Food truck market could see fast and furious sales

The food truck market is expected to accelerate to much bigger sales, according to a new market study.

A report from research firm Mordor Intelligence forecasts that food truck market size will rise nearly 7% in 2026 to $4.71 billion in annual revenue compared to sales of $4.41 billion in 2025.

Mordor Intelligence released its data in a new food truck report, predicting even bigger sales down the road. According to the report, sales could sizzle and jump by as much as 46% while reaching a total of $6.46 billion by 2031.

Market growth drivers

The firm said the big push in revenue is being driven by a rising demand for convenient, affordable meals, growing urban events, and social media-driven food discovery.

Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are allowing vendors to showcase their food truck offerings, including menu items, with minimal marketing efforts or cost. Operators can also share their locations in real-time or provide dates for upcoming appearances.

For operators, including franchisees, the appeal of lower-overhead business models is creating new opportunities.

Franchise opportunities

Mobile franchise models, such as Cousin’s Maine Lobster, DonutNV, Haven Hot Chicken, and Bitty and Beau’s Coffee, also allow an easier entry into the market. It’s also an avenue for added franchise growth as companies introduce new, mobile business models.

Established brands are providing equipment, operational support, recipes, and supplier networks, which helps shorten the setup process. Mordor Intelligence said, as labor and food costs rise, independent operators are increasingly turning to franchising to benefit from shared resources and greater operating efficiency.

Other industry data sheds more light on the size of the food truck market. According to Food Truck Profit, there are an estimated 48,400 food trucks across the United States, with market size increasing by 8% over the past 5 years. Data from Food Truck Profit shows that operators $346,000 annually with approximately 91% of vehicles being independently operated.

Sustainability trends

When it comes to the types of food vehicles on the road, Mordor Intelligence said there has been a shift toward electric vehicles with businesses looking to cut down on fuel costs and meet tighter emissions standards.

At the same time, cities and municipalities are providing more charging stations for operators, particularly at event locations, Mordor Intelligence notes.

“Mordor Intelligence applies a consistent research framework that combines reported market information with structured industry assessment, helping decisionmakers interpret food truck market trends, competitive dynamics, and growth prospects through a clearly defined and comparable analytical approach,” said Phani Kumar, senior research manager at Mordor Intelligence.