Fast foods in South Africa are a multi-billion-Rand business annually. However, following the introduction of 30% Trump tariffs this month, a major shake-up is on the cards. While this spells trouble for US-based brands, it does represent great strategic opportunities for other fast foods in South Africa.
Interestingly, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence, fast foods in South Africa are a R177-billion industry annually. As of May 2025, there were an estimated 5 982 fast-food restaurants in the country. This accounts for nearly 80% of all food services, reports Daily Investor.
FAST FOODS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Instead of sales, the report analysed the most visible and talked-about fast foods in South Africa. These included McDonald’s, KFC, Chicken Licken, Nando’s, Roman’s Pizza, Debonairs, and Steers. Noteworthy is the fact that full-service, sit-down restaurants like Spur, Wimpy and Mugg & Bean were not included.
As such, the most popular fast foods in South Africa are McDonald’s and KFC, leading online share of search (SoS) rankings with more than 10% each. Interestingly, Data from Standard Bank customers also revealed how South Africans spend their money on fast foods every month.
MORE MONEY, MORE SPENDING
Research found that your average customer (earning R25 000 per month) spends roughly R775 monthly on fast foods in South Africa. This is over and above groceries and other food shopping. Interestingly, the higher the earnings, the higher the spending. Earners in excess of R50 000 spend R1 000 per month, and spending can peak at R1 300 per month over the holiday period.
Moreover, Mordor says negative sentiment towards brands comes from late deliveries, poor service and/or small portion sizes. More than 70% of consumers say taste consistency and credibility was their strongest driver for fast foods in South Africa. The best-selling combo deals don’t exceed the R100 mark. And the 80% of fast-food purchases take place on Fridays and Saturdays, in and around paydays and holidays.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU EAT FAST FOODS IN SOUTH AFRICA?
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