Food and drink brands including McDonald’s, Haribo and KFC dominate kids’ Coolest Brands 2026 report
Despite increasing scrutiny of HFSS products and tighter advertising regulations, food and drink remains the coolest category in children's lives, according to new research from Beano Brain. Its annual Coolest Brands 2026 report, based on responses from 10,000 UK children aged 7–14, finds that food and drink is the biggest sector in the top 100, accounting for 29% of the list.
McDonald’s has climbed two places to number two overall, while KFC ranks 12th, Coca-Cola 13th, Cadbury 14th and Pringles 15th. Haribo enters the top 25 at number 17, followed by Domino’s Pizza at 20, Nutella at 21 and Oreo at 24.
The food and drink sector is about far more than just products alone. Food brands offer familiar rituals, affordable enjoyment and moments of choice and autonomy. Fast food brands are performing particularly strongly because they combine those qualities with a physical place to be. McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King and Nando’s are familiar family destinations, but they also act as accessible, welcoming third spaces for tweens beginning to spend time independently with friends. Value menus and recognisable formats lower the barrier to entry, while cultural collaborations, collectables and limited-edition products keep the experience feeling current.
McDonald’s rise has been in part driven by its Happy Meal collaborations and World Cup themed activity. KFC combines the appeal of a more occasional treat with a place for older children and teens to meet, while its Saver menu keeps the occasion within reach. Beyond restaurants, Coca-Cola’s heritage and family rituals, Cadbury’s role in seasonal sharing, and Pringles’ association with movie nights, sleepovers and parties show how enduring brands can remain relevant without relying on a single advertising channel.
Helenor Gilmour, Head of Beano Brain, says: "Food and drink's performance in this year's ranking shows that children's relationships with brands are shaped by much more than advertising alone. The best performing brands are woven into everyday life through family routines, shared experiences and familiar moments. Alongside products children enjoy, they often offer affordability, consistency and experiences that feel accessible.”
“Fast food brands stand out because children don't just associate them with food. They also associate them with family outings, treats and opportunities to spend time with friends. As expectations around food and wellbeing continue to evolve, understanding how these relationships are formed, and the role brands play in children's lives, will be increasingly important.”
“Coolest Brands isn't about endorsing brands, it's about understanding children. These results help adults see children's worlds more clearly and understand the experiences that shape their perceptions. The popularity of food and drink brands often reflects the wider experiences children associate with them, from family days out to celebrations, treats and spending time with friends."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Restaurant technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
