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Burger King US & Canada has kicked off its 2026 product calendar with the launch of the Ultimate Steakhouse Whopper, the latest iteration from its "Whopper by You" innovation platform.

Hitting menus on 6 January, the new build is the direct result of a large-scale crowdsourcing initiative. The chain reports receiving over 600,000 submissions from guests, using this data to identify specific ingredient combinations demanded by its core fanbase.

Product Architecture and Ingredients

The Ultimate Steakhouse Whopper is engineered to deliver a "rich, bold" flavour profile associated with premium casual dining, accessible within a QSR format.

The Build:

• Protein: 4.4 oz of 100% flame-grilled beef.

• Carrier: Toasted sesame seed bun.

• Toppings: A complex stack including golden onion rings, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melty Swiss cheese.

• Sauce: Finished with a creamy peppercorn aioli.

The 'Whopper by You' Platform

The launch follows the successful introduction of the BBQ Brisket Whopper® and Crispy Onion Whopper® last year. By leveraging the "Whopper by You" platform, Burger King is effectively turning its consumer base into an R&D department, validating flavour concepts like "spicy twists" or "cheese-loaded mashups" before they hit the operational pipeline.

Dessert Attach

To complement the savoury launch and drive check averages, Burger King is also introducing a seasonal dessert option. Starting 6 January, guests can order a Warm Cinnamon Apple Pie, positioned as the "ideal complement" to the new burger. This item is available for a limited time while supplies last.

Joel Yashinsky, Chief Marketing Officer, Burger King US&C, commented on the strategy of co-creation:

The digital submission platform remains active, indicating Burger King's long-term commitment to this data-driven product development model.