The Rise of the Vegan Options in fast Food

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KFC in the United Kingdom is officially test running a completely vegan chicken burger this month setting off a wave of excitement AND negativity throughout the vegan community. Announcing the Imposter Burger, coated in those famous herbs and spices and slapped between a bun with vegan mayonnaise and lettuce, KFC will test it out for an entire month to help determine whether this is something that should be rolled out across the chain. With all of these fast food restaurants partnering with big name vegan companies like Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Quorn etc., it appears that things are moving in the right direction but there's still controversy. 

Photo taken from World Animal News

As a vegetarian, the idea of my burger being cooked in the same oil that meat is perhaps cooked in or on the same grill with cross contamination possible makes me a little queasy but not enough to prevent me from eating them. However, such is not the case with the vegan community who I've learned can be tricky to deal with when it comes to these new products being launched. Understandably, a wholly ethical vegan is never going to want to eat something that will have undoubtedly come into contact with meat products and in previous vegan launches at fast food chains, there has been consistent contact with head offices regarding everything from purchasing separate grills, using separate fryers, utensils etc., or in some cases, not offering ENOUGH vegan products to make the launch wholly successful. The question is, does this hurt the movement and possibly deter these companies from committing for fear of costs or are they willing to make these changes?

Secondly, the question of whether purchasing these vegan items contradicts with those very same ethical beliefs. On one hand, you are showing support for the idea of these companies taking steps in the right direction by finally offering vegan products and catering to a market that it growing rapidly. On the other hand, your money is going to a company that still sources animals from factory farms which pollute the environment rapidly and houses their animals in horrendous conditions. So how do we win in these situations?

KFC is only the latest in the United Kingdom to join in on the vegan market. Every fast food chain is reflective of the country it is based in and offers options to cater to the markets in particular areas. For example, when I was in Belgium, the McDonalds had a hefty vegan menu that included vegan nuggets that were delicious and a wonderful vegan burger that could've fooled me into thinking I was eating meat. Back in Canada, the McDonalds has little to no vegan options while places like A & W, Burger King, and Harvey's have been offering veggie burgers for a while now. In fact, A & W and Tim Hortons both have recently joined up with Beyond Meat to offer breakfast sausage sandwiches for vegans and vegetarians alike. As I said, the market is what calls for the options offered at every chain but it is wholly evident that the vegan market is growing and these companies are picking up on those opportunities.

Personally, I think we should be throwing our support behind these companies by purchasing these products sending a very clear message to these places that these products are well received. Yes, we are still pumping money into chain restaurants that contribute to the horrendous factory farming industry, that's without a doubt, but without our overwhelming support of these products these companies will not see the need to continue to advance. By supporting these new products we will be sending a message to them that vegan products are necessary and perhaps convince them to continue to develop new ideas which will essentially mean that less meat is being introduced in favour of vegan options. 

The Imposter Burger from KFC - Photo taken from World Animal News

The more options these places are offering means that less meat is being produced and consumed. The mroe innovative these products become mean the more people that are willing to try the vegan versions of their favourite fast food items. All of this will work towards the goal of reducing the planet's meat consumption in favour of vegan products which is ultimately the goal is it not?

I believe we will continue to see the rise of the vegan offerings at our favourite fast food restaurants because the fact is, this market will continue to grow exponentially as it already has demonstrated. The future is definitely vegetarian and vegan.

What do you guys think?

HAPPY VEG