McDonald’s To Launch a Plant-Based Burger: The McPlant

According to USA Today, McDonald’s has developed a new plant-based platform dubbed McPlant that will debut in markets around the world early next year. From the report: “McPlant is crafted exclusively for McDonald’s, by McDonald’s,” Ian Borden, McDonald’s international president, said at the investor meeting. “In the future, McPlant could extend across a line of plant-based products including burgers, chicken substitutes and breakfast sandwiches.” The plant-based and chicken sandwich announcements were part of the company’s new growth strategy called “Accelerating the Arches.” The strategy includes a commitment to the core menu. “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,” McDonald’s said in a blog post Monday. “It’s made with a juicy, plant-based patty and served on a warm, sesame seed bun with all the classic toppings.” Borden said some markets will test the burger next year. Whether or not the vegan-friendly burger will arrive in the U.S. and a potential timeline was not immediately known. “We are excited about the opportunity because we believe we have a proven, delicious-tasting product,” Borden said. “When customers are ready for it, we will be ready for them.” Beyond Meat, a pioneer of plant-based meat substitutes, said it co-created the plant-based patty that will be part of the McPlant platform with McDonald’s.