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McDonald’s McPlant burger has made its way down under. The fast-food giant is trialing its popular plant-based patty in 270 locations in Victoria, Australia.
The McPlant, which features a Beyond Meat patty, was trialed in the UK last year. In January of this year, it was rolled out across the country in a nationwide launch.
According to the chain’s chief marketing officer Michelle Graham-Clare, the UK had a “remarkable response” to the patty, which is served with a vegan sesame bun, vegan sauce, and vegan cheese.
In the new Australia trial, the McPlant features the same Beyond Meat patty, but it will be served with dairy American cheese and non-vegan mayonnaise. It will also be cooked on the same grill as McDonald’s meat-based products.
However, this doesn’t mean that a nationwide launch of the burger wouldn’t be fully vegan. Right now, McDonald’s Australia is trying to gauge what consumers want.
“Through this trial, McDonald’s Australia will learn more about customer demand for the McPlant,” a statement from the chain reads. “And how this new menu item impacts restaurant kitchen operations, which will inform future menu decisions locally.”
McDonald’s embraces vegan options
McDonald’s has expanded its vegan options around the world. In Australia, it also offers oat milk in its McCafé coffees. And in Hong Kong, vegan spam is on the menu.
In Germany, the fast-food giant started offering vegan KitKat McFlurrys earlier this year. At the time, Susan Schramm, who works as marketing director for McDonald’s Germany, said: “Vegan and vegetarian meals have not been a niche trend for a long time.”
“We as a brand also want to and will continue to develop here,” she added.
In Australia, other fast-food chains offering vegan options include Domino’s, Hungry Jacks, Subway, and Lord of the Fries. The latter, with locations in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and more, has a totally meat-free menu.
