10 Best Alternative Meat Stocks to Invest In According to Analysts

5. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR)

Stock Upside Potential as of July 23: 8.21%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64

The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is one of the best alternative meat stocks to invest in according to analysts. On June 26, the company declared a dividend of 35 cents per share, up from 32 cents per share in the previous payment. This translates to an annual dividend increase from $1.28 to $1.40 per share. All shareholders of record as of August 15, 2025, will receive the payment on September 1, 2025.

This payment marks Kroger’s 19th consecutive year of dividend increases since the dividend was reinstated in 2006. Over this period, the quarterly dividend has grown at a 13% compounded annual growth rate.

Kroger’s Chairman and CEO, Ron Sargent, stated: “This dividend increase reflects the Board of Directors’ confidence in the consistency of our operating performance, strength of our free cash flow generation, and our commitment to deliver long-term shareholder value.”

The company expects adjusted free cash flow of $2.8 billion to $3 billion for fiscal 2025. This strong cash flow generation was highlighted as a key factor enabling the increase. Additionally, the company stated that its capital allocation strategy focuses on utilizing free cash flow to drive long-term, sustainable earnings growth, maintain an investment-grade debt rating, and return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is one of the largest supermarket operators in the US, serving over 11 million customers daily through 2,700+ stores and a robust private-label portfolio. Simple Truth, Kroger’s flagship natural and organic brand, launched its Plant-Based collection in 2019, featuring items such as vegan burger patties, grinds, deli slices, cookie dough, sauces, dips, and sour cream. In January 2020, the company introduced Simple Truth Emerge, a line of fresh, plant-based meats—burger patties and grinds—positioned in the meat case, delivering approximately 20 g of pea protein per serving.