McDonald’s Introduces ‘McVegan’ to International Menu

Joining the plant-based craze, McDonald’s is introducing the McVegan burger to their Chicago headquarters international menu. Previously only available in Sweden and Finland, the move is a result of a successful seven-week test run in Tampere - Finland's second largest city.

Made out of potatoes, peas and “seasoning reminiscent of samosas,” the burger comes topped with red onions, tomato slices, and an eggless tomato mayo. Similar to the Impossible Burger, the patty is completely meat free and caters toward vegan customers.

“Plant-based protein is something we’re keeping our eye on,” Lucy Brady, McDonald’s senior vice president of corporate strategy, told Fortune Magazine.

While the company has offered vegetarian food items in the past, the restaurant is making a move to offer vegan meals as well.

"McDonalds is continually working on ideas to evolve the menu,” a company spokesperson told The Daily Meal. “Following consumer trends and expectations, the markets locally decide and test which products are more relevant and interesting for their local consumers. Many different combinations are possible at McDonald's restaurants across the globe and the launch of McVegan is another local example."

Earlier this year, McDonalds and dairy checkoff scientists unveiled three new menu items to help get more dairy to consumers. One of the largest uses of U.S. dairy in North America, McDonald’s has averaged more than 5% annual dairy volume growth over the past three years.

“We have a key seat and voice at the table and will continue to work collaboratively to advance how dairy supports and offers solutions for the company’s commitment to children’s health here and around the world, as well as in other key areas of their menu,” said Paul Ziemnisky, executive vice president global innovation partnerships with Dairy Management Inc.

In August, Brazil-based Marfrig, the world's second largest beef processor, sold Keystone, the largest supplier of McDonald's chicken nuggets to Tyson Foods for $2.5 billion.

The news of the McVegan burger also comes after McDonald’s announced a policy to reduce the overall use of antibiotics important to human health which applies across 85% of the company’s global beef supply chain.

For more on McDonald’s, read:

• McDonald’s, Dairy Checkoff Work to Market More Dairy
• McDonald’s Announces Antibiotic Policy For Beef
• Tyson Acquires McDonald’s Supplier for $2.5 B