Fast food chains have long been associated with greasy, meat-heavy meals that offer limited options for vegetarians. However, the landscape is changing rapidly as these establishments are increasingly catering to the growing population of vegetarians and vegans. Today’s fast-food chains are offering more than just salads and fries for those who prefer plant-based diets; they’re serving up delectable vegetarian burgers that even meat-lovers can’t resist.
One such chain leading the pack in this regard is Burger King. The global brand introduced its Impossible Whopper – a 100% vegan burger made from soy protein – in 2019. This juicy, flame-grilled burger has been lauded by both vegetarians and carnivores alike for its remarkable similarity to a beef patty in terms of taste and texture.
Next on the list is McDonald’s, another giant in the fast-food industry. While it took them some time to catch up with their competitors regarding vegetarian offerings, they’ve finally launched their McPlant burger in collaboration with Beyond Meat. This plant-based delight is designed to mimic the flavor profile of their iconic beef patties closely.
Another notable mention is Carl’s Jr., which offers Beyond Famous Star – a plant-based version of their classic Famous Star burger featuring a Beyond Meat patty. The restaurant also provides an option to substitute any beef patty on their menu with a Beyond Meat or fried zucchini patty making it convenient for vegetarians looking for variety.
White Castle deserves applause for being one of the pioneers in including vegan options on its menu by introducing its Veggie Sliders back in 2015. They later added Impossible Sliders made from Impossible Foods’ meatless patties which have become quite popular among customers due to their distinct savory flavor.
Finally, A&W Canada has also embraced this trend by launching its own version of a vegan burger called ‘The Beyond Meat Burger’. It was so well received that it sold out within a month of its launch. The burger, made with Beyond Meat’s plant-based patty, is served with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise.
In conclusion, the rise of vegetarian-friendly fast food chains offering delicious and satisfying plant-based burgers is a testament to changing consumer preferences and growing awareness about environmental sustainability. These establishments are not only providing more options for vegetarians but also encouraging carnivores to try meatless alternatives without compromising on taste or satisfaction. It’s an exciting time for vegetarians who love burgers as they now have a plethora of options to choose from when craving a quick bite at their favorite fast-food joint.
