The Economics of Hamburgers

Did you know the hamburger restaurant industry is growing in the USA? According to Statista, it jumped to $161.37 billion in 2022. This follows a rise in 2021 following a dip in 2020 due to the COVID lockdowns.

You may also not know that the ingredients of hamburgers cost more due to inflation. Bacon has increased by 17.7%, while ground beef rose in the year April 21 to April 2022 by 14.8%.

Hamburger Consumption in the USA

In 2022, on average, each person ate 61 hamburgers. However, some people had none during 2022, while others ate a lot. Some states eat more hamburgers.

Oregon, Arizona, and Utah

Topping the list for the most hamburgers consumed during 2022 is the state of Oregon. On average, its citizens consumed 79 hamburgers during the year. Arizona and Utah are second and third place, with 77 and 75 hamburgers per citizen.

What is a surprise is how New York performed with hamburger consumption. It came in second to last position with just 41 burgers per citizen. Plus, the news doesn’t get any better for pizza consumption. You’d think New York would rank in the top ten for pizza; however, the only statistic it comes in first position in Rhode Island, searching ‘pizza’ on Google. If you are wondering which state eats the most pizza – it is West Virginia.

A Safe Economic Sector For Business

Back to the iconic hamburger and why the hamburger industry is a safe sector for new businesses and startups.

Americans’ love for hamburgers can be attributed to historical, cultural, and culinary factors. As a young country, the hamburger has been woven into the very fabric of the American culture.

The hamburger is often associated with backyard barbecues, picnics, and social gatherings, where grilling burgers is a popular tradition. This cultural significance has contributed to the enduring popularity of hamburgers.

Busy lives have made the fast food industry what it is today, and many hamburger chains become household names. Top chains ensure their marketing efforts heavily promote hamburgers as a quintessential American food.

McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s are here for the long term due to their brand recognition, consistency, and convenience.

Hamburgers have historically been affordable, especially compared to other meat dishes or gourmet meals. This affordability has contributed to their widespread popularity, as they are accessible to many consumers.

While these factors have contributed to the popularity of hamburgers in the United States, it’s important to note that individual preferences can vary. Not all Americans love hamburgers, and there is a diverse range of culinary tastes and preferences across the country.