Rising Beef Prices Drive Fast-Food Cost Surge in Germany

A shrinking cattle supply and increased production costs have led to significant price hikes for burgers and döner kebabs across the country.

The price of beef has risen sharply, with producer costs for cow and young bull meat increasing by 15-20% in 2025 alone, according to the Niedersachsen Agriculture Chamber.
Many döner shops in cities like Munich have removed veal from their menus due to high costs, replacing it with chicken or turkey as veal-based döner becomes financially untenable.
McDonald's standard hamburger prices in Germany have risen nearly 80% since 2022, with the company citing various factors but declining to provide specific details on the increases.
Experts warn that the price of a döner kebab could soon exceed €10, driven by rising meat costs and broader inflation in energy and raw materials.
The decline in cattle farming, influenced by economic challenges, labor shortages, and stricter EU climate policies, has significantly reduced Germany's cattle population by 17% over the past decade.