Datassential Reports 14% Rise in Burger Prices Since January 2023 As Beef Costs Increase 32%
Datassential’s Burger Price Index shows burger menu prices increased approximately 14% since January 2023, while beef production costs rose about 32% during the same period.
Datassential’s Burger Price Index shows that burger menu prices have increased by about 14% since January 2023, while beef production costs have risen by about 32% over the same period. The data highlights the pricing pressures faced by restaurant operators, who have limited price increases on burgers, a high-visibility menu item, while managing rising costs across other categories.
Federal Food Away From Home inflation increased by about 13% during this period, indicating that burger price increases have closely tracked overall restaurant inflation, despite the sharper rise in beef costs. For many restaurant brands, burger prices serve as a value benchmark for consumers.
After significant price increases throughout 2024, burger prices grew more slowly in 2025. By December 2025, burger prices were just 0.4% higher year-over-year, a notable slowdown compared to earlier periods. Limited-service restaurants raised burger prices by approximately 16% since 2023, while full-service restaurants increased prices by about 12%. By the end of 2025, year-over-year price growth across both segments had converged to roughly 2.5%.
The 2026 Datassential Burger Price Index tracks burger prices across major U.S. restaurant chains and analyzes core burger categories, including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, plant-based burgers, and premium burgers. The index is powered by Datassential’s proprietary Datassential One platform.
The full Burger Price Index report is available through Datassential.
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