13 Best Consumer Staples Dividend Stocks to Invest In Now

Industry Overview - Consumer staples underperformed in 2025, with the S&P 500 Consumer Staples index gaining about 3%, while the overall S&P 500 rose more than 16% [1] - The underperformance was attributed to investor focus shifting towards AI-driven growth stocks, leaving defensive names behind, alongside changing consumer behavior and concerns regarding GLP-1 weight-loss drugs affecting demand for certain foods and beverages [2] Future Outlook - The outlook for the consumer staples sector appears more favorable moving forward, with expectations of benefiting from lower interest rates and easing headwinds [3] - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed in July, is anticipated to increase incomes for middle-income consumers, potentially supporting discretionary spending [3] Sector Challenges - Specific challenges in the sector, such as the pullback in alcohol consumption and the pace of GLP-1 adoption, seem to be stabilizing, reducing risks for alcohol-exposed businesses and easing pressure on parts of the food and beverage space [4] Investment Opportunities - A steadier environment for consumer staples is expected in 2026, with fewer disruptive forces and a more stable consumer spending backdrop, prompting a review of the best consumer staples dividend stocks to invest in [5] Company Highlights - The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX): - Number of hedge fund holders: 37 - Dividend yield as of January 7: 4.87% - Reported adjusted earnings of $0.85 per share, beating estimates of $0.79, despite a 19% revenue drop to $1.43 billion [9][11][12] - Maintained full-year outlook with expected sales decline of 6% to 10% and adjusted earnings projected at $5.95 to $6.30 per share [13] - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB): - Number of hedge fund holders: 42 - Dividend yield as of January 7: 5.17% - Stock dropped over 22% in 2025 due to challenges in core categories, particularly in the diaper business [15][16] - Planned acquisition of Kenvue for $48.7 billion may reshape the business mix and improve income profile [17] - Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (NYSE:CHD): - Number of hedge fund holders: 44 - Dividend yield as of January 7: 1.41% - Completed a strategic review and announced the sale of its vitamins, minerals, and supplements business, which is expected to have a limited impact on overall business [19][20][21]