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Burger King’s plant-based Impossible Whopper has been described as a ‘wake-up call’ for livestock farmers by senior meat industry lobbyist Eric Bohl.
Bohl, the Director of Public Affairs and Advocacy for Missouri Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization, claimed ‘these plant-based burgers are here to stay’ after taste testing the Impossible Whopper and traditional beef Whopper together.
‘I would have no idea it was not beef’
“The two burgers did not taste identical, but the difference was small. The Impossible Whopper’s flavoring seemed a bit more external as if it came more from something applied to the patty than from the patty itself. The traditional Whopper’s flavor seemed more intrinsic to the meat,” he stated.
“That said, the difference was pretty minor. If I didn’t know what I was eating, I would have no idea it was not beef.”
A ‘passing fad’
Bohl argued livestock farmers and ranchers are ‘kidding [themsleves] if they try to dismiss plant-based meat as a ‘passing fad’, adding: “This is not just another disgusting tofu burger that only a dedicated hippie could convince himself to eat.”
“It’s 95 percent of the way there, and the recipe is likely to only get better. Farmers and ranchers need to take notice and get ready to compete. I’ve tasted it with my own mouth, and this fake meat is ready for prime time.”
Burger King’s Impossible Whopper is being trialed in 59 outlets in St. Louis, Missouri, with the potential to roll out nationwide.
