McDonald's UK&I has announced a trial for its first ever plant-based burger, the McPlant, which aims to deliver the same taste and experience you would expect from a McDonald's burger, whilst enabling customers to choose a plant-based menu option appealing to the ever growing appetite for vegan options.
The QSR chain's latest offering has undergone three years of research and development to bring a vegan offering to British and Irish customers. Every element of the McPlant burger was designed with taste and quality top-of-mind – from the plant-based patty co-developed with Beyond Meat®, to innovative vegan cheese based on pea protein that tastes just like McDonald's iconic cheese slices and a new vegan sauce.
UK&I is the latest market to introduce the McPlant plant-based burger since McDonald's officially unveiled its global McPlant platform in 2020. Based on feedback and expectations from local customers, the UK&I version of the McPlant is fully accredited as vegan by the Vegetarian Society to ensure it meets the highest vegan standards.
The McPlant features a Vegan Sesame Bun, Mustard, Ketchup, Vegan Sauce, Fresh Onion, Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato and Vegan Cheese. It is cooked separately from other McDonald's burgers and sandwiches using dedicated utensils.
Michelle Graham-Clare, Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald's UK and Ireland said: "We're so pleased to be finally launching McPlant in the UK and Ireland. As with every McDonald's offering, we take our time to ensure it meets the highest standards and is something that all our customers will enjoy. We are always looking for different ways to innovate and meet our customers' needs, and with McPlant we have a delicious plant-based burger that will appeal to everyone. Whether you're vegan or just fancy a plant-based patty, we're confident you will enjoy the McPlant."
McPlant will cost £3.49 and be available in 10 restaurants in Coventry from 29th September, 250+ from October and nationwide from January.
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The price point of the new McPlant is interestingly in line with their meat-based alternatives, something we've seen as a large focus for fledging vegan fast food brand Ready Burger who are looking to take on the fast food giants with their 'value-driven, fully plant-based quick service restaurant' offering. Ready Burger offers a 100% plant-based menu priced similarly to the meat options at McDonalds. Their signature The Ready Burger costs £1.99, described as the only plant-based burger of its kind on the market under £2. The Chicken Challenger costs £4.29 while its Saver Menu Double Cheeseburger costs £3.39.
Find out more about Ready Burger and its offering here.