GITNUXREPORT 2026

Burger Industry Statistics

The global burger market continues to expand strongly, fueled by growing plant-based options and rising consumer demand.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

McDonald's holds 42.5% U.S. QSR burger market share 2023.

Statistic 2

Burger King 15.2% share in U.S. burger sales 2023.

Statistic 3

Wendy's 12.8% U.S. market share for burgers.

Statistic 4

Sonic Drive-In 6.3% burger market share 2023.

Statistic 5

Jack in the Box 4.1% share in Western U.S. burgers.

Statistic 6

Shake Shack 1.2% but growing 20% YoY market share.

Statistic 7

Five Guys 3.5% premium burger segment dominance.

Statistic 8

Whataburger 2.8% in Southern U.S. burger sales.

Statistic 9

In-N-Out 100% West Coast market leader 8% share.

Statistic 10

Carl's Jr./Hardee's combined 5.4% national share.

Statistic 11

Culver's 2.1% Midwest burger stronghold.

Statistic 12

Checkers/Rally's 1.8% value burger niche.

Statistic 13

White Castle 1.5% slider burger category leader.

Statistic 14

Krystal 0.9% Southeastern sliders market.

Statistic 15

Plant-based leaders Beyond Meat 35% alt-burger share.

Statistic 16

Impossible Foods 28% in QSR plant burgers.

Statistic 17

Regional like Fuddruckers 0.7% gourmet share.

Statistic 18

Dairy Queen Grill burgers 4% Blizzard tie-in share.

Statistic 19

Arby's roast beef competes 2% burger crossover.

Statistic 20

Taco Bell breakfast burgers test 1% incursion.

Statistic 21

Chick-fil-A chicken burgers erode 3% beef share.

Statistic 22

Popeyes chicken sandwich impacts 5% burger sales.

Statistic 23

Starbucks none but coffee-burger pairs 0.5%.

Statistic 24

Grocery brands like Bob Evans 15% frozen share.

Statistic 25

Private label 25% retail burger competition.

Statistic 26

45% of U.S. consumers ate burgers weekly in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 27

62% of millennials prefer plant-based burger options occasionally.

Statistic 28

Average American consumes 50 burgers per year as of 2023 data.

Statistic 29

78% of Gen Z orders burgers via delivery apps weekly.

Statistic 30

35% of consumers seek gourmet toppings on burgers in 2023.

Statistic 31

Women represent 48% of burger purchasers in U.S. supermarkets.

Statistic 32

52% prefer beef over alternatives, but 28% tried Beyond Burger.

Statistic 33

Drive-thru preference rose to 67% among families in 2023.

Statistic 34

41% of consumers value sustainability in burger sourcing.

Statistic 35

Spicy burger flavors chosen by 29% of consumers in 2023.

Statistic 36

55% of Boomers stick to classic cheeseburgers exclusively.

Statistic 37

Online burger searches up 34% post-pandemic in 2023.

Statistic 38

63% of urban consumers opt for double patties.

Statistic 39

Health-conscious segment grew to 22% avoiding red meat burgers.

Statistic 40

49% influenced by social media burger ads in 2023.

Statistic 41

Kids' burger meals account for 18% of family orders.

Statistic 42

37% prefer all-beef patties over blends.

Statistic 43

Late-night burger demand peaks at 11 PM, 25% of sales.

Statistic 44

51% of Hispanics choose loaded burgers with extras.

Statistic 45

Organic burger preference at 14% among high-income.

Statistic 46

66% dine-in burger eaters pair with fries 90% time.

Statistic 47

Vegan burger trial rate 31% among 18-24 year olds.

Statistic 48

44% avoid gluten-free burgers due to taste.

Statistic 49

Breakfast burger consumption up 16% mornings.

Statistic 50

57% loyal to single chain for burgers.

Statistic 51

Low-carb bun demand 12% in keto diets.

Statistic 52

39% choose burgers for protein focus.

Statistic 53

The U.S. burger market reached a value of $162.8 billion in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase from 2022.

Statistic 54

Global burger market size was estimated at $155.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $245.8 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.9%.

Statistic 55

The plant-based burger segment grew by 27% in sales volume in 2023 compared to 2022 in the U.S., driven by health trends.

Statistic 56

U.S. limited-service restaurant burger sales hit $77.3 billion in 2023.

Statistic 57

Burger consumption in the U.S. accounts for 71 billion burgers annually as of 2023 estimates.

Statistic 58

The fast-casual burger segment expanded by 8.5% in units opened in 2023.

Statistic 59

International burger market projected to reach $90 billion by 2028 at 6.1% CAGR.

Statistic 60

U.S. burger joint revenue grew 5.3% year-over-year in Q1 2024.

Statistic 61

Premium burger market in Europe valued at €12.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 62

U.S. drive-thru burger sales surged 12% during 2023.

Statistic 63

Global QSR burger market share was 45% of total fast food in 2023.

Statistic 64

U.S. burger market expected to grow at 3.8% CAGR through 2030.

Statistic 65

Smash burger trend led to 15% growth in that subcategory in 2023.

Statistic 66

Asia-Pacific burger market valued at $25.4 billion in 2023, up 7.2%.

Statistic 67

U.S. burger exports reached $1.2 billion in beef patties in 2023.

Statistic 68

Vegan burger sales increased 19% globally in 2023.

Statistic 69

U.S. burger chain unit count rose 2.1% to 45,000 locations in 2023.

Statistic 70

Latin America burger market projected to grow 6.5% annually to 2028.

Statistic 71

U.S. burger market penetration in households reached 92% in 2023.

Statistic 72

Gourmet burger sales grew 11% in full-service restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 73

Global burger delivery market expanded 22% via apps in 2023.

Statistic 74

U.S. beef burger market share was 85% of total burgers in 2023.

Statistic 75

Middle East burger market valued at $4.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 76

U.S. burger inflation rate was 4.7% in 2023.

Statistic 77

Plant-based alternatives captured 5.2% of U.S. burger market in 2023.

Statistic 78

Canada burger market reached CAD 8.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 79

U.S. burger sales via meal deals grew 18% in 2023.

Statistic 80

Africa burger market emerging at 9.3% CAGR to 2030.

Statistic 81

U.S. burger QSR market dominated 68% of segment in 2023.

Statistic 82

Global burger franchise investments hit $15 billion in 2023.

Statistic 83

U.S. beef production for burgers 12B lbs in 2023.

Statistic 84

Average U.S. burger patty weighs 4.5 oz, using 2.7B lbs beef annually.

Statistic 85

75% of U.S. ground beef goes to burgers per USDA 2023.

Statistic 86

Global beef supply chain for burgers imports 20% U.S. beef.

Statistic 87

Plant-based burger production reached 500M lbs in 2023.

Statistic 88

U.S. bun production for burgers 15B units yearly 2023.

Statistic 89

Antibiotic-free beef for burgers 45% of QSR supply 2023.

Statistic 90

Average supply chain cost for burger ingredients $4.20 per unit.

Statistic 91

U.S. cheese slice production for burgers 8B slices 2023.

Statistic 92

Lettuce supply for burgers 2.5B heads annually U.S.

Statistic 93

Frozen patty processing plants number 1,200 in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 94

Tomato ketchup for burgers 1.2B gallons produced yearly.

Statistic 95

Grass-fed beef burgers 12% of premium supply chain.

Statistic 96

U.S. fryer oil usage for burgers 800M gallons 2023.

Statistic 97

Onion ring production for burger sides 1B lbs.

Statistic 98

Sustainable sourcing certified 60% McD burger beef 2023.

Statistic 99

Patty grinding capacity U.S. 50B lbs beef equivalent.

Statistic 100

Pickle slice production 3B for burgers annually.

Statistic 101

Beyond Meat pea protein sourcing 200M lbs 2023.

Statistic 102

U.S. carbon footprint per burger 5.2 kg CO2 avg.

Statistic 103

Water usage per burger patty 2,500 liters globally.

Statistic 104

Supplier consolidation reduced burger costs 3% in 2023.

Statistic 105

Lab-grown burger pilots produced 10,000 patties 2023.

Statistic 106

U.S. bacon topping for burgers 1.5B slices yearly.

Statistic 107

Avocado supply chain for Cali burgers 500M units.

Statistic 108

McDonald's global beef procurement 1.9B lbs 2023.

Statistic 109

McDonald's U.S. burger sales $25.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 110

Burger King global revenue from burgers $12.8 billion FY2023.

Statistic 111

Wendy's U.S. systemwide sales $12.3 billion, 60% burgers.

Statistic 112

Shake Shack burger revenue $450 million in 2023.

Statistic 113

In-N-Out average unit volume $2.8 million per location 2023.

Statistic 114

Five Guys sales per unit $2.2 million annually 2023.

Statistic 115

Whataburger total revenue $3.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 116

Culver's butterburger sales contribute 55% of $2.4B revenue.

Statistic 117

Smashburger system sales $650 million in 2023.

Statistic 118

Habit Burger Grill revenue $500 million, burgers 70%.

Statistic 119

BurgerFi sales declined 5% to $180 million in 2023.

Statistic 120

Fatburger franchise AUV $1.5 million average 2023.

Statistic 121

Johnny Rockets burger revenue $120 million 2023.

Statistic 122

Mooyah Burgers sales $250 million systemwide.

Statistic 123

Elevation Burger organic sales $45 million 2023.

Statistic 124

U.S. burger retail sales $35 billion in grocery 2023.

Statistic 125

McDonald's Big Mac alone generated $5.2B in 2023.

Statistic 126

Plant-based burger retail sales $1.1B U.S. 2023.

Statistic 127

QSR burger combo meal sales $42B in 2023.

Statistic 128

Drive-thru burger revenue 65% of total QSR burgers.

Statistic 129

International McD burgers $18B outside U.S. 2023.

Statistic 130

Wendy's app burger orders 25% of digital sales $3B.

Statistic 131

Beyond Meat burger partnership sales $300M with QSRs.

Statistic 132

U.S. frozen burger sales $12.4B in 2023.

Statistic 133

Premium QSR burger tickets average $12.50 in 2023.

Statistic 134

Burger King Whopper sales 1.5B units globally 2023.

Statistic 135

Regional chains like Cook Out $1.2B burger sales.

Statistic 136

U.S. average burger check $10.20 up 6% YoY.

Statistic 137

Impossible Whopper contributed $150M to BK sales.

Statistic 138

Grocery private label burgers $4.5B in 2023.

1/138

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Fueled by a sizzling surge that saw the U.S. burger market reach $162.8 billion and the planet devour an estimated 71 billion patties last year alone, the industry is flipping into a new era defined by plant-based innovation, gourmet cravings, and a relentless drive-thru demand.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. burger market reached a value of $162.8 billion in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase from 2022.
Global burger market size was estimated at $155.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $245.8 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.9%.
The plant-based burger segment grew by 27% in sales volume in 2023 compared to 2022 in the U.S., driven by health trends.
45% of U.S. consumers ate burgers weekly in 2023 surveys.
62% of millennials prefer plant-based burger options occasionally.
Average American consumes 50 burgers per year as of 2023 data.
McDonald's U.S. burger sales $25.5 billion in 2023.
Burger King global revenue from burgers $12.8 billion FY2023.
Wendy's U.S. systemwide sales $12.3 billion, 60% burgers.
U.S. beef production for burgers 12B lbs in 2023.
Average U.S. burger patty weighs 4.5 oz, using 2.7B lbs beef annually.
75% of U.S. ground beef goes to burgers per USDA 2023.
McDonald's holds 42.5% U.S. QSR burger market share 2023.
Burger King 15.2% share in U.S. burger sales 2023.
Wendy's 12.8% U.S. market share for burgers.

The global burger market continues to expand strongly, fueled by growing plant-based options and rising consumer demand.

Competitive Landscape

McDonald's holds 42.5% U.S. QSR burger market share 2023.
Burger King 15.2% share in U.S. burger sales 2023.
Wendy's 12.8% U.S. market share for burgers.
Sonic Drive-In 6.3% burger market share 2023.
Jack in the Box 4.1% share in Western U.S. burgers.
Shake Shack 1.2% but growing 20% YoY market share.
Five Guys 3.5% premium burger segment dominance.
Whataburger 2.8% in Southern U.S. burger sales.
In-N-Out 100% West Coast market leader 8% share.
Carl's Jr./Hardee's combined 5.4% national share.
Culver's 2.1% Midwest burger stronghold.
Checkers/Rally's 1.8% value burger niche.
White Castle 1.5% slider burger category leader.
Krystal 0.9% Southeastern sliders market.
Plant-based leaders Beyond Meat 35% alt-burger share.
Impossible Foods 28% in QSR plant burgers.
Regional like Fuddruckers 0.7% gourmet share.
Dairy Queen Grill burgers 4% Blizzard tie-in share.
Arby's roast beef competes 2% burger crossover.
Taco Bell breakfast burgers test 1% incursion.
Chick-fil-A chicken burgers erode 3% beef share.
Popeyes chicken sandwich impacts 5% burger sales.
Starbucks none but coffee-burger pairs 0.5%.
Grocery brands like Bob Evans 15% frozen share.
Private label 25% retail burger competition.

Competitive Landscape Interpretation

McDonald's reigns supreme with a whopping 42.5% of the burger market, which frankly just makes the rest of the field look like they're squabbling over a single, slightly cold french fry.

Consumer Trends

45% of U.S. consumers ate burgers weekly in 2023 surveys.
62% of millennials prefer plant-based burger options occasionally.
Average American consumes 50 burgers per year as of 2023 data.
78% of Gen Z orders burgers via delivery apps weekly.
35% of consumers seek gourmet toppings on burgers in 2023.
Women represent 48% of burger purchasers in U.S. supermarkets.
52% prefer beef over alternatives, but 28% tried Beyond Burger.
Drive-thru preference rose to 67% among families in 2023.
41% of consumers value sustainability in burger sourcing.
Spicy burger flavors chosen by 29% of consumers in 2023.
55% of Boomers stick to classic cheeseburgers exclusively.
Online burger searches up 34% post-pandemic in 2023.
63% of urban consumers opt for double patties.
Health-conscious segment grew to 22% avoiding red meat burgers.
49% influenced by social media burger ads in 2023.
Kids' burger meals account for 18% of family orders.
37% prefer all-beef patties over blends.
Late-night burger demand peaks at 11 PM, 25% of sales.
51% of Hispanics choose loaded burgers with extras.
Organic burger preference at 14% among high-income.
66% dine-in burger eaters pair with fries 90% time.
Vegan burger trial rate 31% among 18-24 year olds.
44% avoid gluten-free burgers due to taste.
Breakfast burger consumption up 16% mornings.
57% loyal to single chain for burgers.
Low-carb bun demand 12% in keto diets.
39% choose burgers for protein focus.

Consumer Trends Interpretation

The American burger landscape is no longer just a simple beef patty on a bun, but a complex, data-driven battleground where generational divides, dietary revolutions, and delivery apps compete for the nation's heart, stomach, and late-night cravings.

Market Size & Growth

The U.S. burger market reached a value of $162.8 billion in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase from 2022.
Global burger market size was estimated at $155.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $245.8 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.9%.
The plant-based burger segment grew by 27% in sales volume in 2023 compared to 2022 in the U.S., driven by health trends.
U.S. limited-service restaurant burger sales hit $77.3 billion in 2023.
Burger consumption in the U.S. accounts for 71 billion burgers annually as of 2023 estimates.
The fast-casual burger segment expanded by 8.5% in units opened in 2023.
International burger market projected to reach $90 billion by 2028 at 6.1% CAGR.
U.S. burger joint revenue grew 5.3% year-over-year in Q1 2024.
Premium burger market in Europe valued at €12.5 billion in 2023.
U.S. drive-thru burger sales surged 12% during 2023.
Global QSR burger market share was 45% of total fast food in 2023.
U.S. burger market expected to grow at 3.8% CAGR through 2030.
Smash burger trend led to 15% growth in that subcategory in 2023.
Asia-Pacific burger market valued at $25.4 billion in 2023, up 7.2%.
U.S. burger exports reached $1.2 billion in beef patties in 2023.
Vegan burger sales increased 19% globally in 2023.
U.S. burger chain unit count rose 2.1% to 45,000 locations in 2023.
Latin America burger market projected to grow 6.5% annually to 2028.
U.S. burger market penetration in households reached 92% in 2023.
Gourmet burger sales grew 11% in full-service restaurants in 2023.
Global burger delivery market expanded 22% via apps in 2023.
U.S. beef burger market share was 85% of total burgers in 2023.
Middle East burger market valued at $4.8 billion in 2023.
U.S. burger inflation rate was 4.7% in 2023.
Plant-based alternatives captured 5.2% of U.S. burger market in 2023.
Canada burger market reached CAD 8.5 billion in 2023.
U.S. burger sales via meal deals grew 18% in 2023.
Africa burger market emerging at 9.3% CAGR to 2030.
U.S. burger QSR market dominated 68% of segment in 2023.
Global burger franchise investments hit $15 billion in 2023.

Market Size & Growth Interpretation

The global burger industry is not just flipping patties; it's flipping a colossal $162.8 billion in the U.S. alone, proving that even with a 4.7% price hike and a 19% rise in vegan options, our hunger for a perfect bun-and-patty combination is essentially unstoppable.

Production & Supply Chain

U.S. beef production for burgers 12B lbs in 2023.
Average U.S. burger patty weighs 4.5 oz, using 2.7B lbs beef annually.
75% of U.S. ground beef goes to burgers per USDA 2023.
Global beef supply chain for burgers imports 20% U.S. beef.
Plant-based burger production reached 500M lbs in 2023.
U.S. bun production for burgers 15B units yearly 2023.
Antibiotic-free beef for burgers 45% of QSR supply 2023.
Average supply chain cost for burger ingredients $4.20 per unit.
U.S. cheese slice production for burgers 8B slices 2023.
Lettuce supply for burgers 2.5B heads annually U.S.
Frozen patty processing plants number 1,200 in U.S. 2023.
Tomato ketchup for burgers 1.2B gallons produced yearly.
Grass-fed beef burgers 12% of premium supply chain.
U.S. fryer oil usage for burgers 800M gallons 2023.
Onion ring production for burger sides 1B lbs.
Sustainable sourcing certified 60% McD burger beef 2023.
Patty grinding capacity U.S. 50B lbs beef equivalent.
Pickle slice production 3B for burgers annually.
Beyond Meat pea protein sourcing 200M lbs 2023.
U.S. carbon footprint per burger 5.2 kg CO2 avg.
Water usage per burger patty 2,500 liters globally.
Supplier consolidation reduced burger costs 3% in 2023.
Lab-grown burger pilots produced 10,000 patties 2023.
U.S. bacon topping for burgers 1.5B slices yearly.
Avocado supply chain for Cali burgers 500M units.
McDonald's global beef procurement 1.9B lbs 2023.

Production & Supply Chain Interpretation

While America's obsession with beef builds mountains of 12 billion pounds of patties and a side of 15 billion buns, the industry is quietly being stretched between the cow’s colossal 2,500-liter water footprint and the ambitious pea, as plant-based labs and consolidation battles try to reshape the future of the perfect, $4.20 all-beef (or not) paradise.

Sales & Revenue

McDonald's U.S. burger sales $25.5 billion in 2023.
Burger King global revenue from burgers $12.8 billion FY2023.
Wendy's U.S. systemwide sales $12.3 billion, 60% burgers.
Shake Shack burger revenue $450 million in 2023.
In-N-Out average unit volume $2.8 million per location 2023.
Five Guys sales per unit $2.2 million annually 2023.
Whataburger total revenue $3.5 billion in 2023.
Culver's butterburger sales contribute 55% of $2.4B revenue.
Smashburger system sales $650 million in 2023.
Habit Burger Grill revenue $500 million, burgers 70%.
BurgerFi sales declined 5% to $180 million in 2023.
Fatburger franchise AUV $1.5 million average 2023.
Johnny Rockets burger revenue $120 million 2023.
Mooyah Burgers sales $250 million systemwide.
Elevation Burger organic sales $45 million 2023.
U.S. burger retail sales $35 billion in grocery 2023.
McDonald's Big Mac alone generated $5.2B in 2023.
Plant-based burger retail sales $1.1B U.S. 2023.
QSR burger combo meal sales $42B in 2023.
Drive-thru burger revenue 65% of total QSR burgers.
International McD burgers $18B outside U.S. 2023.
Wendy's app burger orders 25% of digital sales $3B.
Beyond Meat burger partnership sales $300M with QSRs.
U.S. frozen burger sales $12.4B in 2023.
Premium QSR burger tickets average $12.50 in 2023.
Burger King Whopper sales 1.5B units globally 2023.
Regional chains like Cook Out $1.2B burger sales.
U.S. average burger check $10.20 up 6% YoY.
Impossible Whopper contributed $150M to BK sales.
Grocery private label burgers $4.5B in 2023.

Sales & Revenue Interpretation

While McDonald's is a global titan casually serving billions in Big Macs, the burger battlefield reveals a rich ecosystem where even a single legendary Butterburger can quietly anchor a multi-billion dollar empire, proving America's love affair with the patty is both astronomically scaled and deeply personal.

Sources & References

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