Winner announced for the 2023 Better Burger Challenge!

The Better Burger Challenge, a contest aimed at encouraging pupils to explore product reformulation and create healthier versions of the classic burger, has announced its winner.

From many entries across Scotland which were narrowed down to four finalists, Aiden and Aiden from Kirkintilloch High School in East Dunbartonshire were crowned the winners with their creation, the ‘Big Drooling Dreamer’.

The winning team impressed the judges with their flavour combinations in addition to their consideration of the Scottish Dietary goals and development process. City of Glasgow College Hospitality Chef Lecturer Gordon Find later led the judging alongside Jennifer Robertson of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Moira Stalker of Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland.

As a reward, the school won a class trip to this year’s Royal Highland Show where both Aiden and Aiden were presented with certificates and a prize in front of their classmates.

The Better Burger Challenge, developed in partnership with FDF Scotland and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), has encouraged teachers to use the online “Make it with Meat” resource. “Make it with Meat” is a complete project with lesson plans, worksheets and more. It helps pupils learn about the burger making process from farm to fork, and includes lessons on farming, nutrition, reformulation, product development, costing, labelling and careers.

Jennifer Robertson, Health and Education Manager at Quality Meat Scotland, said: “We are delighted to announce the winner of our first-ever Better Burger Challenge. Aiden and Aiden’s ‘Big Drooling Dreamer’ was extremely impressive both in creativity and taste. We were delighted with their clear understanding of the brief and consideration towards the development process from start to finish as well as keeping in mind the Scottish Dietary goals. Well done Aiden and Aiden!”

Moira Stalker, Skills Manager at Food and Drink Federation Scotland, said:

“The Better Burger Challenge is a fantastic initiative. We are delighted to have partnered with Quality Meat Scotland to help encourage pupils to create healthier versions of a staple family favourite while learning about the processes and people involved in making food and finding out about the many careers available in the industry.’

Councillor Lynda Williamson, Convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s Education Committee said: “Congratulations to Aiden, Aiden and their teachers, I’m delighted they won through against stiff competition from all across the country. This competition encourages students to look at food production from all its angles and helps them learn more about important elements such as nutrition and healthy choices as well as great taste.”

Miss Millar, teacher at Kirkintilloch High School, said: “Aiden and Aiden are absolutely delighted to be crowned the winners of the first year of the Better Burger Challenge. They thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with their peers as it allowed them to show off their creative and critical thinking skills when working together to understand the process of food reformulation and product development.

“We delivered lessons alongside the ‘Make it With Meat’ resources which were excellent. Overall, the competition was well received by pupils, and they thoroughly enjoyed the creative process.”

For more information on the Better Burger Challenge, visit: https://farmingfoodsteps.co.uk/lesson-3/make-it-with-meat