Burger choices in America change as chicken burgers surpass beef across the country

Burger Season Returns

National Burger Day, which falls on May 28th, has kicked off the burger season once more. Doordash has shared findings on the most popular burgers ordered across the United States in 2024. Interestingly, the reigning champion in the delivery realm is the chicken burger, which might catch some off guard.

“There’s been a shift in what Americans consider their favorite burgers, and chicken is definitely leading that change,” said Cristen Milliner, a consumer trend expert with Doordash. She noted that the fast-food chicken sandwich trend, initiated a few years ago, has heightened the appetite for chicken without showing signs of slowing down. “Restaurants are constantly working on new chicken burger innovations, especially given that high protein content has gained traction on social media,” she added.

Supporting this trend, a report indicated that 74% of Generation Z and 69% of millennials are likely to order restaurant items once they gain popularity online. “It’s not surprising that chicken burgers are favored in 17 states when you factor in the health benefits of chicken,” Milliner explained.

Among those states where chicken burgers reign supreme are California, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas. Milliner suggests that this surge is also practical, as more consumers are looking for satisfying and budget-friendly options amid rising beef prices.

Many within the industry share the sentiment that the love for chicken burgers in America is more than just a trend. Alon Chen, CEO of a consumer intelligence platform in the food industry, mentioned that there has been a 48% increase in chicken consumption since 2020, stating that chicken burgers have evolved beyond simple trends—to become staples in the American diet.

According to Chen, the desire for chicken burgers is influenced by factors like affordability, wellness, and, of course, taste. Meanwhile, veggie burgers have captured attention in states like Colorado, New York, and Wisconsin.

Chen further observes a growing acceptance of plant-based foods, referencing a notable increase in interest in ingredients like lentils and quinoa. He believes this isn’t just a passing trend but reflects a broader cultural shift toward sustainable eating habits.

Interestingly, traditional beef burgers remain favorites in ten states including Alaska and Hawaii, while cheeseburgers only hold the top spot in four states: Arizona, Iowa, Maryland, and Michigan. Turkish burgers are also quite popular, ranking highly in six states including Arkansas and Virginia.

Overall, Chen sees this chicken and veggie burger trend as part of a significant social evolution in dietary choices, with consumers picking options based not only on type but on various personal factors like mood and motivation.