Did Burger King discontinue the Whopper after 40 years?

Burger King appeared to “discontinue” their famous Whopper in an advertisement in South Korea, but it could be coming back sooner than you think.

On Monday, April 8, an advertisement from Burger King in South Korea stated that Whoppers would be discontinued after Sunday, April 14, sending fast food fans into a panic.

April 2024 marked the 40th anniversary of Burger King’s staple item and this announcement had some fans feeling suspicious that the Whopper wouldn’t actually be discontinued for real.

The ad reads: “Whopper sales will end after 40 years. We thank everyone who has loved the Whopper all this time.”

This sent a lot of burger fans into a frenzy, with some feeling disappointed, and others sure that it was just a marketing ploy.

Later in the day, the company issued another announcement reassuring everyone that the decision to cease Whopper sales was not a joke. However this time, it encouraged customers to expect various promotions planned in celebration of the Whopper’s 40th anniversary, hinting at a “revamp” of the Whopper.

Would Burger King really discontinue the Whopper?

With The Whopper being Burger King’s biggest seller, it is unlikely that they would ever get rid of it. Fans speculated that the fast food chain would most likely announce a new and improved Whopper in South Korea, and it is unlikely that anyone in the US will have to say goodbye to their favorite burger any time soon.

The new and improved Whopper

After a day of no Whoppers, Burger King announced on April 15 that it would be carrying out a “fire-flavored project” to ugrade the iconic Whopper.

The newly improved Whopper in South Korea has added salt and pepper to boost the umami and meat aroma. In addition, the patty is made thicker by applying the ‘tender form method’ which fills the spaces between the meat and the sauce. Also, the hamburger buns are now coated with a glaze to minimize moisture evaporation.

The good news is that the price of the Whopper didn’t change, so customers can get the revolutionized Whopper for the same price. Bulgogi Whoppers and Cheese Whoppers are also on sale at South Korea Burger Kings.

Panic over, they didn’t actually discontinue the Whopper, but it was a clever marketing ploy to make fans appreciate what they have before it’s gone (maybe).

Could the US be getting a new Whopper?

In 2023, Burger King vowed to revolutionize the company, with a focus on, “Reintroducing America’s love affair with the Whopper.”

Tom Curtis, the president of Burger King North America, told CNN that this would include marketing campaigns surrounding the Whopper, as well as refining the process in the kitchen that goes into making the iconic burger.

Although this is not a promise for a flavorful salt and pepper Whopper like in South Korea, it could be a hint towards some upgrades like McDonald’s did with their burgers.

Do you think that the Whopper is the best burger out there? See how it measures up on our definitive ranking of the best fast food burgers.