As consumer dining preferences continue to shift, there are about 1.3 million vegetarians and 700,000 vegans in Canada, with 42 per cent of consumers now identifying as flexitarian. The flexitarian trend is continuing to grow, allowing people to cut back on their meat consumption for health or environmental reasons, while not completely eliminating it from their diets. To address the demand for plant-based meals, some QSRs are expanding their offerings with new options to better serve this market:
Following the success of A&W’s Beyond Meat Burger (introduced in 2018), the chain announced a few new permanent additions to its plant-based menu earlier this summer. The new menu will include three new burgers: the Masala Veggie Burger (featuring a crispy patty made with Nanak paneer, real vegetables, and spicy piri-piri sauce), the Crispy Veggie Burger (the same as the Masala but using mayo for a less spicy version), and the Spicy Piri-Piri Potato Buddy Burger (featuring a crispy potato hash brown and spicy piri-piri sauce).
Subway already has a vegan patty on the menu, and they are planning to add more plant-based options as a result of a new partnership with Beyond Meat. Starting in September, a new sandwich, the Beyond Meatball Marinara will be added to the menu, available at 685 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. The addition comes as part of an initiative to elevate the Subway menu with more innovative meals, and the plant-based meatball was co-developed by both companies.
McDonald’s has just announced the arrival of the new McVeggie™ sandwich starting September 16, following a successful spring test launch. The sandwich, created specifically for the Canadian market, features a breaded veggie patty made up of a seasoned blend of carrots, green beans, zucchini, peas, soybeans, broccoli, and corn. It is topped with shredded lettuce and mayo-style sauce and served on a toasted sesame seed bun. For guests looking for a spicier option, the Spicy Habanero McVeggie is also available, and it comes with a creamy Habanero sauce for that extra kick. The new Grilled Cheese Happy Meal, and Lettuce and Tomato Happy Meal will also be available in September, in addition to the oat beverage options in select McCafé beverages that were launched earlier this year.
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As the flexitarian lifestyle continues to be a popular choice, more QSRs will likely see the value of adding plant-based menu items, making it an even more crowded marketplace.
Image courtesy of McDonald’s.
