Fast food chains have long been associated with greasy burgers, fried chicken, and other meat-based meals. However, the rise of vegetarianism and veganism has led to an increased demand for plant-based options. Consequently, several fast food chains are now offering more than just salads to cater to their vegetarian customers.
One such chain is Taco Bell which offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly options. Their menu features items like black bean crunchwrap supreme, cheese quesadilla, spicy potato soft taco and bean burrito. These dishes are not only delicious but also provide a substantial meal that goes beyond the traditional salad option.
Next on the list is Subway. This sandwich chain allows customers to customize their subs with a variety of fresh vegetables and sauces. Moreover, they introduced a ‘Veggie Delite’ sub which comes loaded with all the veggies you want on your choice of bread. They also offer Beyond Meatball Marinara sub for those looking for a meatless alternative.
Burger King has also jumped on the vegetarian bandwagon by introducing the Impossible Whopper in 2019 – a burger made entirely from plants but designed to taste like beef using Impossible Foods’ patties. It’s served with tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles and sliced onions on sesame seed bun making it indistinguishable from its regular counterpart.
Pizza Hut is another popular fast-food chain that caters well to vegetarians. Their menu includes various veggie pizzas topped with ingredients like green bell peppers, red onions and mushrooms along with margherita pizza featuring fresh mozzarella cheese and basil.
Chipotle Mexican Grill offers customizable bowls where you can choose from different types of beans or sofritas (tofu cooked in spices) as your protein source instead of meat along with other toppings like rice, salsa and guacamole.
Even McDonald’s has started offering McVeggie burger in some countries which consists of a patty made from potatoes, peas and seasoning, served with lettuce and special sauce.
These are just a few examples of fast food chains that have expanded their menus to include more vegetarian options. With the growing trend of plant-based diets, it’s likely that we’ll see even more variety in the future. It’s an exciting time for vegetarians who love fast food as they now have a plethora of choices beyond salads. These efforts by fast-food chains not only cater to vegetarians but also encourage non-vegetarians to try out meat-free options, thereby promoting a healthier lifestyle and contributing towards reducing our carbon footprint on the planet.