Do Americans want plant-based options at fast-food restaurants? Two recent moves show restaurant chains are still undecided.
On Wednesday, Panda Express said it is reintroducing plant-based chicken – which it developed with El Segundo, California-based Beyond Meat – at hundreds of U.S. stores. Beyond Orange Chicken will be available for a limited time, Panda Express said.
But last week, McDonald’s revealed it has pulled the plug in the U.S. on the McPlant, the plant-based burger it co-developed with Beyond Meat. During an appearance at the Wall Street Journal’s Global Food Forum, McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger said the company’s 2022 test of the McPlant at stores in San Francisco and Dallas was “not successful in either market.”
“I don’t think the U.S. consumer is… looking for the McPlant or other plant-based proteins from McDonald’s,” Erlinger said.
The McPlant has seen more success in Europe, where consumers are much more receptive to ordering plant-based products at a McDonald’s. The McPlant is now a permanent menu item in the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and other markets, and McDonald’s introduced plant-based McNuggets – also developed with Beyond Meat – in Europe last year.
Erlinger said McDonald’s will keep an eye on plant-based trends, but prefers to focus on chicken in the U.S. right now.
Still, Panda Express is bullish about plant-based meat. It first tested Beyond Orange Chicken in 2021 and rolled it out nationally for a limited time in 2022.
“We’ve never received so many social media comments begging for an entree’s return,” a Panda Express spokesperson said. The company said fans even started a petition asking the company to bring the dish back.
“If our fans continue to love and demand it, there’s potential to expand availability,” the Rosemead, California-based company said.
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and more sustainable food options. One trend that has gained traction is the rise of plant-based meat alternatives, which offer a more environmentally-friendly and ethical alternative to traditional animal-based products. With the growing popularity of plant-based diets and concerns about the impact of meat consumption on health and the environment, many fast-food chains in the US have started to introduce plant-based meat options on their menus.
One of the most well-known plant-based meat alternatives is the Impossible Burger, which has gained widespread popularity for its realistic taste and texture that closely mimics traditional beef. Many fast-food chains, including Burger King, White Castle, and Carl’s Jr., have started offering the Impossible Burger as a menu option, catering to the increasing demand for plant-based alternatives among consumers.
But are US fast-food customers truly interested in plant-based meat options? The answer seems to be a resounding yes. According to a recent survey conducted by the Good Food Institute, a non-profit organization that promotes plant-based alternatives, nearly 70% of US consumers are interested in trying plant-based meat products. This growing interest is driven by a variety of factors, including concerns about health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
In addition to consumer interest, there is also evidence to suggest that plant-based meat options are becoming increasingly popular among fast-food customers. Sales of plant-based meat products have been steadily increasing in recent years, with the market expected to reach $3.5 billion by 2026. This growth is being driven by a combination of factors, including increased availability of plant-based options in restaurants and grocery stores, as well as growing awareness of the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets.
Fast-food chains are taking notice of this trend and are responding by adding more plant-based options to their menus. In addition to the Impossible Burger, many chains are also offering plant-based chicken nuggets, sausages, and other meat alternatives. These options are not only appealing to vegetarians and vegans but also to flexitarians – consumers who are looking to reduce their meat consumption for health or environmental reasons.
Overall, it seems clear that US fast-food customers are indeed interested in plant-based meat options. As consumer preferences continue to shift towards healthier and more sustainable food choices, it is likely that we will see even more plant-based options on fast-food menus in the future. This trend not only benefits consumers but also has the potential to have a positive impact on the environment and animal welfare. So next time you’re at a fast-food restaurant, consider trying a plant-based option – you might be pleasantly surprised by how delicious and satisfying it can be.
