The face of fast food is changing, thanks to the ever-increasing availability of plant-based options that look and taste almost identical to the real thing. Now, McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast food chain, is preparing to launch a vegan burger. But, that may only be the beginning.
Dubbed the McPlant, the plant-based burger was developed “by McDonald’s, for McDonald’s,” according to a blog post. The burger will feature a “juicy, plant-based patty” served on a sesame seed bun with classic toppings. It is expected to trial next year. LIVEKINDLY has reached out to McDonald’s for additional details.
“McPlant is crafted exclusively for McDonald’s, by McDonald’s,” Ian Borden, McDonald’s international president, said at the investor meeting. “In the future, McPlant could extend across a line of plant-based products including burgers, chicken-substitutes, and breakfast sandwiches.”
Is the McDonald’s Vegan Burger Coming to the U.S.?
McDonald’s has vegan options across several countries, but unlike Burger King, which offers the Impossible Whopper, the US has yet to cater to the meat-free crowd.
However, it is possible that McDonald’s US will launch the vegan burger. According to the blog post, “markets can adopt the McPlant when they’re ready and we expect some to test the burger next year.”
McDonald’s has trialed vegan burgers in several markets. It tested a Beyond Meat burger developed exclusively for the chain in Ontario last September in order to “to help our global markets better understand what’s best for their customers.”
Last month, a photo from what appears to be a food preparation guide for a vegan burger coming to McDonald’s UK was posted by the social media platform, Vegan Food UK. At the time, McDonald’s confirmed that it was not official, but that it is always looking “to develop new and exciting products for our customers looking to reduce their meat consumption.”
Several international locations already have vegan options on the menu. UK locations have split pea-based veggie goujon wraps. McDonald’s Germany launched the “Big Vegan TS,” a vegan burger featuring Nestlé’s new plant-based Incredible Burger last June. Options are also available in Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
A timeline for the launch of the McPlant is not immediately available.
“We are excited about the opportunity because we believe we have a proven, delicious-tasting product,” Borden said. “When customers are ready for it, we will be ready for them.”
