Why Burgers Cost 30% More in 2026

Beef inflation has surged nearly 30% year‑on‑year, driven by South Africa’s worst foot‑and‑mouth outbreak in decades. Eighty20’s Andrew Fulton breaks down why burger ingredients are rising faster than inflation, why a Big Mac now costs R70.90, and how consumers are shifting toward cheaper proteins like chicken. We also explore fast‑food visitation trends, brand winners and losers, and what the data says about SA’s eating‑out economy.