The animal-free food movement has gained momentum in recent years, with more and more people opting for plant-based diets for health, environmental and ethical reasons. This shift in food preferences has led to an increase in demand for vegan options in restaurants and fast food outlets around the world and a transformation of the menus promoted by delivery platforms such as Deliveroo and Just Eat.
The vegan trend is not confined to any particular region, but has spread around the world. Countries such as the USA, the UK, Australia, Germany and India have seen a significant increase in the number of vegans and vegetarians. In the US alone, the number of people declaring themselves vegan has quadrupled in the last decade, according to a GlobalData report.
Aware of the growing demand for meat- and dairy-free options, restaurants and fast-food chains have been quick to adapt. Many establishments now offer dedicated vegan menus or clearly labelled vegan dishes on their menus. These include popular chains such as Subway, Chipotle and Pizza Hut, which have introduced plant-based protein options such as tofu, tempeh and Beyond Meat.
Delivery platforms and vegan awareness
Delivery platforms such as Deliveroo and Just Eat have played a crucial role in promoting vegan and vegetarian options to a wider audience. These platforms often offer filters that allow users to search specifically for vegan-friendly restaurants or dishes. In addition, they may work with restaurants to offer exclusive deals or promotions on vegan meals, further increasing awareness and accessibility.
McDonald’s: embracing veganism?
Even fast-food giants like McDonald’s have started to embrace the vegan trend. In some markets, McDonald’s has introduced plant-based burgers, such as the McPlant burger, made from Beyond Meat patties. Although these options are still not widely available, they mark a move towards catering for the growing vegan customer base.
Burger King: The impossible Whopper phenomenon
Burger King made headlines with the launch of the Impossible Whopper, which contains a plant-based patty from Impossible Foods. This initiative not only satisfied existing vegans, but also attracted omnivores curious to try meat alternatives. The success of the Impossible Whopper shows that meat substitutes can appeal to the general public. In Europe, Burger King has successfully opened its menu to vegetarians over the last three years, in partnership with the vegan meat manufacturer Vegetarian Butcher and the vegan bacon manufacturer La Vie.
KFC: vegan chicken on trial
Even traditionally meat-centred chains like KFC have started to test vegan options. In the UK, KFC has teamed up with Beyond Meat to trial “Beyond Fried Chicken”, a vegan chicken made from plant-based ingredients. The response was extremely positive, prompting KFC to consider expanding its vegan offering worldwide.
The rise of meat substitutes in fast food
Meat substitutes have come a long way in recent years, thanks to advances in food technology and innovation. Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have taken the lead in offering plant-based burgers, sausages and chicken substitutes that faithfully reproduce the taste and texture of meat. These products are of interest not only to vegans, but also to flexitarians and meat eaters looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing their taste pleasure.
The vegan trend in restaurants and fast food chains reflects changing consumer preferences towards more sustainable and ethical food choices. As awareness of the environmental and health benefits of plant-based diets continues to grow, we can expect to see even more innovative vegan options emerging in the food industry. With delivery platforms like Deliveroo and Just Eat making vegan options more accessible, and major chains like McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC taking the plunge, the future looks bright for plant-based food on a global scale.
