McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski revealed that the fast-food chain is getting vegan options.
The executive made the comment during an interview with CNBC. Although a launch date and details were not given, he notes that he “certainly expects to see plant-based on the McDonald’s menu.”
Vegan at McDonald’s
The international fast-food giant has already launched plant-based options at stores across the globe. In 2017, McDonald’s Finland trialed the “McVegan” veggie burger. The vegan patty was soy-based and could be ordered with vegan fries.
The “McVegan” burger was highly successful. The company revealed that it sold 150,000 units in one month. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response, McDonald’s Finland permanently added the “McVegan” to its menus across the country. McDonald’s Sweden also added the vegan burger to its menu. Locations throughout Sweden also offer plant-based falafel nuggets.
McDonald’s Germany launched the “Big Vegan TS” last year. The new vegan menu option features Nestlé’s plant-based Incredible Burger, onions, tomatoes, greens, ketchup, and mustard.
In the U.K., McDonald’s offers a vegan burger (customers just have to ask for it without mayonnaise) and vegan goujon wraps. In Norway, the fast-food chain serves veggie nuggets.
Earlier this year, McDonald’s Canada launched the Beyond Meat PLT—a meat-free burger featuring a proprietary patty made by California-based brand Beyond Meat—in 52 Ontario locations.
Fast-Food Chains Go Plant-Based
The consumer demand for plant-based “meat” options has skyrocketed in recent years. As a result, a number of fast-food chains have expanded their menus to include vegan food options in order to cater to climate- and health-conscious consumers.
Burger King launched its Impossible Whopper nationwide last year following a successful trial run in St. Louis, Missouri. The fast-food chain revealed the company saw a 28 percent increase in sales following the launch of the plant-based patty. Earlier this year, the chain began trialing an Impossible Sausage Croissan’wich at select U.S. locations.
Carl’s Jr. also sells a plant-based burger. The chain offers a Beyond Meat burger, as well as a Beyond Sausage Burrito and Beyond Meat breakfast sandwiches.
Dunkin’ introduced a similar meatless breakfast sandwich featuring Beyond Meat’s plant-based sausage nationwide following a successful trial run in Manhattan.
Other big plant-based fast-food launches include KFC’s vegan fried chicken trials in the U.S. and Canada. Hardee’s, Del Taco, and Red Robin have all also added plant-based options to menus.
