THE TRENDS THAT ARE BUILDING TODAY’S BURGER.

Consumer demands are always changing. That means burger trends are ever evolving to meet those demands. To help, we’ve spotlighted a few of the current trends surrounding burgers and burger menus. After that, it’s up to you, your imagination and a dependably consistent, flavorful TNT patty to create away and set your menu apart.

CONSUMPTION

Whether consumers are dining out or staying home, burger consumption rates continue to gain strength.

79% of consumers eat burgers away from home at least once per month.1

55% of consumers eat burgers either at home or at foodservice at least once a week.2

1. Datassential Keynote Report: Burgers, 2021
2. Technomic Consumer Trend Report: Burger 2019

Topping Trends

Burger topping creativity abounds everywhere, and consumers are certainly eating them up. But the stats show that traditional toppings shouldn’t be ignored.

35% of consumers strongly agree they’re willing to pay more for premium toppings.3

Traditional burger toppings still maintain the widest appeal among consumers overall.4

The top appealing burger toppings with percent of consumers selecting “extremely appealing” or “very appealing”:

71% Bacon; 68% Lettuce; 66% Fresh Tomato; 66% Ketchup; 63% Onions; 57% Mayonnaise; 55% Mustard

When it comes to cheese, the traditional favorites maintain their high appeal. In a recent study, these cheeses were found to be “extremely appealing” or “very appealing” by the following percentage of people”:4

72% Cheddar; 65% American; 58% Swiss; 56% Monterey Jack; 56% Pepper Jack; 56% Mozzarella; 55% Provolone

Millennials, however, are significantly more receptive to different cheese offerings. In a recent study, these cheeses were found to be “extremely appealing” or “very appealing” by the following percentage of millennials:4

63% Smoked Cheese;51% Gouda;50% Muenster;50% Asiago

3. Technomic Consumer Trend Report: Burger 2019
4. Datassential Keynote Report: Burgers 2021

OPPORTUNITIES FROM THE LTO LAB

The burger is the perfect vehicle for LTOs. It allows you to experiment with different, exciting toppings and seasonal flavors to expand your menu, create buzz and drive sales with urgency, especially with certain demographics.

Millennials rate higher versus all other age demographics for interest in these burger innovations5:

Teriyaki Sauce 45%; Waffle Buns 44%; Gruyere Cheese 44%; Pico de Gallo 44%; Pesto 40%; Hummus 34%; Beets 34%

There is lots of consumer interest in certain burger innovations that are currently being unmet by most operators. These become perfect opportunities to create a stand-apart burger menu5:

Innovation Consumer
Interest		 Operators
Offering
Next-level cheddar 55% 26%
Upscale meats as patties or condiments 41% 13%
Breakfast/brunch burgers 41% 20%
Mac and cheese 37% 16%
Burger bowls 34% 4%
Sweet flavors 30% 7%
Whimsical or sweet carriers 30% 6%
GET UNIQUELY SIMPLE LTO IDEAS HERE

5. Datassential Keynote Report: Burgers 2021

WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG THING?

Take advantage of the above trending opportunities by developing burgers with the following:

Interesting carriers like garlic bread buns
A unique sauce like Guinness & bacon jam
Upscale meat toppings like pulled pork
Smoked cheddar cheese
Creamy mac and cheese topping

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