McDonald's is finally launching a vegetarian burger option with the launch of the McPlant.
The Chicago-based fast-food giant announced that it will test the McPlant burger in several markets starting next year. The plant-based burger will be "crafted for McDonald’s, by McDonald’s," the company said in a blog post. McDonald's previously launched a pilot with meatless protein maker Beyond Meat last year. A spokesperson for Beyond Meat told CNBC that the company "co-created the plant-based patty that will be available as part of the McPlant line."
"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," the company said. "It’s made with a juicy, plant-based patty and served on a warm, sesame seed bun with all the classic toppings."
Compared to other chains, McDonald's has been slower to adopt meatless protein options, which have grown in popularity thanks to companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. Burger King worked with Impossible Foods to launch the Impossible Whopper in 2019, Dunkin' launched a Beyond Meat breakfast sandwich last year, and KFC partnered with Beyond Meat to launch plant-based "fried chicken" earlier this year.
McDonald's says it will also explore a chicken product with its McPlant line.
Former McDonald's CEO Don Thompson, who currently leads Chicago-based VC firm Cleveland Avenue, was an early investor in Beyond Meat before the company went public in 2019. Cleveland Avenue owned 5.4% of Beyond Meat at the time of its IPO, valuing the firm's stake at around $65 million. Cleveland Avenue is currently raising $500 million toward its second fund.
McDonald's stock was down half a percent as of early Monday afternoon.
Update: This story has been updated to include that a spokesperson for Beyond Meat said in a statement to CNBC that the company co-created the plant-based patty for McDonald's.
