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In 2019, fast-food restaurants spent $5 billion in total advertising, an increase of over $400 million (9%) vs. 2012. TV represented 91% of total ad spending, and TV ad spending increased by 12% compared to 2012.

Preschoolers, children, and teens viewed on average 2.1 to 2.3 fast-food TV ads per day in 2019. The majority of ads promoted regular menu items and the restaurant in general. Less than 10% of ads viewed promoted kids’ meals.

In 2019, fast-food restaurants spent $318 million to advertise on Spanish-language TV, a 33% increase from 2012. The number of ads viewed by Hispanic preschoolers and children increased 2% and 7% over the 7 years, in contrast to a decline in ads viewed by preschoolers and children overall.

In 2019, Black preschoolers, children, and teens viewed approximately 75% more fast-food TV ads than their White peers, an increase compared to 60% more ads viewed by Black youth in 2012.

Although 274 fast-food restaurants advertised in 2019, six restaurants (McDonald’s, Domino’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, Sonic, and Little Caesars) were responsible for 46% of total fast-food ad spending and approximately 55% of fast-food TV ads viewed by children and teens.

Just give me the FACTS!

Fast Food FACTS 2021 analyzes advertising spending, TV advertising exposure, and targeted advertising for fast food to children, teens, and Black and Hispanic youth.

The Rudd Center’s 2010 & 2013 Fast Food FACTS reports documented the nutrition quality and marketing of fast food to youth. Using the same methods--Fast Food FACTS 2021 reveals how the fast food advertising landscape has changed.

Explore the Fast Food FACTS website to learn more about the restaurants, advertising, and science behind FACTS.

For the detailed report methods and findings see the Fast Food FACTS 2021 Report and Fast Food FACTS 2021 Report Summary.

Press Release

New Study Finds Fast-Food Companies Spending More on Advertising, Disproportionately Targeting Black and Hispanic Youth
The fast-food industry spent $5 billion on advertising in 2019, and the advertisements disproportionately targeted Black and Hispanic youth, according to new research published today by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at the University of Connecticut. The new report, Fast Food FACTS 2021, finds that the industry’s annual ad spending in 2019 increased by over $400 million since 2012, and that children and teens were viewing on average more than two fast food TV ads per day.