Burger King's First Whopper Was 20 Times Cheaper Compared To Today

Few foods are more indicative of the American diet than the fast food hamburger. Iconic among this category is the Burger King Whopper, which, much like the Big Mac from McDonald's, has become one of the longest-lasting fast food menu items of all time. The history of the Whopper is far from linear, as the once-affordable burger for the masses has now become nearly 20 times more expensive than it was at its conception. Much like Burger King itself, which has survived World Wars and major corporate takeovers, the Whopper has proven repeatedly that it can stand the test of time. Yet, the question remains: Why has the price of a basic burger gone up so steeply, and how has it been able to survive as a menu item for so long?

The Whopper came into the world in 1957, and marked a major turning point for Burger King. The idea for the Whopper came to the chain's two owners when they ventured into a local restaurant and were taken aback by the size of their burgers and the toppings they featured. Thus, the quarter-pound burger we know today was born. Then only 37 cents, the Whopper was relatively pricey for the time, but it was evidently worth it in the eyes of consumers. Since 1957, the company has sold nearly 2.1 billion Whoppers every year, despite the fact that the same sandwich can now cost over $7 depending on the location.

The value of the Whopper has arguably degraded over the past fifty years, and Burger King as a whole is no longer a fast food chain offering cost-effective meals. In today's economy, 37 cents in 1957 is equal to roughly $4.27. While the price of the Whopper varies by state and location, you'd be hard pressed to find one for less than $5 anywhere unless it's part of a special promotion. In other words, the Whopper's price has increased even faster than the rate of inflation.

In its lifetime, Burger King has experienced quite a few major financial hiccups. But while One Burger King recall cost the company tons on its own, not all the factors informing its pricing are internal. For instance, consumer spending has risen continuously over the past five years. With more demand, Burger King has been at liberty to raise its prices. Additionally, the price of beef has also been skyrocketing in recent years, which suggests that Burger King likely has to spend more to make the Whopper than it has in decades prior. Even so, the Whopper's formula has continued to stand strong in the face of these trials and tribulations, and doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon.