McDonald’s Launches McPlant Burger in the UK and Ireland
The fast-food landscape is evolving as McDonald’s debuts its McPlant burger, marking a significant step towards inclusivity in dietary options. This new plant-based burger is initially launching in Coventry, England, with plans for a broader rollout in the UK and Ireland.
That's right, the #McPlant is coming to the UK 🙌
Vegan approved by the @VegSoc with a patty co-produced by @BeyondMeat.
The countdown to 13th October begins! 🌱 pic.twitter.com/JJZDpOegBi
— McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) September 9, 2021
McDonald’s and Beyond Meat
In a landmark partnership, McDonald’s has teamed up with Beyond Meat, a leader in plant-based meat alternatives, to create the McPlant patty. This collaboration dates back to 2019, starting with the P.L.T. burger tested in Ontario, Canada. The companies have solidified their relationship with a “three-year global strategic agreement” announced in February, positioning Beyond Meat as McDonald’s “preferred supplier” for the McPlant patties and setting the stage for future plant-based products, including alternatives to chicken, pork, and eggs.
The McPlant Burger
The McPlant features a unique plant-based patty co-developed with Beyond Meat. Accompanying the patty are vegan cheese made from pea protein, a vegan sesame bun, and an assortment of all-vegan toppings including ketchup, mustard, vegan sauce, onions, pickles, lettuce, and tomato. McDonald’s ensures that the McPlant is prepared on separate grills and with distinct utensils to avoid cross-contact with non-vegan items, a lesson possibly learned from challenges faced by competitors like Burger King with its Impossible Whopper. This meticulous preparation has earned the McPlant full vegan certification from the Vegetarian Society.
Rollout
The McPlant will initially be available in 10 Coventry restaurants later this month, with plans to expand to over 250 locations across England and Ireland by mid-October. The rollout reflects McDonald’s strategy to gauge initial consumer feedback and adapt the offering before a wider release. Early reviews from UK-based tastings have been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the burger’s meaty flavor profile and the high quality of the vegan cheese, which has been noted as indistinguishable from traditional cheese slices.
Michelle Graham-Clare, Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald’s UK and Ireland, emphasized the company’s commitment to high standards and customer satisfaction, stating, “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.” She further added, “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.”
Future Implications
The introduction of the McPlant not only caters to the growing demand for plant-based options but also aligns with broader environmental and health trends influencing consumer behavior worldwide. The expansion plan for the McPlant, including potential markets beyond the UK and Ireland, remains flexible, with McDonald’s stating that other markets can adopt the McPlant “when they’re ready,” and some might begin testing the burger as soon as next year.
McDonald’s launch of the McPlant in the UK and Ireland represents a forward-thinking approach to fast food, blending innovation with environmental consciousness. By partnering with Beyond Meat and committing to a carefully crafted, enjoyable plant-based product, McDonald’s is not just expanding its menu but also adapting to the shifting dietary landscapes of modern consumers. As the McPlant begins its journey in Coventry, the potential for a new standard in fast food becomes increasingly apparent, promising a more inclusive and sustainable future for the industry.
You might also be interested in:
The Most Harmful Ultra-Processed Foods Identified in a 30-Year Study
McDonald’s Gears Up to Launch Its Largest Burger Ever
———————————————————————————————————
Foodcazt (www.foodcazt.com) is a Food Magazine. We help you discover food. Benefit from our Recipes, Reviews, Food Guides & Articles. We uncover trends, especially for Indian and Asian Cuisines. Please follow us to learn more. Uncover recipes. Learn about trends. Unearth unique restaurants. Find what moves you. Discover what inspires others. We uncover trends, especially for Indian Cuisine and Asian Cuisine. It would mean the world to use if you follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
