AI Growth Scare Worries? 2 Low-Tech Growth Stocks to Rotate Into

Many investors and analysts are bullish on the stock market and the state of the AI trade going into the new year. And while it’s sure to be another pivotal year for the technology, investors should also consider the low-tech names that might be better able to withstand tech-driven market corrections.

Undoubtedly, the broad market went into 2026 with a fairly high multiple and while this alone doesn’t mean we’ll spend a big chunk of the year in a bear market, I do think that some of the neglected non-AI and non-tech plays might be in a position to do well in their own right, especially if an AI bubble (if it even exists) finally does go bust, dragging down the broad stock market along with it.

It’s all right to be bullish and overweight in the top AI names, provided you’re comfortable with increased volatility. But if you’re at all fearful of an AI bubble or rolling sector-based corrections, I’d argue that a bit of diversification can never hurt. In this piece, we’ll look at two low-tech stocks that have impressive growth rates and the means to sidestep a potential AI growth scare should one happen in 2026.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack (NYSE:SHAK | SHAK Price Prediction) stands out as a compelling buy on the dip after shedding more than 41% from its all-time highs. Undoubtedly, it’s been a sharp implosion, but one that might be overdone, especially if the $3.5 billion premium fast-food firm can successfully shift gears from recovery to acceleration. As a relatively small chain with a ton of expansion potential in the quick-serve restaurant scene, Shake Shack might be the restaurant growth play to stick with, especially if you’re looking for an impressive low-tech growth profile.

With its ambitious 1,500-store long-term expansion plan, efforts to drive same-store sales growth (think loyalty and new burgers like the Big Shack), and the potential to drive operating efficiencies via the incorporation of new tech, I see an earnings growth pathway that could help shares of Shake Shack recover quite swiftly from here.

Though Raymond James may have dropped Shake Shack stock from its “Favorites List” last month, I still think recent trends shouldn’t take away from the long-term growth story at hand. If you’re a fan of the chain, it might be finally time to nibble while shares are under $85 per share.

Celsius Holdings

Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ:CELH) is a relatively small $12.4 billion beverage company that’s fresh off a decent recovery year. Last year, the stock rose more than 65%, and while such an upside move hasn’t allowed shares to touch prior all-time highs (believe it or not, shares are still down 50% from their peak), I do think recent momentum and progress going on behind the scenes is worth getting behind. The company can keep gaining market share while making further margin improvements, allowing the stock to comfortably grow into its seemingly frothy multiple.

With the acquisition of healthy supplement market Alani Nu last year, I view Celsius’ health and wellness moat as increasing in size. Undoubtedly, the deal not only makes Celsius a bigger force in “healthy” energy beverages, but it also could give the firm a front-row seat to the protein supplements market.

Like Celsius, Alani Nu is a fast-moving up-and-comer that’s capable of massive market disruption. At 32.0 times forward price-to-earnings (P/E), I view Celsius as a very reasonably-priced mid-cap growth stock that can do well, even if the AI trade were to run out of its steam in this new year. With such an impressive growth rate and a broader portfolio of products that have resonated with health-conscious consumers, I think 2026 could be the year Celisus’ stock really heats up.