Packaged Burgers Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Frozen, Fresh), By Patty (Veg, Non-veg), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 4.48 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	7.93%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 7.08 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Packaged Burgers Market will grow from USD 4.48 Billion in 2025 to USD 7.08 Billion by 2031 at a 7.93% CAGR. Packaged burgers are defined as pre-formed raw or cooked patties composed of minced meat, poultry, or plant-based ingredients that are processed, sealed, and distributed in frozen or refrigerated formats for retail and foodservice sectors. The market is primarily propelled by the escalating consumer demand for convenient, time-saving meal solutions and the expanding reach of modern grocery retail channels which ensure consistent product availability. This expansion is underpinned by a sustained appetite for protein staples, as evidenced by robust category performance in major markets. According to the 'Meat Institute', in '2025', 'meat volume sales in the United States increased by 2.3% in 2024 compared to the prior year, contributing to a record $104.6 billion in total sales'.

However, the sector faces a significant hurdle regarding supply chain volatility and the high operational costs associated with maintaining cold chain integrity. The stringent temperature requirements necessary to preserve product safety and quality during transport and storage create substantial logistical expenses that can erode profit margins, particularly in emerging regions where temperature-controlled infrastructure remains developing.

Key Market Drivers

The rising demand for convenience and ready-to-cook meals is a primary force propelling the Global Packaged Burgers Market, as time-pressed consumers increasingly favor versatile protein options that simplify home cooking. This trend is anchored by the enduring popularity of ground meat products, which serve as the foundation for the retail burger category and offer cost-effective, easy-to-prepare dinner solutions. According to the Meat Institute, March 2025, in the 'Power of Meat 2025' report, ground beef accounted for 85% of total sales within the ground meat category in 2024, reflecting its unmatched status as a convenience staple. This high volume of consumption directly supports the expansion of pre-formed packaged burger formats, which further reduce preparation time for dual-income households and urban dwellers.

Simultaneously, the market is being reshaped by a growing consumer preference for plant-based and vegan alternatives, expanding the sector's reach to flexitarians and environmentally conscious shoppers. Innovations in texture and flavor have allowed non-meat patties to secure a significant footprint in international retail channels, creating a lucrative parallel segment. According to the Good Food Institute, May 2025, in the '2024 State of the Industry' report, global retail sales of plant-based meat and seafood rose 4% to $6.1 billion in 2024, demonstrating the category's global resilience. This diversification occurs within a highly penetrated overall market; according to the Food Industry Association (FMI), in 2025, the household penetration rate for meat and poultry remained at 98.2%, ensuring a massive, stabilized consumer base for both traditional and alternative burger innovations.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

The Global Packaged Burgers Market faces a formidable obstacle in the form of supply chain volatility and the elevated operational costs required to maintain cold chain integrity. Whether composed of meat or plant-based ingredients, packaged burgers necessitate strict temperature controls throughout their storage and distribution to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety. This dependency makes the sector highly vulnerable to fluctuations in logistics expenses, including energy prices for refrigeration, warehousing rents, and specialized transportation costs. When these input costs rise, manufacturers often struggle to absorb the expenses, leading to reduced profitability or the necessity of passing costs to consumers, which can negatively affect sales volume.

The impact of these rising logistical burdens is evident in recent industry data. According to the 'Global Cold Chain Alliance', in '2025', 'total cold storage costs increased by 4.97% in the first quarter compared to the same period in the previous year'. This escalating financial pressure, driven by higher labor and facility rental rates, directly hampers market growth by eroding margins and limiting the capital available for market expansion in developing regions where cold chain infrastructure is already capital-intensive to establish.

Key Market Trends

The Proliferation of Gourmet and Premium Meat Blend Varieties is reshaping the sector as consumers increasingly seek restaurant-quality dining experiences at home. Retailers and processors are responding by introducing high-end patty formulations that utilize specific cuts, such as brisket, short rib, or Wagyu blends, to differentiate from commoditized ground meat. This premiumization strategy not only caters to the demand for superior texture and flavor but also supports volume growth in a competitive retail landscape. According to Hilton Food Group, April 2025, in the '2024 Annual Report', the company delivered solid volume growth of 4.4% across all regions in 2024, a performance significantly supported by product improvement and the expansion of its premium tier ranges.

Simultaneously, the widespread Adoption of Sustainable and Smart Packaging Technologies is being driven by stringent environmental goals and the need to reduce food waste. Manufacturers are heavily capitalizing on operational upgrades to integrate recyclable materials and advanced vacuum-skin formats that extend shelf life while lowering carbon footprints. This capital-intensive shift is evident in the investment strategies of leading industry players aiming to meet aggressive sustainability targets. According to Cargill, January 2025, in the '2024 Impact Report', the company invested $100 million in efficiency and sustainability capital projects within its operations during the fiscal year 2024, reflecting the sector's tangible commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

Segmental Insights

The Online segment is currently recognized as the fastest growing distribution channel within the Global Packaged Burgers Market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by the increasing consumer demand for convenience and the substantial proliferation of e-commerce platforms. As modern lifestyles become more hectic, shoppers are shifting towards digital storefronts that offer broader product assortments, including niche plant-based and gourmet options not always available in physical retail. Furthermore, major retailers are enhancing their logistics and cold-chain capabilities to ensure product freshness upon delivery, thereby boosting consumer confidence in purchasing frozen and chilled burgers online.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the Global Packaged Burgers Market due to widespread consumer preference for convenient, frozen, and chilled meat products. The region features a developed retail sector and efficient cold chain systems that facilitate broad distribution throughout the United States and Canada. Furthermore, rigorous safety protocols overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture ensure high product quality and consumer trust in meat processing. These factors, combined with a strong cultural affinity for burger consumption and busy lifestyles, firmly establish the region as the global market leader.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Tyson Foods expanded its foodservice portfolio with the introduction of four new protein products, including "Fully Cooked Flamebroiled Turkey Patties." These new patties were developed to offer a char-grilled flavor profile and a convenient, high-protein option for operators catering to health-conscious diners. The company highlighted that these turkey burgers contained significantly less fat than standard beef patties while retaining a premium taste and texture. This launch leveraged consumer insights indicating a rising preference for poultry as a healthy protein source. By providing a ready-to-heat solution that minimized preparation time, the company aimed to support foodservice establishments in delivering consistent quality and meeting the growing demand for lighter burger alternatives.
• In September 2024, Iceland Foods executed a major expansion of its product portfolio by launching over 800 new items, which included significant additions to its packaged burger offerings. The frozen food specialist introduced "XL Hash Brown Cheeseburgers" and extended its exclusive partnership range with TGI Fridays to include "Hash Brown Cheeseburgers." These launches were part of a broader innovation push driven by customer feedback and a desire to provide "fake-away" style meal solutions that replicate restaurant flavors at home. By diversifying its frozen patty selection with these indulgent, value-added options, the retailer sought to strengthen its appeal to consumers seeking convenient, comfort-food meal solutions amidst a competitive retail landscape.
• In May 2024, Beyond Meat commenced the retail rollout of its fourth-generation plant-based beef products, specifically the new iteration of its flagship burger and beef mince. This updated formulation, marketed as the "Beyond IV" platform, incorporated avocado oil to significantly reduce saturated fat content while maintaining a meat-like texture and flavor. The company positioned this launch as a pivotal move to address consumer health concerns, highlighting that the new patties offered a nutritional profile comparable to or better than traditional animal beef. This strategic product renovation was intended to reverse declining sales trends by delivering a superior sensory experience and cleaner ingredient list to health-conscious shoppers in major grocery chains.
• In April 2024, Waitrose introduced a comprehensive summer food range featuring innovative packaged meat products designed to align with evolving consumer culinary trends. Among the standout launches were beef smash burgers enriched with bone marrow, created to offer a premium, restaurant-style dining experience at home. This product development was reportedly influenced by artificial intelligence analysis of social media and customer insights, which identified a growing demand for high-quality, indulgent convenience foods. The retailer aimed to cater to spontaneous dining occasions by offering these specialized burger patties alongside other unique items like New York-style hot dogs, enhancing their competitive position in the premium retail frozen and chilled category.

Key Market Players

• BUBBA foods, LLC
• Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods.
• Drink Eat Well, LLC.
• WK Kellogg Co
• Monde Nissin
• Paragon Quality Foods & Paragon Foodservice
• The Kraft Heinz Company.
• Amy's Kitchen, Inc.
• Beyond Meat Inc.
• The Campbell's Company

By Product	By Patty	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Frozen Fresh	Veg Non-veg	Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Convenience Stores Online Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Packaged Burgers Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Packaged Burgers Market, By Product:

• Frozen
• Fresh

• Packaged Burgers Market, By Patty:

• Veg
• Non-veg

• Packaged Burgers Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

• Packaged Burgers Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE