We can’t get enough of the classic comfort food that is the burger. Especially a grab-and-go burger oozing with filings and sauces all safely housed in a sturdy street-smart takeout container. How satisfying is that first bite?

According to Lumina Intelligence, burgers are the best-selling main dish eaten out of home in the UK, with 87% of consumers eating a burger at least once a month. The burger's enduring popularity is a testament to its versatility, feast of flavours and ability to bring people together. Its simplicity makes it endlessly adaptable and from the time-honoured traditional cheeseburger, to a fully plant-based gourmet burger, there's a tasty version to suit everyone.

The burger is always evolving so here are five of the biggest current trends to try in your takeout burger box.

1. The Smash Burger

 Fitting perfectly into our burger box, the smash burger is up first. This burger bids farewell to the ‘dude’ food trend where the pattie was deep and the toppings piled high.

The smash burger originated in the US Depression era when inventive diner owners had to get the most out of their meat. Instead of cooking pre-formed patties, the mince was placed on the hot grill to sear the meat into a thin burger. Showing the depth of this trend, last year, the smash went plant-based and entered the supermarkets with Beyond Meat launching Beyond Smash burgers to Tesco stores. 

While this burger is still smashing it, could the bistro burger be making a comeback with taller, thicker patties? Watch this space… 

2. Condiments count 

One of the top three reasons for buying a gourmet burger is to try interesting flavour combinations therefore, condiments and toppings are a great way to update your offering and inspire bold consumers. 

Sweet and spicy (or ‘swicy’ as it’s now known) is one such way to go. Add hot honey, habanero jam, tamarind chilli chutney or candied jalapenos. This is a great way to spice up your house-style burger - whether meat or plant-based. 

The burger’s charm partly lies in its simplicity but that doesn’t mean you can’t elevate it. We love these final touches of finesse such as truffle aioli, aged cheddar or a sauce-y flight. 

Finally, the TikTok trend for the pickle burger encourages us to add flavours such as sauerkraut, fermented iceberg lettuce, or an Asian twist of pickled carrots and daikon, natto (fermented soybeans) or kimchi. It’s that umami taste your customers will love and will keep them coming back for more. 

3. Think outside the bun  

We love the traditional burger bun, of course, but there are a world of options beyond the standard sesame bun for those that care to look. This is an easy way to switch up your burger offering and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

It can also make your burger menu more inclusive to dietary requirements with a gluten-free bun or even a lettuce wrap. Think pretzel, brioche or pitta. 

What will you try out in 2025?

4. Go global, think local

Another way to update your burger menu is to look for global inspiration. Options include Mexican burgers with crispy tortillas, refried beans, and guacamole, Indian-spiced patties, or Mediterranean-inspired burgers with whipped feta and sumac onions.

But while your catering team can go global with their inspiration and menu planning, you can key into the trend for locally sourced ingredients. Younger consumers in particular care about buying local, regenerative farming and transparency with food labelling. Reinforce your brand values for sustainability by demonstrating the provenance of your food - for instance locally sourced beef, topped with Welsh samphire and a regional BBQ sauce.

Choose sustainable materials like renewably sourced cardboard or compostable materials to align with your environmental values and ensure your burgers are sent out into the world in compostable and recyclable burger packaging. 

5. Dessert Burgers

Yes, that’s right, we’re turning sweet on you! The lockdown trend for dessert burgers doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. For the ultimate indulgence, swap out a meat pattie for melted chocolate or a brownie topped with cream or ice cream; or for a lighter option, choose seasonal fruit and organic honey.

And of course, such a sweet tooth burger needs to be paired with the right kind of bun - how about a brioche or scone? (is a doughnut too much!?)

Which burger trends will your customers love most?

From the nostalgic comfort of the smash burger to the fusion of global fermented flavours or even sweet versions, there’s a burger for every palate. The burger market is incredibly competitive so understanding and responding to burger consumer trends will help to ensure your business stays relevant and differentiates itself in a dynamic market. Tweaks to your burger toppings, for instance, can avoid menu fatigue and ensure they come back for more. 

As your consumers become increasingly conscious of sustainability, locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging will play an even greater role.

If you’re looking for a burger box fit for your delicious offering, check out our street food range:

• Compostable and recyclable small burger box 
• Compostable and recyclable street food box.