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Kenyans are most obsessed with eating burgers in Africa after Nigeria and Uganda, a new report has revealed.

A report by Glovo, a leading multi-category app indicated that burger consumption in Kenya saw a 35 per cent increase from May 2023 to April 2024.

The annual survey on burger consumption and which was released on International Burger Day ranked Kenya in the second position among all African markets in the number of customers with burger orders, just behind Morocco. In total, 34 tonnes of burgers were delivered during the year, meaning Kenyans consumed about 34,000 large watermelons.

Top choice

And if stacked, all burgers delivered would reach an astonishing height of 17,535 metres – that’s taller than Mount Everest, which stands at 8,845 metres. Chicken remains the favourite, responsible for 45 per cent of burgers delivered in the last 12 months, making it the top choice among Kenyans.

Beef burgers came second followed by the highly coveted cheeseburger. Fries, wings, and salad were the top sides added to burger orders.

However, Smash burgers are the big trends this year, with growth rates of 444 per cent. These are made by smashing the ground beef onto the grill or griddle with a spatula, resulting in a sear on the outside of the meat, which locks in all of the juices and flavour.

Nairobi accounted for 80 per cent of the orders, with Mombasa coming in second place and Ngong-Rongai-Karen in third place. Significant growth was seen in Diani, with a 21,920 per cent increase in burger deliveries, Kikuyu with 1,681 per cent, and Thika with 96 per cent. According to Caroline Mutuku, Glovo Kenya General Manager, the growth in consumption and delivery of burgers underscores the company’s commitment to excellence in service. “Our partners’ continued trust in us shows our dedication to championing local businesses across the country,” she added.

In recent years, however, there has been a significant shift in consumer preferences towards vegetarian and vegan diets, driven by concerns for animal welfare, health, and environmental sustainability.

Burgers offer limited vegetarian and vegan options which can be seen as a weakness, as it may alienate a growing segment of customers actively seeking plant-based alternatives. As more consumers prioritise their health and seek out healthier dining options, burgers traditional menu may be perceived as less appealing or even detrimental to their dietary goals. The demand for nutritious, fresh, and organic food choices may potentially threaten the customer base.

If burgers fail to adapt and provide healthier alternatives, it may face challenges in attracting health-conscious consumers and lose market share to competitors that offer more diverse and nutritious options.