Hungry Jack’s, Australia’s flame-grilled answer to Burger King, continues to hold its own in the competitive fast-food burger wars in 2026, with the iconic Whopper range and loaded Aussie-inspired creations leading sales as the chain expands to nearly 485 outlets nationwide.
While exact internal sales figures remain closely guarded by parent company Competitive Foods Australia, industry observers, customer feedback on platforms like Reddit and TikTok, app order trends and menu prominence point to a clear hierarchy of customer favorites. The signature flame-grilled beef patties, fresh toppings and generous portions continue to resonate with Aussies seeking a smoky, barbecue-flavored alternative to pan-fried rivals.
Hungry Jack’s reported solid same-store sales growth in recent years, with burgers driving the majority of revenue. The chain’s emphasis on 100% Australian beef and limited-time summer promotions featuring beetroot, pineapple and egg have kept its menu fresh and culturally relevant.
Here are the five most popular Hungry Jack’s burgers in Australia so far in 2026, based on menu prominence, social media buzz, review sentiment and anecdotal sales indicators:
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Whopper
Whopper — The undisputed king of the Hungry Jack’s menu remains the classic Whopper, a flame-grilled 100% Aussie beef patty topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, ketchup and sesame seed bun. Marketed as an Aussie favourite for over 40 years, it consistently ranks as the top-seller across most stores. Its simplicity, smoky char from the flame grill and generous size make it a go-to for everyday cravings. Variants like the Double Whopper and Whopper Cheese frequently appear in value meals and Hunger Tamers bundles, boosting its dominance.
Aussie Whopper — A distinctly Australian twist on the classic, the Aussie Whopper piles on beetroot, pineapple and a fried egg alongside the standard toppings and flame-grilled beef. It has surged in popularity during the 2025-2026 Aussie Summer range and remains a strong performer into March 2026. Customers praise the sweet-savory balance that evokes a traditional Australian backyard burger. Social media videos and TikTok reviews frequently highlight it as a must-try for visitors and locals alike, especially when paired with the chain’s thick-cut chips.
Tropical Whopper — Another summer standout that has carried strong momentum, the Tropical Whopper adds a juicy pineapple ring and other fresh elements to the base Whopper for a sweeter, island-inspired profile. It features prominently in current promotions and earns high marks for refreshment value during warmer months. Many fans on Reddit and Facebook groups rank it among their top choices for its unique flavor combination that sets it apart from standard fast-food offerings.
Bacon Deluxe (or Baconator variants) — Loaded with extra bacon, cheese and special sauces, the Bacon Deluxe and newer Baconator-style options appeal to meat lovers seeking maximum indulgence. These appear in Hunger Tamers meals and limited-time promotions, driving strong sales among customers wanting a heartier bite. The addition of smoky bacon complements the flame-grilled beef perfectly, and recent menu updates have kept these premium beef burgers in the spotlight.
Double Whopper Cheese or Grill Masters Angus range — For bigger appetites, the Double Whopper Cheese delivers two flame-grilled patties with melted cheese, while the premium Grill Masters Angus burgers (such as Double BBQ Smokehouse or Carolina Angus variants) offer higher-quality beef and gourmet toppings on brioche buns. These rank highly in customer polls for taste and satisfaction, particularly among those ordering via the Hungry Jack’s app for deals. The Angus line provides a step-up experience that competes with more upscale fast-casual options.
Menu Trends and Innovations in 2026
Hungry Jack’s has leaned into its “Burgers Are Better” slogan by emphasizing flame-grilling, which imparts a distinctive smoky BBQ flavor impossible to replicate on flat griddles. The chain’s 2026 menu highlights include expanded Jack’s Fried Chicken options for non-beef eaters, but beef burgers still command the lion’s share of popularity.
Limited-time offerings like The Lot Whopper — stacked with beetroot, pineapple and egg — and various Baconator Hunger Tamers have generated significant buzz on social platforms. Chicken burgers, including Jack’s Fried Chicken and Outback variants, show growing traction but trail the core Whopper family in overall volume.
Plant-based options such as the Rebel Whopper remain available for the growing vegetarian and flexitarian crowd, though they do not crack the top five in popularity based on current feedback.
Breakfast items like Brekky Wraps and rolls compete in the morning hours, but the all-day burger focus keeps the spotlight on the main menu. The chain has refreshed its app with exclusive deals, driving digital orders and helping track real-time popularity.
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Competition and Market Context
Hungry Jack’s operates around 484 locations as of early 2026, with a strong presence in Victoria and other states, but trails McDonald’s in total outlets and overall customer traffic. While some analyses suggest the Big Mac edges out in national volume due to McDonald’s scale, Hungry Jack’s maintains a loyal following for its flame-grilled taste and cheeky Australian branding.
The chain has invested in store renovations and menu innovation to sustain growth, with reports of 10-15% sales increases in prior years. Value meals, bundle deals and Penny Pinchers options help attract cost-conscious customers amid ongoing economic pressures.
Customer sentiment on forums like Reddit often praises the consistency of classics like the Whopper and Whopper Junior, while praising seasonal items for adding excitement without straying too far from core appeal.
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What Drives Popularity at Hungry Jack’s
Several factors contribute to these burgers’ enduring success. The flame-grilling process creates a charred, juicy patty with authentic barbecue notes. Fresh ingredients — including chunky tomato, crisp lettuce and Australian beetroot in signature variants — differentiate the experience. Generous portion sizes align with Aussie appetites, and the ability to customize via the app enhances satisfaction.
Marketing campaigns tied to summer ranges and “Hunger Tamers” mega-meals encourage sharing and larger orders, amplifying visibility of top items. Social media influencers and TikTok taste tests further boost awareness of loaded options like the Aussie and Tropical Whoppers.
Health-conscious tweaks, such as clearer nutritional information and occasional lighter variants, coexist with indulgent classics. The chain’s focus on Australian beef resonates with national pride.
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Challenges and Future Outlook
Like the broader fast-food sector, Hungry Jack’s navigates rising ingredient costs, labour pressures and competition from gourmet burger chains and healthier alternatives. Yet its core strength — reliable, flavorful flame-grilled burgers — positions it well for continued relevance.
As 2026 progresses, expect further seasonal drops and potential permanent additions based on strong performers. The chain’s app and delivery partnerships with major platforms ensure accessibility, while in-store experiences emphasize speed and freshness.
For burger enthusiasts, the top five reflect a blend of tradition and local flair that has kept Hungry Jack’s a staple for generations. Whether grabbing a classic Whopper on the go or indulging in a fully loaded Aussie Whopper with mates, these flame-grilled favorites capture the essence of Australian fast-food enjoyment.
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Industry watchers anticipate steady growth as the chain balances innovation with its proven formula of smoky beef, fresh toppings and generous servings that continue to satisfy hungry Aussies from Perth to Cairns.
Austrian police announced Saturday that a commercially sold baby food product was found to be laced with rat poison.
Authorities said the tampered HiPP-brand item may have been sold in Austria, with similar products also circulating in neighboring countries, including Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
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“With the assistance of the Federal Criminal Police Office, a sample of the seized product was examined on Saturday afternoon and tested positive for rat poison,” the Burgenland State Criminal Police Office said.
Officials described the substances as “potentially life-threatening” and urged all shoppers to inspect their pantries for similar affected products.
Hipp Organic baby food sits on a shelf in a Camberwell, south London, food resource center. (Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The company said that jars sold at major retail partner Spar in Austria are being recalled out of precaution, and emphasized that the issue is linked to a “criminal act” and not a quality control problem.
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“This recall is not due to a product or quality defect on our part. The jars left our HiPP factory in perfect condition. The recall is linked to a criminal act being investigated by the authorities,” the company said.
“As part of ongoing criminal investigations, isolated cases of tampered HiPP baby food jars have been seized – as previously reported in Austria, now also in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.”
HiPP Holdings, a German-Swiss company known for its organic, preservative-free baby food, primarily sells its products in European retail stores. However, consumers in the U.S. and other international markets can also obtain them through specialized online importers.
Police said the suspected baby food jar, a carrot and potato variety, was first alerted by a customer who ultimately did not feed it to their baby.
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The suspicious item was identified by a white sticker featuring a red circle on the bottom of the glass container and reportedly gave off a spoiled odor after being opened, according to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety.
Those who bought the item were urged to check their products for suspicious markings and signs of tampering, including damaged or already-opened lids, missing safety seals, or containers that fail to produce a clicking sound when first opened.
Customers who suspect they may have purchased the affected product are urged not to consume it under any circumstances or feed it to a child. Officials advised setting the item away from other food, ideally while wearing gloves, and washing hands thoroughly before handling anything else.
HiPP added that refunds may be issued at their retail partners — Spar, Eurospar, Interspar and Maximarkt — even without a receipt.
Authorities said rat poisons contain various active ingredients, including bromadiolone, which inhibits the effects of vitamin K, a key component in blood clotting.
A HiPP baby food jar containing a red-colored purée with a label featuring noodles, tomatoes, ham and vegetables. (Schöning/ullstein bild via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Possible consequences include bleeding from the gums, nosebleeds, bruising and blood in the stool. Symptoms may appear with a delay of two to five days after ingestion.
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Officials said consumers who experience extreme weakness or paleness should seek medical attention immediately. With appropriate treatment, particularly the administration of vitamin K, the poisoning is considered treatable.
URL CHangeGroupe Dynamite Inc. (GRGD:CA) Q4 2025 Earnings Call April 1, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
Company Participants
Alex Limosani Andrew Lutfy – Chair of the Board & CEO Stacie Beaver – President & COO Jean-Philippe Lachance – Chief Financial Officer
Conference Call Participants
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Irene Nattel – RBC Capital Markets, Research Division Stephen MacLeod – BMO Capital Markets Equity Research Martin Landry – Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc., Research Division Mauricio Serna Vega – UBS Investment Bank, Research Division Brian Morrison – TD Cowen, Research Division Vishal Shreedhar – National Bank Financial, Inc., Research Division Michael Glen – Raymond James Ltd., Research Division Christopher Li – Desjardins Securities Inc., Research Division Adrienne Yih-Tennant – Barclays Bank PLC, Research Division Mark Petrie – CIBC Capital Markets, Research Division Luke Hannan – Canaccord Genuity Corp., Research Division Jonathan Keypour – Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division John Zamparo – Scotiabank Global Banking and Markets, Research Division
Presentation
Operator
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Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Groupe Dynamite Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2025 Results Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] The conference is being recorded. [Operator Instructions] And I would like to turn the conference over to Alex Limosani, Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate Finance at Groupe Dynamite. Please go ahead.
Alex Limosani
Thank you, and good morning, everyone. Joining me on the call are Andrew Lutfy, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board; Stacie Beaver, President and Chief Operating Officer; and JP Lachance, Chief Financial Officer.
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This morning, Groupe Dynamite released its financial results for the 13- and 52-week periods ended January 31, 2026. The press release and related disclosure documents are available in the Investors section of our corporate website at groupedynamite.com and on SEDAR+.
We will begin the call with short remarks by management, followed by a question-and-answer period with financial analysts only. A replay of this webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion
Tarporley project includes private sale homes and affordable housing
Mark Smith and Local Democracy Reporter
05:00, 20 Apr 2026
The housing scheme from CB Homes will see 44 properties built on the edge of Tarporley(Image: CB Homes)
Plans for dozens of new homes in Tarporley have been rubber-stamped, with bosses at the firm behind the scheme hailing it a ‘landmark achievement’ for the company.
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Cheshire West and Chester Council planners have signed off on an outline application for a development on land off Eaton Lane in the village.
It is the brainchild of Tarporley-based CB Homes and includes a mix of properties for private sale and affordable housing.
According to the plans there will be 30 homes for the private market with a mix of two to five-bedroom homes, including bungalows, apartments, semi-detached and detached properties.
Affordable housing makes up the rest, comprising 14 homes with a mix of apartments and family properties to meet what the developer called ‘local housing needs’.
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CB Homes owner Nathan Booth said the approval was the largest in the firm’s 45-year-history, calling it a ‘landmark achievement’.
He said: “It reflects the dedication, commitment and motivation of our team.
“This milestone aligns strongly with our long-term business strategy and we are excited about the future.”
The application said green spaces were ‘integral’ to the design masterplan.
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It added: “The layout prioritises sustainable and accessible living, featuring pedestrian routes and cycleways connecting to the village centre, promoting active travel.”
The 5.4-acre site is split across two adjoining parcels of land to the west of Eaton Lane and backs onto existing residential neighbourhoods, including a Taylor Wimpey housing estate.
The application said the scheme was designed to act as a natural completion to that part of the village.
It said: “By preserving landscape features like existing trees, hedgerows, and pond into the design, the development not only respects the site’s natural character but also uses these features to create attractive, green spaces that benefit residents, local wildlife and the wider community.”
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Several objections were made over the plans, with other comments submitted in support.
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.
Air Canada announced on Friday that the airline is suspending select U.S.-bound flights as jet fuel prices continue to skyrocket in the wake of the Iran war.
The cuts, set to take effect this summer and last at least five months, will impact all service to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City and the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah, the airline said.
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“As we regularly do, we monitor and review our network to ensure that routes are meeting profitability targets,” the air carrier said in a statement.
“Jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the Iran conflict, affecting some lower profitability routes and flights which now are no longer economically feasible. Schedule adjustments including some frequency reductions are being made in response.”
An Air Canada plane lands at Pearson Airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on July 1, 2024. (Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Affected customers will be contacted with alternative travel options, the Canadian carrier said.
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The airline specified that JFK will not see service from June 1 through Oct. 25, 2026, from its two hubs in Montreal and Toronto.
The move could reflect a consolidation strategy, as routes to nearby Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) airports remain unaffected, according to the release.
Air Canada operates more heavily out of those two airports than JFK, its website shows, with local outlet CTV News reporting roughly 34 daily departures from across Canada.
A person watches an Air Canada airplane being towed away from a gate at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Feb. 6, 2024, in Toronto, Canada. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Flights to Salt Lake City, typically served only from Toronto Pearson (YYZ), will be suspended beginning June 30, with service expected to resume in 2027, creating a roughly six-month gap.
The airline also said two domestic routes and one international service were affected.
Routes between Vancouver and Fort McMurray will be suspended on May 28, while service between Toronto and Yellowknife will be halted on Aug. 30.
Both Fort McMurray and Yellowknife, which are considered lower-volume markets, were not given a resumption date.
Travelers at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. (uki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The airline was also planning to launch service between Montreal and Guadalajara, Mexico, which has now been indefinitely suspended.
Air Canada said the changes represent only a small portion of its global operations, affecting about 1% of its total annual flying capacity for 2026.
Jet fuel prices increased to $3.79 on Friday, more than a 50% increase since the day before the Iran war broke out on Feb 27, according to Airlines for America.
Several U.S. airlines have also adopted new cost-cutting measures to offset rising jet fuel prices, with JetBlue, Southwest, American and United Airlines increasing checked bag fees.
FOX Business reached out to Air Canada for more information.
Apple’s next-generation in-car system, CarPlay Ultra, is poised to expand beyond its initial debut, with new reports indicating wider adoption across major automotive brands.
After initially launching in select Aston Martin vehicles, the platform is now expected to reach more mainstream markets.
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis Set to Adopt CarPlay Ultra
Apple’s upcoming iOS 26.4 update will let CarPlay drivers talk to ChatGPT and other AI chatbots, enhancing in-car assistance, productivity, and conversation while keeping safety in mind.
According to MacRumors, Apple previously confirmed that Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are preparing to integrate CarPlay Ultra into upcoming models.
Recent reports suggest that at least one new vehicle from these brands could feature the system in the second half of the year. If confirmed, this would mark a major shift from luxury exclusivity toward broader consumer accessibility.
What Sets CarPlay Ultra Apart
Unlike traditional Apple CarPlay, CarPlay Ultra delivers deeper integration with a vehicle’s internal systems.
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The platform extends beyond the infotainment display into the instrument cluster, enabling drivers to view real-time data, including speed, fuel levels, tire pressure, and engine temperature, within a unified interface. It also supports direct control over features like climate settings, radio, and rear-view camera displays.
Personalized Interface Meets Brand Identity
According to VOI, the key feature of CarPlay Ultra is its adaptability. Apple allows automakers to customize the interface to match their brand identity, ensuring a consistent in-car aesthetic.
Drivers can also select from multiple design layouts, adding a layer of personalization that enhances both usability and visual appeal.
For everyone who’s always interested in any Apple software, what the Cupertino giant did with CarPlay Ultra is one step ahead of others.
Scheme largely funded by £6.5m from the UK Government’s Town Deal
Richard Hunt and Local Democracy Reporter
05:00, 20 Apr 2026
The plans for the Revoe Community Sports Village project in Blackpool(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
A multi-million pound community sports village for Blackpool has taken a major step forward as new details on the project emerge.
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A planning application for the Revoe Community Sports Village project, which is primarily funded by £6.5 million from the UK Government’s Town Deal, was last week submitted to Blackpool Council, which is working with Blackpool FC and Blackpool FC Community Trust.
The scheme includes the provision of two 7- a-side synthetic 3G football pitches, two padel courts and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and associated floodlighting.
A 3G (third-generation) football pitch is a modern, high-performance synthetic turf surface designed to replicate natural grass, featuring long fibers (40mm-60mm) infilled with sand and rubber crumb. They offer durable, all-weather play for training and competitive matches.
In addition, the plans also include proposed enclosures and boundary treatments, hard and soft landscaping, car parking and installation of two storage containers and associated works .
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A Planning, Design and Access Statement in support of the project stated: “This project will support sport and community provision by creating new facilities adjacent to Blackpool Football Club’s Bloomfield Road stadium.
“The Council is working alongside Blackpool Football Club and the BFC Community Trust to implement and subsequently operate the development.”
It concludes: “The proposals are considered to represent appropriate development which supports the overall aims of the Local Authority in improving access to sports facilities to support the health and wellbeing of the local community.
“For these reasons, it is considered that full planning permission for the proposed development should be granted. “
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What does the scheme offer?
The statement says: “All of the pitches would have associated floodlighting and two storage containers to be installed on-site would allow for equipment storage.
“The 3G pitch is designed to be configured as either two 7-a-side or four 5-a-side pitches, to FA standards.
“Each pitch will be bound by 4.5m high weld mesh fencing with floodlighting provided.
“It is proposed that the facilities would be open between 9am and 9pm daily. This reflects the opening hours of other 3G pitch facilities in Blackpool. The pitches would not be in use when first team home games are being played to mitigate any potential impact on traffic.”
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School use and possible tournaments
The BFCCT will manage the use of the facilities once operational. This will include facilities for educational provision and other sports programmes.
In respect of the 3G pitches, the Blackpool Football Club Ladies and Girls grassroots teams are expected to utilise the facilities as will the FA Girl’s Emerging Talent Centre, which is the Fylde Coast’s centre of excellence.
Bookable slots will be offered to local schools and junior grassroots football clubs, to utilise the space and hire facilities. The Community Trust will also be exploring options for developing some competitive opportunities, such as matches and tournaments.
What the council says
Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Built Environment and Economy, said the project was part of the council’s aim to improve the area around Central Drive with quality housing and green space.
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He said: “While our housing projects are about providing better homes for people to live in, this (sports) project is about improving the healthy lifestyles of people who live centrally, by creating community sports facilities for everybody to enjoy.
“The project will also help the football club’s community trust to increase its offer to local people, while also facilitating improvements to the East Stand to make the area around the football stadium a nicer place to visit.”
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.
By Indrani De, CFA, PRM, Head of Global Investment Research FTSE Russell, David McNay, CFA, Director – Global Investment Research FTSE Russell, and Zhaoyi Yang, CFA, FRM, Sr Manager – Global Investment Research FTSE Russell
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