America's preferred burger choice shifts from beef to chicken, according to DoorDash's data revelations.
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In a space first, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim has crafted a burger in orbit aboard the International Space Station, showcasing culinary creativity even in zero gravity. Meanwhile, on Earth, America's burger preferences have shifted, with chicken burgers declared the most popular type of burger by food delivery platform DoorDash in a 2024 survey.
The chicken burger craze underscores a nationwide fascination with poultry, fueled by the spicy fast-food chicken sandwich wars and increasing health consciousness. According to DoorDash consumer trends expert Cristen Milliner, chicken burgers are leading the charge in restaurant innovations due to their widespread appeal, whether spicy, grilled, or high in protein.
In 17 states, chicken burgers reigned supreme as the favorite, including California, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas. This preference could be linked to factors such as affordability and satisfaction as beef prices rise, according to Milliner.
While the beef burger isn't entirely forgotten, it has taken a back seat to chicken and plant-based alternatives. Vegetarian burgers contended fiercely in 13 states, including Colorado, New York, and Wisconsin.
The data reflects a broader societal trend toward plant-based consumption. Tastewise CEO Alon Chen, a consumer intelligence platform for the food and beverage industry, saw this shift as a cultural pivot toward sustainable, nutrient-rich eating. Plant-based foods like lentils and quinoa are on the rise, with consumer interest growing by 13.3% year-over-year, Chen added.
consumers face a new era of options, where dietary choices are not mere black-and-white decisions between meat or plants. Today's consumers are seeking out meals based on mood, moment, and motivation, blending indulgence, wellness, and sustainability.
While the burger's traditional territory may have expanded, the classic hamburger held significance in states like Alaska and Hawaii. Cheeseburgers were popular in only four states, including Arizona, Iowa, Maryland, and Michigan. Turkey burgers stirred interest in six states, namely Arkansas, Delaware, Mississippi, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wyoming.
The chicken and veggie burger phenomenon represents larger societal shifts, reshaping menus, grocery aisles, and product development across the country. The versatility of alternatives makes them icons of modern eating, reflecting the fluidity between indulgence, health, and sustainability that characterizes today's consumer behavior.
- As the burger's traditional territory expands, outdoor-living enthusiasts can enjoy various global cuisines like healthy-cooking options, such as lentils and quinoa, as a part of sustainable-living practices in their home-and-garden settings.
- Interested in exploring new recipes, some consumers have turned to lifestyle choices that incorporate both indulgence and wellness, such as cooking turkey burgers for backyard barbecues or experimenting with spicy chicken burger recipes.
- For global food and drink lovers, the rise in plant-based and poultry dishes not only broadens the food-and-drink market but also showcases the versatility of outdoor-living and home-and-garden lifestyles.
- However, the nostalgic appeal of classic food items remains strong, as some individuals still prefer the taste and felt-sense of tradition when grilling a beef burger or enjoying a cheeseburger in the great outdoors.
- Amidst the multitude of options available, it's essential for consumers to make conscious decisions about their diet, balancing the desire for gourmet indulgence with concerns for both health and environmental sustainability in their cooking and lifestyle choices.
