Gourmet beefs up the burger market: Almost one in 10 switch from fast food to gourmet burger restaurants

With Thursday (27th August) marking National Burger Day, restaurants across the country will be toasting buns and grilling patties in celebration of the humble burger. But rather than the traditional quarter-pounder, new research from Mintel finds that many Brits are now looking for a ‘better burger’, with 7% of Brits who’ve visited a fast-food restaurant in the past three months* saying they’ve switched from these restaurants to gourmet burger restaurants, rising to over one in 10 (12%) users aged 16-34.

Although the number of gourmet burger bars is still small, Brits’ hunger for a superior burger among other factors is having a positive influence on the overall burger bar market, with sales expected to post growth of 4.5% to £3.2 billion in 2015 and a growth of 19% predicted between 2015 and 2020 to reach £3.8 billion.

And it seems many are looking to trade up their burger choice at fast food restaurants too, with half (52%) of UK consumers who’ve eaten or bought food from a fast-food restaurant in the past three months saying they’d be interested in trying gourmet burgers from fast food chains. What’s more, 29% of fast food users are interested in burgers from fast food venues containing thicker meat, 26% in a greater selection of burger toppings and 24% are interested in burgers made using more premium bread.

Whilst those aged 16-34 are the most likely to prefer a posher patty, they are also the most likely age group to visit fast food restaurants. Four in five (81%) UK consumers aged 16-34 have eaten in a fast-food restaurant in the past three months, compared to the national average of 65%.

Richard Ford, Senior Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel, said:

“The gourmet burger trend continues seemingly unabated, adding value and interest to the burger market. Gourmet burgers have prospered during the economic downturn through their status as an affordable meal that still offers indulgence. The ongoing expansion of ‘better burger’ restaurants continues to add value to the market by encouraging trading up. Offering thicker burgers and a greater range of patty meats should provide burger operators with opportunities to further entice customers and maintain their interest.”

But it seems many of those treating themselves to a burger this National Burger Day may be also tasting a side order of guilt. Over half (54%) of fast food restaurant users say they are concerned about the amount of fat in burgers and 48% are concerned about the amount of calories in them. In addition, almost a third (31%) of fast food restaurant visitors say concerns about the healthiness of fast food have caused them to limit the amount they eat.

Amidst concerns over health, it appears that consumers still see gourmet burgers as a better for you alternative. Indeed, two in five (39%) fast food restaurant users say that gourmet burgers are better for you than burgers from a fast food restaurant.

However, Mintel’s research shows that bitesize treats may be a winning dish for health-conscious fast food diners. Just 17% of fast-food restaurant visitors say they have ordered healthier dishes at a fast food restaurant, but two in five (42%) say they would rather eat a smaller portion of their favourite meal in a fast food restaurant that a reduced calorie version.

“While consumers do not tend to look to fast food restaurants for healthy dishes, smaller dishes may hold more appeal for diners on those occasions where they are looking to cut down on the amount of calories they consume at these venues.” Richard concludes.

*to May 2015

Press review copies of the Burger and Chicken Restaurants 2015 report and interviews with Senior Food and Drink Analyst Richard Ford, are available on request from the press office.