Fast food giant McDonald's will introduce plant-based McNuggets to its menu after developing them through a partnership with California-based plant-based meat maker Beyond Meat. McNuggets are made from peas, corn, and wheat with a tempura batter. McDonald's is hoping to extend the success of its McPlant burger, which has been a popular menu item since its launch in 2021, to a wider range of customers.
According to a report from Fox Business, the McNuggets will first be tested in Germany to gauge customer demand before being sold in other markets. McPlant burgers will also be introduced following a successful limited-time test at nine restaurants in the Stuttgart area. The burger is already a regular menu item in the UK, Ireland, Austria and the Netherlands.
Beyond Meat has experience co-developing plant-based products with other chains such as Panda Express and KFC, and began selling plant-based chicken in U.S. grocery stores in 2021. McDonald's move toward more plant-based options is part of a broader trend in the fast food industry, with several chains introducing meat alternatives to their menus.
Adding plant-based McNuggets to the menu is part of the company's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices, as well as to appeal to a more health-conscious customer base. This is also an initiative of McDonald's. With the rise of plant-based diets, the fast food industry must adapt to changing consumer preferences.
