On December 12, CNBC reported that consumers in the US are still dining out amid food inflation and affordability concerns. However, many are now ordering more appetizers instead of higher-priced entrees.

Jim Pazzanese, executive vice president of global strategic procurement of Buyers Edge Platform, which tracks supply chain data within the food service industry, said:

“Appetizer orders are up 20% year over year, even as entrees and desserts are largely flat or declining.”

Pazzanese pointed out that this shift is “visible at the item level” and noted that some popular appetizers saw sales jump even more than 30%. He called this trend in the restaurant industry the “appetizer economy.” He also said that dessert orders have dropped 2% year-over-year. Pazzanese said that one reason for the growing popularity of appetizers is that they are “more frequently tied to promotions and drink specials.” This helps make eating out more affordable.

Brian Choi, CEO of the Food Institute, said that we are seeing a “K-shaped economy” in food spending.

According to Food Institute data, food inflation lingers even when it is down from 2022 highs. Choi noted that “food price inflation has increased since the midpoint of 2025, with food-at-home prices up in the range of 1.9% to 2.7% year-over-year.”

September CPI data showed “food away from home” inflation rising higher than even food inflation overall, at 3.7%. Full-service meals inflation came in at 4.2%. This is pushing restaurants, college dining halls, and convenience stores toward more private-label spending.

With this background in mind, let’s take a look at the 13 best fast food stocks to buy.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the 13 best fast food stocks to buy, we looked for the biggest fast food companies. We reviewed our own rankings, financial media reports, ETFs, and various online resources to compile a list of the best fast food stocks. Next, we focused on the top 13 stocks most favored by institutional investors. Data for the hedge fund sentiment surrounding each stock was taken from Insider Monkey’s Q3 2025 database of 978 elite hedge funds. Finally, the 13 best fast food stocks to buy were ranked in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in them as of Q3 2025.

Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).

13 Best Fast Food Stocks to Buy

13. Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK) is one of the best fast food stocks to buy. On December 9, RBC Capital increased its price target on Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK) from $16 to $25 while maintaining an Outperform rating. This update came in a research note previewing 2026 for Restaurants and Leisure companies.

RBC Capital views Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK) favorably because of the company’s strong brand, ongoing innovation in the menu, digital initiatives, and potential for meaningful unit growth at a higher average unit value. The research firm’s analyst told investors in a research note that the company will need to execute and is expected to be more exposed to a possible consumer weakness compared to other companies in the quick-service restaurant space.

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK) has also entered into a definitive agreement to sell Del Taco Holdings Inc., the company’s wholly owned subsidiary that operates and franchises over 550 Del Taco restaurants. Yadav Enterprises Inc. will acquire Del Taco Holdings Inc. for $115 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. According to the report by Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK), this deal is expected to close by January 2026.

This divestiture is part of the company’s “Jack on Track” plan, which was announced in April. This transaction will help Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK) improve its balance sheet and shift to a simpler, asset-light business model. It will also help the company focus on its core Jack in the Box brand.

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK) is an American restaurant company that operates and franchises Jack in the Box, one of the nation’s top fast-food burger chains.

12. Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE:SG)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25

Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE:SG) is one of the best fast food stocks to buy. On December 14, TipRanks reported that RBC Capital analyst Logan Reich reiterated a Buy rating on Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE:SG) with a price target of $8.

In other news, on December 2, Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE:SG) announced the launch of its first locations in Sacramento with two new spots opening in December. This strategic move marks the company’s entry into the Sacramento market and also builds on the company’s expansion around the country. Sweetgreen, Inc.’s (NYSE:SG) first location opened in Midtown, which will be followed by a second location at Fair Oaks + Howe.

The first Midtown restaurant has space for 20 people inside and 14 on the patio. According to the report by Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE:SG), customers can order in, online, or through the Sweetgreen app, which offers SG Rewards and allows members to get 10 points per eligible dollar spent to unlock perks, exclusive deals, and free items.

A second location at Fair Oaks + Howe will also boost Sweetgreen, Inc.’s (NYSE:SG) presence in the Sacramento market. In its Q3 2025 earnings, the company updated its guidance for fiscal year 2025 to 37 net new restaurant openings.

Looking further ahead, Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE:SG) expects 15 to 20 net new restaurant openings in fiscal year 2026.

Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE:SG) is a fast food company that operates a restaurant chain. It is known for its healthy salads and grain bowls made with fresh and seasonal ingredients.