The New Cheeseburger Toastie on Virgin Australia.

Yes — Virgin Australia has just added a viral “Cheeseburger Toastie” to its buy-on-board Economy menu. It launched in May 2026

The toastie includes:

  • 100% Australian ground beef
  • melted cheese
  • ketchup
  • mustard
  • pickle
  • cheesy sauce

Virgin says the idea came from a viral TikTok food trend with nearly 20 million views.

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It’s part of the paid Economy menu (not complimentary), and the price is AUD $14. The airline already sells huge numbers of ham and cheese toasties annually, so they’re clearly betting this one becomes another cult flight snack. So, of course, on a recent trip from Cairns to Sydney, I had to give it a try!

As well as the regular and reportedly popular ham and cheese toastie, there are new offerings including a falafel wrap, mac and cheese, and butter chicken. However, it’s the cheeseburger toastie I’m eager to try.to co

I turned it into a meal by adding a piccolo of wine. At $30 for a toastie, snack, and 187ml wine, it feels pricey — though still cheaper than many airport options.

To counterbalance the cheeseburger toastie — and, admittedly, the wine — I opt for a healthier snack: an Ancient Grains Twist, which I thoroughly enjoy. It’s served first, and I’m told the toastie will take around 15 minutes to arrive.

When it arrives, I’m immediately impressed by the presentation. The box looks smart and stylish, while still feeling fun and inviting. It’s quite hot when it arrives, so I leave it for a few minutes to cool down before opening it.

I love the melted cheese on top of the box — almost reminiscent of Croque Monsieur – it also has an irresistible cheese pull and perfectly blistered finish that makes it look rich, gooey, and that it’s going to be incredibly satisfying to eat.

When I dig in, it’s not quite what I was expecting. I had assumed it would be a traditional beef patty burger—although, in hindsight, I probably should have watched the TikTok first. Instead, the beef is served as loose mince rather than a formed patty. There are no large pickle slices to bite into either; the pickles are finely chopped and mixed throughout. I couldn’t really taste much mustard, and there was only a slight hint of tomato sauce (ketchup). The cheese sauce, however, is excellent and easily the standout component of the toastie.

While I may sound a little critical of the Cheeseburger Toastie, I actually thought it was great. It was warm, filling, and a welcome addition to the inflight buy on board menu. It’s also a nice alternative to the popular ham and cheese toastie.

Overall, I’d definitely order it again. Would I recommend giving it a try? Absolutely!

Virgin Australia

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6 Comments Add yours

  1. Eha Carr's avatar Eha Carr says:

    Hmm! A fun and informative read – I truly do not mean to be critical . . . but this surely is a slightly manipulated ham and cheese sandwich at a rather elevated price 🙂 ! Twenty-two dollars on a short flight . . . interesting info but I surely would eat before or after . . . could even wait for a glass of wine at $8 🙂 ! Stare out of the window or read a book or get some work done 🙂 ! Well, 🙂 . that’s me !!! (Oh, neat packaging!)

    1. Agreed! although eating and drinking at Cairns Airport… $25 for a glas of wine…

      1. Eha Carr's avatar Eha Carr says:

        WHAT? I suppose you are not allowed to bring a bottle of South or Western Australian dry white bought at the same price on board, are you? . . . silly question 🙂 !

  2. So interesting! I must try and recreate one at home. Thanks for the review. Is it meant to be a “chopped cheeseburger” toastie? That’s the kind I have seen. The most impressive economy meals I’ve ever tried are on Air Asia and I love their new drinks menu too with so many teas and coffees it’s like a cafe. Have you tried the new drinks? 🙂

    1. I think you are right! (Bt wouldn’t that not make it a burger? LOL). I totally agree re: Air Asia, some of the best buy on board meals out there. I dont drink tea or coffee, so cant coment on the drink range 🙂

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