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 3.7%, reaching $412.7 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 4.4% 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 1.0% over the next five years, bringing the industry revenue to $433.6 billion by 2030.

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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

The global fast food market size was valued at over USD 938.16 billion in 2025 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of around 5.3%, surpassing USD 1.57 trillion revenue by 2035, attributed to growing consumption of fast food among the working population.

As per Cognitive Market Research's latest published report, the Global Drive Thru Food market size was $626.16 billion in 2022 and it is forecasted to reach $1120.34 billion by 2030. Drive Thru Food Industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate will be 5.62% from 2023 to 2030. Factors Impacting on Drive Thru Food Market

The fast-food industry is growing at a significant rate during the forecast period. An increase in the number of restaurants and hotels adds to the growth momentum of the food market. The rise in prohibition and globalization is helping to expand the market growth. Increased urbanization and rising population have increased the desire for all these cheaper and faster food options, thereby increasing the demand for the drive-thru food market. Increasing availability of drive-thru food due to customer convenience, increased capacity, and pandemic-friendly systems is a major factor driving the growth of the global market.

Market expansion is fueled by the expected increase in consumers' discretionary income. 

The anticipated increase in consumer disposable income, notably among high-net-worth individuals and the affluent middle class in developing economies, is predicted to fuel substantial expansion in the haute couture sector. Consumers are increasingly willing to invest in distinctive, handmade fashion items that reflect status, individuality, and artistic expression as their personal riches grow. This rise in purchasing power fuels the demand for premium experiences such as personalized fittings, unique designs, and direct communication with fashion companies. In addition, the growth of affluence in areas like the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East is creating new markets for haute couture, prompting companies to expand their worldwide presence and cater to culturally varied preferences through localized design components and private demonstrations.

Restraints For Drive thru food Market:

Environmental issues and urban congestion prevent the market from expanding. 

One of the main limitations in the drive-thru food business is growing urban traffic congestion, which results in longer wait times, customer discontent, and lower operational efficiency. Limited room for queueing areas and drive-thru lanes in densely populated areas makes growth and convenience difficult. Furthermore, regulators and environmentally aware consumers have started paying attention to increasing environmental concerns, particularly those pertaining to fuel usage, carbon emissions, and automobile idling. To lessen traffic and pollution, some towns are even suggesting limits or prohibitions on the construction of new drive-throughs. These issues compel food service businesses to rethink their reliance on drive-thru formats and consider alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and use less space, such as digital ordering, curbside pickup, and pedestrian-friendly service models.

Trend Factor for the Drive thru food Market

The combination of digital and contactless technologies increases convenience and efficiency. 

Driven by the widespread use of digital ordering and contactless technology, the market for drive-through meals is expanding significantly. The ordering process is being simplified, wait times are being shortened, and tailored menu suggestions are being made in response to customer preferences and purchase history using mobile apps, in-lane kiosks, and widely used third-party delivery integrations. Contactless payment options, such as NFC, QR codes, and in-app wallets, are becoming commonplace, which increases security and efficiency, especially in metropolitan areas. In addition, dynamic menu displays powered by AI help restaurants maximize sales by tailoring promotions to weather, real-time traffic, and inventory. These advances are turning the drive-through experience into a data-driven service model that is quicker and more convenient, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and greater operational efficiency.

Opportunities Drive thru food Market:

Nonetheless, many different technology companies are collaborating with restaurant brands to implement artificial intelligence technology in drive-thru restaurants, which is expected to create lucrative opportunities for market growth. The growing focus on fast-food drive-throughs for artificial intelligence technology will have knock-on effects for other industries. Dr...

The fast food chicken industry has displayed robust financial health over the last five years, benefiting from boosted disposable income levels amid 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 5.6%, reaching $63.7 billion over the five years to 2025. A predicted increase of 1.7% in 2025 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-pandemic normality. With expectations for more 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 1.1% is forecasted, reaching $67.2 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.

A weak spending environment amid economic headwinds casts a shadow over industry performance. Squeezed budgets amid the cost-of-living crisis were a double-edged sword for takeaways and fast-food restaurants over the two years through 2023-24: some consumers cut back on takeaways, while others traded down from full-service restaurants to takeaways and fast food. Inflationary pressures resulted in hikes in labour, energy and sourcing costs, straining profitability. Those with higher disposable incomes have been less impacted, demanding higher quality and healthier options, typically with a higher price tag. Persisting inflation and economic uncertainty weaken consumer confidence and spending in the two years through 2025-26. Revenue is projected to inch upward at a compound annual rate of 0.6% over the five years through 2025-26, including a 0.2% hike in 2025-26. The subdued rate of growth reflects ongoing challenges. The surge of online food ordering has fuelled revenue growth. While online sales peaked during the pandemic, consumers drawn to convenience have become accustomed to ordering takeaways and fast food online. The development of state-of-the-art online platforms and third-party online ordering platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats are becoming the bread and butter for takeaway and fast-food outlets, encouraging new players into the industry. Britons' growing health and sustainability consciousness presents an opportunity for takeaway and fast-food businesses to introduce more expensive organic and meat-free menu items to boost revenue and profit. Britons’ tastes for healthy and sustainable takeaway options will continue to climb. Stricter legislation regarding the adverse effects of consuming junk food will promote product development innovation and healthy fast-food alternatives, driving additional revenue streams. As workers return to the office more permanently, demand for takeaway lunch options will swell. Fast food chains will invest heavily in aggressive expansion plans to secure market share and reduce costs. Investment in marketing is likely to increase as operators turn to social media and online advertising to attract younger consumers and secure long-term revenue. Spending on innovation will persist as major players leverage AI and technological advancements to differentiate themselves from competitors and meet growing demand. Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 3.1% to £27.5 billion over the years through 2030-31.

Cooks working in fast food restaurants in the United States had a median hourly wage of 14.50 U.S. dollars as of May 2024. Meanwhile, 10 percent of fast food cooks earned less than 10.76 U.S. dollars per hour.

The Fast-Food Franchises industry has been influenced by changing consumer preferences and the convenience of online food ordering. Although demand for cheaper, on-the-go food is boosting sales, fast-food establishments have had to adapt to changing consumer tastes and rising health consciousness by introducing healthier options and vegetarian and vegan offerings to capture mounting demand. The boom of delivery services has also fed revenue growth, as many opt for fast-food for its convenience and digital ordering has made it easier to receive meals. Revenue is expected to rise at a compound annual rate of 3.6% over the five years through 2025-26 to £13.1 billion. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fast-food franchises faced escalating operating costs, with soaring food and energy prices hitting profitability. Lingering supply disruptions continue to pressure food costs, with the price of beef in particular surging. Additionally, hikes in the National Living Wage are worsening these cost rises, due to the industry’s reliance on low-skilled labour. This is prompting franchises to streamline operations by integrating new technology like self-service kiosks to cut down on labour expenses. Intense competition and these heightened operating costs are weighing on profit, although it’s still higher than it was five years ago due to the pandemic. However, financial pressures have also brought opportunities. Cost-of-living pressures are continuing, with inflation reaching 3.8% in the 12 months to August 2025. This is driving more low-income consumers towards cheap fast-food restaurants, though many others are also cutting out discretionary spending on eating out, restricting revenue growth to just 0.1% in 2025-26. Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 3% over the five years through 2030-31 to reach £15.2 billion. The convenience and low prices offered by fast-food outlets will continue to drive demand. Fast-food franchises that provide clear nutritional information, source ingredients responsibly, provide healthier options and continuously innovate their menus with new and exciting flavours will stand out in this competitive market. Additionally, expansion plans by the industry’s biggest names provide a bright outlook for revenue, while AI should help brands optimise production and boost their performance.

In 2023, the leading food segment worldwide was confectionary and snacks with a revenue of **** trillion U.S. dollars. According to projections, this segment will grow to *** trillion U.S dollars by 2027. For more information on over *** markets in *** countries, please visit Consumer Market Outlook.

In recent years, lifestyle changes and reduced leisure time have contributed to a consumer shift from traditional full-service restaurants toward fast-food establishments. In addition, increased Western influences in China have boosted demand for fast food. Due to the rapid development of fast-food service providers, improvements in chain store and franchising management, and new brands and food styles, industry growth has been strong over the past decade.ACMR-IBISWorld estimates that the Fast-Food Restaurants industry in China will generate $176.3 billion in 2023. Revenue is expected to increase by 7.2% in 2023 as the industry recovers from the COVID-19 outbreak. Industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualized 1.0% over the five years through 2023.There are about 2.5 million fast food restaurant locations (i.e., establishments) operating in the industry in 2023, including franchise and chain operators of all sizes and independent Chinese-style fast-food facilities throughout the country. Most industry enterprises are small, independent facilities that offer traditional Chinese-style fast food. Fast-food restaurants employ about 11.4 million people who collectively receive an estimated $32.9 billion in wages.ACMR-IBISWorld forecasts that industry revenue will increase at an annualized 6.1% over the five years through 2028, to reach $237.5 billion. Competition is forecast to intensify, especially in regions with well-developed fast-food markets. Increased competition will encourage players to look for new opportunities in less-developed regions. Chain operations will continue spreading from east to west, and from tier one and two to tier three and four cities. Industry concentration is anticipated to increase only slightly over the next five years. In addition, more industry enterprises are likely to enter China's Top 100 catering enterprises list over the period.

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.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 207,415.5 million
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 341,089.4 million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	5.1%

Country wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	5.0%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
UK	5.2%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union	5.3%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	5.1%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	5.4%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
McDonald's	18-22%
Yum! Brands	15-19%
Darden Concepts, Inc.	10-14%
Quality Is Our Recipe, LLC	8-12%
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.	6-10%
Other Companies (combined)	30-40%

The global fast food industry has seen its fortunes rise steadily, with a projected annualized growth rate of 4.1%, increasing its revenue to an impressive $1.1 trillion over the last five years up to 2025. This success is largely due to the rise in disposable income, enabling consumers to indulge in dining out. This is supported by steady and consistent demand from emerging markets, whose unique contribution has bolstered the industry's overall performance. Despite the positive growth trajectory, the industry confronts the challenge of shifting consumer habits towards healthier food choices. This trend has significantly dented the general demand for traditional fast food. However, in response, prominent fast-food chains have expanded their menus to feature healthier options. In 2025 alone, projected industry revenue is set to grow by 1.6%. This growth rate is projected despite the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which has sparked backlashes aimed at major fast food chains such as KFC and McDonald's in many Muslim-majority countries. Furthermore, tariffs imposed by the US will elevate purchase costs for some operators, hurting the bottom lines. The fast food landscape in developed economies has reached near saturation due to an overabundance of outlets and extensive franchising. This near-saturation state has led to sluggish growth and intense competition based on pricing and product differentiation. Fast food chains have forayed into growth markets in emerging economies to counter this. Over the five years to 2030, industry revenue is expected to expand an annualized 1.4% to $1.2 trillion.

Global Fast Food market size will be USD 1186.6 Billion by 2030. Fast Food Industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate will be 6.28% from 2023 to 2030.

This dataset features the 2024 rankings of the top 50 fast food chains, highlighting key metrics such as revenue, number of locations, market growth, and brand performance. Compiled from insights published on QSR Magazine, it provides a comprehensive view of the fast-food industry leaders, offering valuable data for market analysis, trend identification, and comparative studies. Ideal for data enthusiasts, business analysts, and researchers exploring the fast-food industry.

Potential Use Cases:

Analyzing market trends in the fast-food sector. Visualizing revenue and growth patterns. Predictive modeling for future rankings or performance. Competitive analysis for market strategists.

The market size of the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry in the United States surpassed *** billion U.S. dollars in 2024. This represented an increase of around *** percent over the previous year.

Dive into the growth potential of Europe Fast Food Market, size at USD 149 billion in 2023, showcasing revenue trends and market forecast.

The global fast casual restaurants market size was USD 179.19 billion in 2024 & is projected to grow from USD 191.02 billion in 2025 to USD 318.52 billion by 2033.
Report Scope:

Report Metric	Details
Market Size in 2024	USD 179.19 Billion
Market Size in 2025	USD 191.02 Billion
Market Size in 2033	USD 318.52 Billion
CAGR	6.6% (2025-2033)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2021-2023
Forecast Period	2025-2033
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Environment & Regulatory Landscape and Trends
Segments Covered	By Food Type,By Mode of Operation,By Nature,By Region.
Geographies Covered	North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM,
Countries Covered	U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Nordic, Benelux, China, Korea, Japan, India, Australia, Taiwan, South East Asia, UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia,

The global market for this industry is expected to have a significant valuation of USD 20,684.8 million by 2025 and 47,637.4 million by 2035 and is projected to show a considerable growth at a CAGR of 8.7% over the period of 2035.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 20,684.8 million
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 47,637.4 million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	8.7%

Country-wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United States	9.0%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United Kingdom	8.3%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union	8.6%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	8.1%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	8.9%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
Loop (TerraCycle)	12-16%
Eco-Products, Inc.	10-14%
GO Box	8-12%
RECUP	6-10%
Preserve	4-8%
Other Companies (combined)	45-55%

Consumers’ growing awareness of fast food’s nutritional content and shift towards healthier eating habits have challenged demand for fast food and takeaway food services. In response, fast food brands have expanded their menus to include more nutritious, premium options with reduced fat, sugar and salt. Major companies have adapted to this trend, with McDonald's expanding its premium burger range and KFC focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The number of chicken-based fast food, which is considered healthier than traditional fast food, is also increasing. The recent cost-of-living crisis has had a mixed impact on the industry as consumers ‘trade down.’ Although people are refraining from overspending on eating out, they’re preferring to spend on fast food meals instead of paying for full meals at restaurants. Industry revenue is expected to have grown at an annualised 2.6% over the five years through 2024-25 to $29.6 billion. This trend includes an anticipated 2.9% jump in 2024-25. Consumers’ surging reliance on online delivery platforms during the pandemic boosted industry revenue but also pressured profitability, since online delivery platforms charge commissions per order. Rising food inflation has led businesses to increase menu prices to offset higher purchasing costs, with most major franchises able to pass on costs downstream to consumers, which has driven profitability growth over the five years through 2024-25. Shifting consumer preferences and evolving business models will drive industry growth over the coming years. Companies will increasingly focus on offering plant-based alternatives, reshaping their menus, with major brands set to expand their vegetarian and vegan options to capture rising demand for sustainable, health-conscious meals. Refranchising will also improve industrywide profitability, as fast food giants will reduce their operational costs by shifting company-owned stores to franchisees. This model allows brands to focus on marketing and innovation while franchisees manage day-to-day operations. These strategies, alongside international expansion, will boost competition and industry growth. Revenue is forecast to rise at an annualised 4.3% over the five years through 2029-30 to reach $36.6 billion.

The global fast-food management software market is projected to reach a valuation of approximately USD 15 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% from 2025 to 2033.