While shifting consumer preferences and a crowded foodservice landscape, fast food restaurants have maintained a steady pace of growth. Over the five years to 2025, industry revenue has expanded at a CAGR of 3.9%, reaching $417.5 billion. Notably, 2025 alone will experience a 1.1% increase in revenue. The trend towards fast casual dining has bolstered the industry, helping fast food chains hold their ground amid fierce competition. As health awareness continues to rise, consumers demand healthier and alternative options to conventional fast food. To an extent, major chains have met this demand by introducing healthier menu selections. Other innovative measures included investments in meat substitutes and introducing various dietary preferences to attract a broader consumer base. However, the shift towards a healthier lifestyle has somewhat dampened demand for traditional fast food staples, leading to a decline in industry profit. Between 2022 and 2025, fast food restaurants have grappled with surging operational costs, including purchase, utility, rent and labor. The collective force of these cost increases has depressed industry profit, reaching 4.6% of revenue in 2025. Higher minimum wages, especially in California, have been detrimental to fast food restaurant's bottom lines, which subsequently boost technology adoption such as AI drive-thus. Over the next five years, the fast food industry is expected to maintain its growth trajectory, albeit slower. With fast casual restaurants on the rise and consumer spending expected to climb, further revenue growth for the fast food industry is expected. However, the environment is forecast to grow slowly for fast food chains, as many segments within the industry approach saturation. Despite these challenges, successful operations in the industry will likely pivot in response to changing consumer preferences. In this evolving scenario, the concept of fast food is likely to expand beyond its traditional confines to include a broader range of choices. However, intense competition within the industry will continue to put downward pressure on prices, and hence, revenue growth is expected to slow over the next five years. Projections indicate a CAGR of 1.3% over the next five years, bringing the industry revenue to $445.2 billion by 2030.

The global fast food market size reached USD 902.1 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 1,298.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.09% during 2025-2033. The increasing consumer preference for RTE food products, rising number of commercial establishments, and the growing adoption of fast food like frozen ready meals in the food service industry are some of the major factors propelling the market.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global fast food market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type and end user.

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Fast Food Market Size 2025-2029

The fast food market size is forecast to increase by USD 119.6 billion, at a CAGR of 3% between 2024 and 2029.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 35% growth during the forecast period.
By the Product - Non-vegetarian fast food segment was valued at USD 424.90 billion in 2023
By the Service Type - Eat-in segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 28.51 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 119.60 billion 
CAGR : 3%
APAC: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

The global fast food market was valued at USD 712 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 895 billion by 2029, driven by rising urbanization, convenience trends, and changing dietary preferences. The U.S. accounts for over 28% of global fast food sales, with more than 194,000 fast-food establishments operating nationwide. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) dominate, representing over 60% of market revenue, while online food delivery platforms contribute to over 30% of total orders globally. Increasing demand for plant-based menu options, gluten-free offerings, and low-calorie meals reflects growing health-conscious consumer behavior. Additionally, AI-driven personalization and self-service kiosks are transforming customer experience in the industry. Internal linking opportunities include Functional Food Ingredients Market, Plant-Based Food Market, and Online Food Delivery Market, which align with evolving fast-food trends and consumer expectations.

What will be the Size of the Fast Food Market during the forecast period?

Explore market size, adoption trends, and growth potential for fast food market Request Free Sample

The fast food market continues to expand, driven by innovations in restaurant technology and the integration of food service equipment designed to improve speed and efficiency. Brands are adopting POS terminal integration and online ordering integration to streamline transactions and meet growing consumer demand for convenience. Enhancing kitchen workflow efficiency and implementing structured employee training programs are critical to reducing errors and ensuring consistency in service.

Modern operators rely heavily on customer feedback systems and data driven decision making to refine operations. Advanced supply chain traceability, stringent food quality control, and robust sanitation protocols support compliance and safety, while strategies for operational efficiency and cost reduction strategies remain essential for maintaining margins. Growth initiatives include revenue generation, customer acquisition, and customer retention, supported by menu optimization and targeted campaigns informed by marketing analytics and brand positioning.

Strategic decisions like location analysis and franchise development influence expansion, while effective store operations, staff management, and inventory control are key for sustaining performance. Tools for food cost control, quality assurance, and sales forecasting help operators maintain profitability. Additionally, profitability analysis, risk management, and a strong focus on customer experience are shaping the competitive landscape. With digitalization and analytics driving innovation, the sector is evolving toward faster, smarter, and more customer-centric models.

How is this Fast Food Industry segmented?

The fast food industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Non-vegetarian fast food
  Vegetarian fast food


Service Type

  Eat-in
  Take away
  Home delivery
  Others


End-User

  Quick Service Restaurants
  Fast Casual Restaurants
  Others


Target Audience

  Youth
  Families
  Professionals


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The non-vegetarian fast food segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic the market, various strategies are employed by outlets to attract consumers and drive growth. Menu engineering principles introduce innovative non-vegetarian dishes, primarily focusing on fish, seafood, chicken, beef, and other options. Consumers' preference for low-calorie and high-protein food products, such as meat-based offerings, further propels market expansion. Chicken, in particular, is a highly demanded non-vegetarian fast food category. Resta

Fast Food Market holds a forecasted revenue of USD 816.0 Bn in 2025 and is likely to cross USD 1,117.92 Bn by 2032 with a steady annual growth rate of 4.6%.

The global fast food market reached approximately USD 797.14 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.90% between 2025-2034, reaching a value of around USD 1286.14 Billion by 2034.

The fast food sector is booming rapidly thanks to the changing of consumers' habits and behavior. The global market size is promising due to urbanisation and the desire for fast food. Yet, sustained competition is ongoing with market leaders, with the CAGR soaring up for fast food demand, who are continuing to invent new approaches in an effort to meet changing customer urges, and thus sustains the prosperity of the fast food market.

The Fast Food Market Report is Segmented by Product Type (Burger, Sandwich, Meat Based Cuisines, and More), Restaurant Type (Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Fast-Casual Restaurants, and More), Ordering Channel (Dine-In, Drive-Thru/Take-Away, and More), Outlet Type (Independent Outlet, and Chain Outlet), and Geography (North America, Europe, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Fast Food Market was valued USD 773.4 billion in 2021 and expected to reach USD 1,099.9 billion in 2029, expanding at a CAGR of 4.5% during 2022-2029

The United States fast food market reached 212.89 in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.20% between 2025 and 2034, reaching 321.24 by 2034.

Number of Businesses statistics on the Fast Food Restaurants industry in the US

The U.S. Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Market Size Was Worth USD 405 Billion in 2023 and Is Expected To Reach USD 663 Billion by 2032, CAGR of 10.3%.

The global fast food market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of around 4.9% during the forecast period, 2020 – 2026.



Fast food is a substitute for home-made meals which can be prepared quickly, easily, and served, often at chain restaurants and typically associated with less expensive and less nutritious items such as hamburgers, pizzas, soda, and many more. They are mainly prepared in large quantities and are served quickly to the customers as per their demand. Typically, fast food is sold in a restaurant or store with precooked or preheated ingredients, and served to the customer in a wrapped form for take away or drive through. These foods are high in sodium, sugar, and fat, which may cause health-related problems, and obesity. Moreover, fast food is also considered as empty calorie food which defines food with bulk of calories and no or rarer micronutrients.

Market Trends, Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities:

• Rising number of fast food restaurants chains and hotels is expected to boost the market growth.
• Increasing disposable income of people, the changing food habits of consumers in developing countries, increase in the number of working population which is highly dependent on fast food owing to its busy schedule are fueling the market growth.
• Growing convenience and affordability of fast food is a major factor driving the growth of the market.
• Growing number of women employment rate which results in difficulty for them to cook meals is expected to boost the demand for the consumption of fast food. This, in turn, is driving the growth of the market.
• Availability of healthy fast food that helps in the weight loss with right combinations and proportions is driving the market growth.
• Growing health concerns of people regarding the negative impact of fast food leading to obesity, overweight, and other medical issues has been hindering the market growth.
• Increasing regulations regarding food safety and animal welfare been restraining the growth of the market.

In 2023, the market size of the quick service restaurant industry worldwide reached *** trillion U.S. dollars, representing a slight increase over the previous year. Quick service restaurants, also known as limited service or fast food restaurants, are establishments which typically serve food to customers quickly while having minimal table service. What are the leading fast food restaurant chains worldwide? As of 2024, ********* held the title of the highest-valued restaurant brand in the world. With a brand value exceeding ** billion U.S. dollars, it was nearly double that of the second most valuable brand, **********. In the ranking of the leading food and drink service chains by global sales, ********* was among the top three, generating over ** billion U.S. dollars. The company closely followed the UK-based food service leader, *****************. Which country has the highest number of Starbucks locations? In 2023, the country with the most Starbucks stores was *************************************, where there were over *********** locations. The coffee shop chain also had a significant presence in China and Korea. In the U.S., ********* was the coffee shop chain with the highest sales, generating approximately ** billion U.S. dollars more than its closest competitor, *******. Additionally, Starbucks enjoyed popularity among U.S. consumers, receiving an average American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) score of *************.

Market Size statistics on the Global Fast Food Restaurants industry in Global

Fast Food Market size was valued at USD 3167.03 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3961.51 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.13% from 2024 to 2031.Rising Urbanization and Busy Lifestyles: As cities expand and people become busier, there is a greater demand for accessible and economical food options. Fast food restaurants address this requirement by providing quick service and readily available meals.Increasing Disposable Incomes: As disposable incomes rise, customers, particularly in emerging countries, have more money to spend on dining out. This trend promotes the expansion of the fast-food industry.Technological Advancements: Technological innovations such as online ordering, mobile apps, and self-service kiosks provide ease and speed to the ordering process, drawing more customers to fast food businesses.

The Mexico fast food market size reached USD 11.00 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.80% between 2025 and 2034, reaching almost USD 17.58 Billion by 2034.

The market is estimated to reach USD 207,415.5 million in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 341,089.4 million by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% throughout the assessment period.

Country wise Outlook

Competitive Outlook

The South Korea fast food market was valued at USD 18.05 Billion in 2024. The surge in late-night delivery orders, particularly among the country’s single-person households and Gen Z consumers, is widening operational expansion among QSR chains in dense urban zones. As a result, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.60% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a value of USD 28.30 Billion by 2034.

Notably, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the “Strategic Plan for K-Food Plus Export Innovation” to respond to a rapidly changing global trend and trade environment, promoting South Korean fast-food adaptations in domestic and international markets. In 2025, the government invested USD 1 billion into SMEs innovating in beauty and food products helping street food brands introduce AI-driven kiosks and meat-alternative dishes.

The Sout Korea fast food market growth is also fuelled by rising consumer demand for quick, spicy, and innovative meals. The fast food trend is not only shaped by convenience but also by evolving tastes, especially among urban millennials and Gen Z. Major fast food chains like Lotteria and Mom’s Touch are revamping menus to reflect local preferences over westernised offerings.

Moreover, domestic giants are collaborating with delivery apps like Baedal Minjok and Yogiyo to boost real-time ordering. The market also observes an increasing inclination towards sustainability, with brands adopting biodegradable packaging after Seoul's 2024 regulation on voluntary single-use plastics in eateries. Though the regulation is voluntary, young consumers in South Korea resonate well with this trend.

The global fast food market size was worth over USD 705.62 billion in 2024 and is poised to grow at a CAGR of over 5.5%, reaching USD 1.42 trillion revenue by 2037. Quick Service Restaurants segment is set to capture 40% share by 2037, fueled by digital innovations and the rise of cloud kitchens, enhancing convenience and customer satisfaction.

The fast food chicken industry has displayed robust financial health over the last five years, benefiting from boosted disposable income levels amidst economic growth. A notable shift in consumer habits, with an increased focus on healthy food choices, led industry players to revamp their menus, adding healthier options. As a result of these trends, industry revenue saw an annualized growth of 7.2%, reaching $61.1 billion over the five years to 2024. A predicted increase of 1.9% in 2024 alone helps bolster this trend. The onslaught of COVID-19 dampened travel, leading to a sharp decline in roadside or high-traffic area restaurant visits. Notwithstanding, the industry found resilience in adversity. As stay-at-home orders and business closures came into effect, many started working from home. This new dynamic augmented the demand for fast food, especially delivery services. As a result, there was an uptick in industry services which offset potential decreases in demand. All things considered, the industry's profit margins have fallen over the past five years. Further down the line, the industry's growth is set to continue, albeit at a slower rate, as life settles back into a post-COVID-19 normality. With expectations for people to return to office work and the economy hitting its stride, fast food chicken joints will likely keep expanding their menu with health-conscious options. To that end, an annualized revenue increase of 0.5% is forecasted, reaching $62.6 billion over the next five years to 2030. This indicates a positive outlook for the industry, fueled by adaptations that align with shifting consumer preferences.

Global fast food market worth at USD 311.52 Billion in 2024, is expected to surpass USD 563.18 Billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2034.