Fast food chains have long been associated with burgers, fried chicken, and meat-laden pizzas. However, in recent years there has been a significant shift towards more inclusive menus that cater to various dietary preferences including vegetarianism. This change is not just about accommodating the increasing number of vegetarians but also about capitalizing on the growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food alternatives.
One fast-food chain that has made strides in catering to vegetarians is Burger King. The global burger giant launched its plant-based ‘Impossible Whopper’ across the United States in 2019 after a successful trial run. Made from soy protein, potato protein, coconut oil, sunflower oil and heme, it offers a meat-free alternative which closely mimics the taste and texture of their traditional beef patty.
Subway is another popular fast-food chain offering an array of vegetarian options. Their Veggie Delight sandwich allows customers to choose from a selection of fresh vegetables on freshly baked bread. In addition to this staple menu item, Subway introduced a Beyond Meatball Marinara sub as part of their partnership with Beyond Meat – giving vegetarians an option that tastes remarkably similar to their classic meatball sub.
Taco Bell has always been known for its customizable menu which easily caters to vegetarians by substituting beans for meat in most dishes. They even went one step further by launching a certified vegetarian menu featuring items like the Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme and the Bean Burrito.
Pizza Hut has also joined this trend by introducing vegan cheese made from coconut milk as well as plant-based toppings such as Beyond Italian Sausage and Great Beyond Pizza – both created using Beyond Meat’s plant-based protein.
McDonald’s too hasn’t stayed behind in this race towards inclusivity; they’ve tested out McPlant burgers made with pea protein-based patties developed by Beyond Meat at select locations around the world.
These are just examples amongst many other fast-food chains who are actively expanding their menus to cater to vegetarians. The trend is clear: Fast food chains are recognizing the importance of catering to a wider range of dietary preferences and are making concerted efforts to provide more plant-based options.
This shift towards vegetarian-friendly fast food not only caters to the growing number of vegetarians but also appeals to those looking for healthier, lower-calorie options or wanting to reduce their meat consumption due to environmental concerns. As consumer demand continues evolving, it’s safe to predict that we’ll see even more vegetarian and vegan offerings from our favorite fast-food chains in the coming years.