If you ever feel a sudden pang of hunger as you drive past one of the millions of fast food chains across the US, you aren’t alone — and your subconscious might be to blame. Fast food companies have been using color psychology to subtly influence customers for years, including using the color red. One commonality that seems to have been overlooked until recently, though, is that almost all of their logos use the color yellow.
According to color psychology, yellow has long been associated with feelings of contentment, happiness, competence, and comfort. One simple color is responsible for that sense of nostalgia and friendliness you feel whenever you pass by those golden arches.
Red is another color that is frequently paired with yellow in fast food company logos to instill desire. Red illustrates desire, power, and love. It’s why whenever Valentine’s Day rolls around, everything gets blanketed in a layer of rose red and why, when paired with yellow, you might suddenly start salivating for a cup of perfectly cooked golden french fries.