12 Best Food Stocks to Buy in 2026

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2. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 55        

Analysts’ Upside Potential as of January 8: 25.44%  

The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is among the Best Food Stocks.

The Fly reported on January 8, 2026, that Deutsche Bank has resumed coverage of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), with a $75 price target and a Buy rating. The firm anticipates 2026 to be a mixed year and has restored coverage across food stores and broadlines. Food disinflation, less government handouts, and consumers’ persistent focus on value were all mentioned by Deutsche as important factors influencing the outlook. The firm identified tailwinds, such as the possibility of significant stimulus during the first half of 2026, even though defensive industries like food retail might face a difficult setup.

On the same day, Barclays trimmed its price objective for The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) from $75 to $68 and maintained its Equal Weight rating. As noted by Barclays, the food retail industry, hardlines, and broadlines are all expected to improve by 2026. The company anticipates a growth in the market for discretionary products and believes that expected consumer tax savings and interest rate reductions could provide a slight boost.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is one of the major grocery retailers in the United States.

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