Fast Food Market Report 2026

The fast food market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $658.85 billion in 2025 to $696.58 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of urbanization trends, increasing consumer preference for convenience foods, growth of quick-service restaurant chains, rising disposable incomes, standardization of fast food operations.

The fast food market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $868.19 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for plant-based fast food menus, rising investments in automation and robotics, expansion of app-based food delivery services, growing focus on nutritional transparency, increasing use of data-driven customer engagement. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of digital ordering platforms, rising demand for health-conscious fast food options, growing focus on sustainable packaging, expansion of delivery and takeaway models, enhanced menu customization strategies.

The increasing demand for plant-based proteins is a key factor significantly contributing to the growth of the fast-food market. Plant-based proteins are derived from sources such as legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables, and are increasingly viewed as sustainable alternatives to animal-based proteins. This growing demand is driven by heightened consumer awareness of health benefits, rising concerns over environmental sustainability, ethical considerations related to animal welfare, and the expanding adoption of vegan and flexitarian diets. In response, fast-food chains are diversifying their menus by introducing plant-based options such as veggie burgers, nuggets, and meat-free wraps to cater to consumers seeking healthier and environmentally friendly alternatives. For instance, in November 2025, according to the Good Food Institute, a US-based non-profit organization, global retail sales of plant-based meat, seafood, milk, yogurt, ice cream, and cheese increased by 5% in 2024, reaching $28.6 billion, as reported by Euromonitor. Therefore, the rising demand for plant-based proteins is driving the growth of the fast-food market.

Major players in the fast-food market are embracing strategic partnerships to introduce innovative technologies, particularly in automating voice ordering processes at drive-thru locations. This collaborative approach involves companies leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits. An example of this trend is evident in the partnership forged in May 2023 between CKE Restaurants Holdings, a prominent U.S.-based fast-food corporation, and technology companies Presto Automation, OpenCity, and Valyant AI. Through this collaboration, the companies aim to enhance accuracy, speed, and revenue generation, addressing challenges related to staffing shortages. The implementation of AI technology, exemplified by Presto Voice, enables automated voice ordering at CKE drive-thru locations nationwide, contributing to improved service speed, order accuracy, and upselling capabilities.

In May 2024, Burger King, a US-based fast food chain, acquired Carrols Restaurant Group for an undisclosed sum. The purpose of this acquisition is to integrate and improve Burger King locations as part of its Reclaim the Flame plan, with the ultimate goal of reimagining and refranchising the restaurants to enhance brand growth and profitability. Carrols Restaurant Group is a US-based franchisee company that specializes in operating fast food restaurants.

Major companies operating in the fast food market are Auntie Anne's Inc., Cinnabon Franchisor SPV LLC, Domino's Pizza Inc., Dunkin' Brands Group Inc., Hardee's Restaurants LLC, Jack in the Box Inc., McDonald's Corporation, Restaurant Brands International Inc., Yum! Brands Inc., Doctor's Associates Inc., CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc., Inspire Brands Inc., Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., Subway SA, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King Holdings, Pizza Hut Inc., Taco Bell IP Holder LLC, International Dairy Queen Inc., Arby's Restaurant Group Inc., Jimmy John's LLC, Papa John's International Inc., Little Caesar Enterprises Inc., Sonic Drive-In Corp., Five Guys Enterprises LLC, Chick-fil-A Inc., Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Inc., Bojangles OpCo LLC, Whataburger Restaurants LLC, In-N-Out Burger Inc., White Castle Corp., Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc.

North America was the largest region in the fast-food market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the fast food market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the fast food market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The fast-food market consists of sales of chicken, sandwich, burger, pasta, pizza. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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