8 Food Stocks to Eat Up Today

Food stocks aren�t very interesting and aren�t very volatile. But for many investors, this is a big selling point. Why chase high-risk growth stocks when you can keep your money safe in a sleepy consumer stock that has big brand power � and frequently a plump dividend to boot?

I watch more than 5,000 publicly traded companies with my Portfolio Grader tool, ranking companies by a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. And this week, eight food stocks to buy.

Here they are, in alphabetical order. Each one of these stocks gets an �A� or �B� according to my research, meaning it is a �strong buy� or �buy.�

Campbell Soup (NYSE:CPB) is a manufacturer and marketer of convenience food products. Year-to-date, CPB stock has posted a gain of 2%. Campbell�s stock gets a �B� grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months and an �A� grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of CPB stock.

ConAgra (NYSE:CAG) owns the brands Banquet, Chef Boyardee, David Seeds, Egg Beaters, Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Pam and Snack Pack. Since last April, CAG stock is up 6%. ConAgra stock gets a �B� grade for earnings growth and a �B� grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of CAG stock.

General Mills (NYSE:GIS) is a global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods. IN the last 12 months, GIS stock is up 5%. General Mills stock gets a �B� grade for sales growth and an �A� grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of GIS stock.

H.J. Heinz (NYSE:HNZ) is best known for its lines of ketchup, condiments and sauces. HNZ has posted a return of 4% since last April. Heinz stock gets a �B� grade for its ability to exceed the consensus earnings estimates on Wall Street, a �B� grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months and an �A� grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of HNZ stock.

Hershey (NYSE:HSY) is a producer of chocolate and sugar confectionery products. HSY stock is up 9% in the last year. Hershey stock gets a �B� grade for operating margin growth, a �B� grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months and an �A� grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of HSY stock.

Kellogg� (NYSE:K) is primarily involved with ready-to-eat cereal and convenience foods. In the last 12 months, Kellogg has gained 6%. K stock gets a �B� grade for earnings growth, a �B� grade for earnings momentum and an �A� grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of K stock.

Kraft (NYSE:KFT) produces biscuits, confectionery, beverages, cheese, convenient meals and various packaged grocery products. In the last 12 months, KFT stock has climbed 15%. Kraft stock gets a �B� grade for operating margin growth, a �B� grade for earnings growth and a �B� grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of KFT stock.

Sara Lee� (NYSE:SLE) is best known for its bakery and dessert products. SLE is up 17% in the last 12 months. Sara Lee stock gets a �B� grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months and an �A� grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of SLE stock.

Get more analysis of these picks and other publicly-traded stocks with Louis Navellier�s Portfolio Grader tool, a 100% free stock-rating tool that measures both quantitative buying pressure and eight fundamental factors.