2023 Fast Food Statistics
The fast food industry is one of the largest sectors within the restaurant industry. As a promotional disposable product manufacturer for the restaurant industry, the branding experts at Budget Branders like to keep a finger on the pulse of the fast food industry. Just how large is the fast food industry? What trends are emerging? How often is fast food consumed? You can find the answers to these questions and more with the latest industry statistics compiled below.
200,000+
different fast food businesses exist in the United States
$200 Billion
The collective amount Americans spend on fast food annually.
$1,200
The average amount Americans spend on fast food in a year.
$70,500
The average amount Americans spend on fast food in a lifetime.
2.2%
The average annual growth rate for fast food consumption.
931.7 Billion
The estimated global market value for the fast food industry by 2027.
80%
Of Americans visit a fast food restaurant once a month.
20%
Of Americans eat fast food at least twice a week.
50 Million
The number of Americans eating fast food on any given day.
The fast food industry provides more than
4 Million Jobs
Percent Of Adults Who Consume Fast Food By Age
Studies have found that fast food consumption decreases with age.
Percentage Of Adults Who Consume Fast Food By Income Level
While fast food can be a cheaper alternative to other food options, fast food consumption actually increases with increased family income.
Fast Food Popularity By Meal Type
Top Fast Food Chains By Brand Value (In Millions)
McDonald's is by far the global leader in fast food. The golden arches are more globally recognized than the Christian cross.
There are over
37,000
McDonald's locations in the world. McDonald's has more locations than Wendy's, Taco Bell, Arby's, and Burger King combined.
80%
of fast food consumed by children is McDonald's.
80%
of children say McDonald's is their favorite place to eat.
3-5
The number of fast food ads children are exposed to each day.
Children exposed to fast food ads are
30%
more likely to eat the advertised food.
34%
of children consume fast food on any given day.
How Do Consumers Perceive Fast Food?
It would appear the average fast food consumer views the food they purchase as junk food. 76% of fast food consumers believe fast food to be bad for your health. It's likely more of a guilty pleasure or a necessary evil for these consumers.
