Fast food chains such as Burger King, McDonald’s, KFC, Subway and Pizza Hut have been offering vegetarian and vegan options to meet the increasing demand for plant-based options. The Impossible Whopper from Burger King and the P.L.T. burger from McDonald’s have both been created to taste like meat but are entirely plant-based. KFC in the UK has been testing vegetarian and vegan options, while Subway has been offering a Beyond Meatball Marinara sandwich in select locations in the US and Pizza Hut UK has launched a Cheezly vegan cheese pizza. While some of these options are only available in select markets, the trend of plant-based eating is on the rise around the world.
Vegetarian and vegan options on the rise in popular fast food chains
The idea of fast food has always been synonymous with meat-laden burgers, chicken sandwiches and greasy fries. But in recent years, vegetarian and vegan options have become increasingly popular in fast food chains around the world. Whether it’s due to environmental concerns, animal rights activism or simply a desire for healthier food options, there’s no denying the trend towards plant-based eating.
In response to this trend, fast food chains are stepping up their game when it comes to offering meat-free options. Here are some examples:
Burger King: The “Impossible Whopper” is a plant-based burger patty that looks, cooks and tastes just like meat. According to Burger King, the Impossible Whopper has 0% beef and can be made vegan by removing the mayonnaise and switching to a non-buttered bun.
McDonald’s: McDonald’s has been testing a plant-based burger in Canada, called the “P.L.T.” (plant, lettuce and tomato). The patty is made by Beyond Meat, a company whose products are designed to taste like meat but are entirely plant-based.
KFC: KFC has been testing vegetarian and vegan options in the UK, including a “Vegan Burger” made with a Quorn fillet. The company plans to roll out “meat-free” options in more than 70 countries.
Subway: Subway has been offering a “Beyond Meatball Marinara” sandwich in select locations in the United States, featuring plant-based meatballs made by Beyond Meat.
Pizza Hut: Pizza Hut UK launched a pizza featuring a Cheezly vegan cheese base and a variety of vegetable toppings. The chain also offers a few other vegetarian options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all of these fast food chains offering vegetarian and vegan options worldwide?
A: No, some of these options are only available in select markets. For example, the Impossible Whopper is only available in the United States, while Pizza Hut’s vegan cheese pizza is only available in the UK.
Q: Are these plant-based options healthier than their meat-based counterparts?
A: It depends. While plant-based options may have lower calories and fat content than their meat-based counterparts, they can still be high in sodium and processed ingredients. It’s always best to read the ingredients and nutritional information before making a decision.
Q: Are these options completely vegan?
A: Not all of them. Some options may contain dairy or eggs, while others may be cooked on surfaces that come in contact with meat products. It’s always best to ask about vegan options when ordering and to confirm any potential cross-contamination concerns.
In conclusion, it’s clear that vegetarian and vegan options are on the rise in fast food chains around the world. As consumers become more conscious of their food choices and the impact they have on the environment and animal welfare, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see these options grow in popularity. Whether you’re a strict vegan or just looking to reduce your meat consumption, there’s no shortage of options available to you at your favorite fast food chain.
