NEW YORK — Brand Keys released its 25th annual Most Patriotic Brands survey Monday, finding that brands perceived as authentically reflecting American values are seeing stronger consumer loyalty, engagement and purchase intent as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026.
The study highlights how patriotism continues to shape purchasing behavior across retail categories including food and beverage, apparel, automotive, media and mass retail.
“As we gear up for the 250th party, more brands are viewed through a political lens – and authentic patriotism is more important than ever,” said Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys. “When a brand truly embodies patriotism, it goes beyond marketing-as-usual and holiday sales. It taps into a deep well of shared history, pride, and purpose, driving stronger loyalty, consumer engagement, and better behavior in the marketplace.”
For 2026, Jeep ranked as the most patriotic brand in America, followed by Coca-Cola, Ford, Levi Strauss and Disney. Rounding out the top 10 were Amazon, Walmart, Hershey’s, Ralph Lauren and WeatherTech.
Brand Keys said nearly half of the top 100 brands fell into three major consumer sectors: Food & Beverage, Apparel & Footwear, and Media & Broadcasting.
The company said its proprietary loyalty and engagement analytics have shown strong correlations with sales growth, profitability, foot traffic and other business outcomes, while also identifying consumer sentiment trends well before they appear in traditional market research.
While the survey focuses on commercial brands, Brand Keys noted that the U.S. Armed Services continue to rank highly among Americans as symbols of patriotism.
“They remain among America’s trusted symbols of patriotism,” Passikoff noted. “And we thank them for their service.”
This year’s survey included 9,720 consumers ages 18 to 65 across nine U.S. Census regions who evaluated 1,200 brands in 120 categories using emotional and psychological engagement metrics.
“We used this market-proven, independently validated approach to isolate and quantify the single value, patriotism,” noted Passikoff. “Then we ranked them according to the percent-contribution they make to brand engagement and loyalty. The results correlate extraordinarily highly with positive consumer behavior, sales, and brand profitability.”
Brand Keys said brands that authentically reflect American values are building deeper consumer relationships by connecting with shoppers’ heritage, lifestyle and cultural identity.
“Politicians talk about patriotism; brands prove it,” observed Passikoff. “As America turns 250, patriotism isn’t just a celebration of our history – it’s a test of authenticity,” added Passikoff. “Brands that can believably embody what America aspires to be – innovative, resilient, and united – will lead the next era of brand loyalty and profitability.”
“Because when brands get patriotism right, consumers don’t just stand up and salute, they go out and buy.”
Submit Your Press Release
Have news to share? Send us your press releases and announcements.
Send Press Release
