Fast food has long been synonymous with unhealthy eating. However, the recent surge of interest in plant-based diets has compelled many fast food chains to include healthier, more sustainable options on their menus. This shift towards incorporating plant-based meals is not only a reflection of changing consumer preferences but also an acknowledgment of the environmental benefits associated with such dietary choices.
Burger King is one such fast food chain that has embraced this trend by introducing the Impossible Whopper, a burger made from plants but designed to taste like beef. The patty used in this burger is sourced from Impossible Foods, a company known for its innovative approach to creating plant-based meat substitutes. The Impossible Whopper offers a delicious and satisfying alternative for those who want to enjoy fast food without consuming any animal products.
Another popular fast-food chain, KFC, has also joined the plant-based movement by launching its Beyond Fried Chicken. Collaborating with Beyond Meat, another pioneer in producing plant-based meat alternatives, KFC’s new offering aims at replicating the same taste and texture as their original chicken nuggets but without any actual chicken involved in the process.
Subway too has stepped up its game by collaborating with Beyond Meat to introduce the Beyond Meatball Marinara sub sandwich. It features vegan meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and can be topped off with dairy-free cheese if desired.
Pizza Hut also deserves mention for adding two varieties of Beyond Pizzas to their menu – “The Great Beyond” featuring fresh vegetables and sausage-style crumbles from Beyond Meat; and “Beyond Italian Sausage Pizza,” which boasts bold flavors of classic Italian sausage sans any pork.
Even Taco Bell, renowned for its Mexican-inspired fare, now offers customizable vegetarian options through its Veggie Cravings Menu where customers can substitute beans for meat or add other tasty veggies instead.
McDonald’s too isn’t far behind in this race; they’ve launched McPlant – a line dedicated entirely to plant-based offerings, with the first item being a plant-based burger co-developed with Beyond Meat.
The rise of plant-based options in fast food chains is not just a testament to evolving consumer preferences but also an indication that these businesses are willing to adapt and innovate. By offering tasty plant-based meals, these chains have made it easier for individuals to make more conscious dietary choices without compromising on taste or convenience. It’s heartening to see how mainstream fast food is now becoming more inclusive, catering not only to vegetarians and vegans but also those who want to reduce their meat consumption for health or environmental reasons.