McDonald’s announce McPlant for 2021
Yes, you read the headline correctly! This week we are excited to announce that global fast-food chain McDonald’s aka Macca’s have now finally dipped their toes into plant-based waters and announced a new plant-based range called the McPlant!
The range is set to roll out in 2021 across the United States after Mcdonald’s successfully trialled a meatless burger in Canadian with Beyond Meat in 2019. The range of plant-based burgers and other items will likely be aimed at the growing ‘flexitarian’ or ‘plant curious’ crowd.
Here at Let’s Go Vegan, we have always been supportive of any fast-food chains launching a plant-based range and Mcdonalds is no exception, in fact, it is one we have been waiting on for over many years. The issue of fast-food chains ‘capitalising’ on the vegan / plant-based movement can be a divisive topic and one that has divided many in the movement over the last number of years. There is certainly merit on both sides of the argument, but we take the view that anything that ‘normalizes’ plant-based eating is a net positive, and McDonald being the most recognized brand on the planet means a huge tick of global credibility for the plants! Not only does it normalise plant-based eating but it also makes plant-based eating accessible at scale. For many individuals and families price and availability is a huge inhibitor to making kinder eating choices in their lives. Price can often play a big part in the decision making around food and McDonald’s will no doubt ensure this product remains ‘reasonably priced’ for all consumers to enjoy.
Skeptics may argue that if individuals want to change their eating behavior (to be more ethical)they will, but we also need to take additional factors that inform these decisions into consideration. Macca’s giving more options means more people taking animals off the plate more often and it’s as simple as that.
Here’s what McDonald’s had to say about the range on their official website last Monday:
“We think our culinary team nailed it. There are other plant-based burgers out there, but the McPlant delivers our iconic taste in a sink-your-teeth-in (and wipe-your-mouth) kind of sandwich. It’s made with a juicy, plant-based patty and served on a warm, sesame seed bun with all the classic toppings.”
The chain estimates that individual markets (ie regions, provinces, and countries) will begin to roll out the product in 2021!
So there you have it, the plant-based revolution is now in full swing and McDonald’s are clearly seeing the benefit of moving with the times and the changes in consumer taste. We hope the launch will be a big success and we look forward to seeing more people trying plant-based!
Leave a comment below to tell us if you would try this and what your thoughts on plant-based fast food are in relation to the announcement.
