, crispy, and savory onion rings that steamed when bitten into. These onion rings are praised for their perfect balance of crunch and flavor, with a macronutrient breakdown of 38% carbs, 57% fat, and 5% protein per regular serving. The brand's franchised model allows for varied ownership, but their onion rings consistently impress, even in comparison to other popular fast food chains. On National Onion Ring Day, DQ Rewards members can enjoy these delicious rings at a special price, highlighting their popularity. With their high calorie density and flavorful profile, Dairy Queen's onion rings are a favorite among consumers. For a detailed nutritional profile, check out the calorie breakdown of Dairy Queen's onion rings.

Arby's

Arby's stands out as a top contender for the best fast food onion rings, particularly with their Steakhouse Onion Rings, which, although not the healthiest option, are a favorite among customers. These rings contain 420 calories, with 45% of those calories coming from fat and 49% from carbohydrates. Despite the nutritional profile, they are highly regarded for their flavor and texture. Arby's, with over 3,300 restaurants, has a strong presence in the fast food industry, and their onion rings contribute to their menu's popularity. The success of Arby's is also reflected in their sales growth and innovative menu introductions.

Hardee's

Hardee's stands out as a notable producer of onion rings, particularly with their beer-battered option, which, although lacking a discernible boozy taste, offers a thick, almost doughy coating reminiscent of state fair food. The brand's onion rings are part of a menu that has contributed to a 77% brand awareness in the United States, with 15% of restaurant chain customers using Hardee's and 80% of those customers showing loyalty. Each order of Hardee's onion rings contains 8 or 9 rings, weighing 122 grams, and costs $1.79. Despite the onion flavor being somewhat buried under the beer batter, the structural integrity of the rings is generally sound. Hardee's, now part of CKE Restaurants, Inc., has seen positive sales growth, including a 3.2% increase in same-store sales in a reported period. For more details, visit their official page on Burger Beast.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box is renowned for its high-quality onion rings, which have garnered praise for their crispy exterior and use of actual onion rings. In a comparative review, Jack in the Box's onion rings were highlighted for their almost-cakey crumb coating and decent onion flavor, although they were noted to be the most expensive among the tested chains at $1.89 per order. Despite some structural issues, such as conjoined rings, they are often recommended with dipping sauces like ranch to enhance the flavor. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in their recent promotions, such as the '24 Days of Jackmas' which includes free onion rings on Sundays. Jack in the Box's sales, while declining in 2024, still reflect a strong presence in the fast-food market.

Carl's Jr.

Carl's Jr. is renowned for its high-quality onion rings, a key component of their popular Western Bacon Cheeseburger, which is sold every 1.13 seconds and amounts to 27.5 million burgers annually. The onion rings add a unique flavor and texture, setting the burger apart from other menu items. With over 1,000 locations worldwide, Carl's Jr. has established itself as a leader in the quick-service industry, particularly among young adults and working professionals. The brand's focus on bold and indulgent flavors, including their crispy, golden brown onion rings, contributes to their strong customer loyalty. Carl's Jr.'s onion rings are a staple in their menu, enhancing the overall dining experience.

White Castle

White Castle, a pioneering fast-food chain since 1921, is not only renowned for its iconic sliders but also for its delicious onion rings. While the brand is most famous for selling over 29 billion sliders, its onion rings are a popular side item, often served alongside the signature sliders. White Castle operates over 375 locations, primarily in the Midwest and Northeast regions, where customers can enjoy these crispy onion rings. The company's commitment to quality and value has made its onion rings a favorite among patrons. However, specific data on the sales percentage or volume of onion rings is not readily available.

Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets is renowned for its high-quality onion rings, with over 2.2 million orders sold annually, making them a staple in the brand's all-American menu. Since its founding in 1986, Johnny Rockets has expanded to over 30 US states and 26 countries, offering a classic diner experience that includes fresh, made-to-order hamburgers, crispy fries, and rich hand-spun shakes. The brand's commitment to friendly service and upbeat music enhances the dining experience. With annual sales exceeding $417.7 million and over 18 million hamburgers sold each year, Johnny Rockets remains a popular choice for both domestic and international customers. The brand's onion rings are a key component of its menu, contributing to its widespread appeal.