Blog

McDonald’s has announced that it will start selling a vegan burger in the UK and Ireland after years of research to perfect it. The “McPlant” burger will be tested in 10 of their restaurants from the end of September and will be introduced nationwide next year.

The market launch lags behind competing fast food chains like Greggs with its vegan sausage roll and Burger King with a soy-based Rebel Whopper. However, McDonald’s said it took its time with its vegan option as they wanted to make sure it was to the highest standards.

What is a McPlant?

The McPlant Burger consists of a Beyond Meat patty, vegan cheese, mustard, ketchup, onions, cucumber, lettuce and tomato in a vegan sesame bun.

The fast food giant spent three years researching and testing different burgers and cheeses. It eventually opted for a pea protein-based slice to try to match the restaurant’s usual ingredients.

“We are very excited to finally bring McPlant to market in the UK and Ireland,” said Michelle Graham-Clare, Chief Marketing Officer of McDonald’s UK and Ireland Standards and will please all of our customers. “He made sure.

The McPlant Burger is also fully recognized as vegan by the Vegetarian Society. Unlike some of the brand’s fast food competitors, McDonald’s prepares the McPlant burger separately with special utensils.

While the Vegan Society estimates that there are “approximately 600,000 vegans” in the UK, a 2020 study by the British Nutrition Foundation and YouGov found that 61% of UK adults surveyed were unlikely to switch to a plant-based diet.

Barclays Bank predicts that consuming meat alternatives could be worth $ 140 billion (£ 106 billion) by 2029.

Many brands have committed to offering “vegan-friendly” options as their customers become aware of the environmental impact of their food choices. We’re sure the brand will continue to create a range of vegan-friendly staples, time will tell.