McDonald's, the iconic American brand known for its superior Coca-Cola taste and Big Macs, broke from tradition this month and announced it would offer the first-ever vegan burger on menus in Finland and Sweden. In a time when fast food chains around the world are switching to more sustainable and animal-friendly practices, the McVegan isn't so out of place, after all.
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On December 28, the fast food chain will introduce the McVegan burger to restaurants in Sweden and Finland, with plans for a wider launch across Europe expected later. The sandwich had a successful test run at various locations in Finland. As Staffan Ekstam, McDonald's head of food strategy in Sweden told Business Insider, "The test in Finland blew all the expectations out of the water. We can now offer our guests a vegan burger developed in Sweden."
The sandwich is a soy creation, with a soy patty, bun, tomato, lettuce, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, oil, and an egg-less sandwich sauce. As McDonald's spokesperson Henrik Nerell stated in a press release, "Like our other burgers, the McVegan is tasty and has a good texture."
The fast food company is adding the burger as a permanent menu item in response to more and more people who are turning to plant-based food that's better for the environment from a food production standpoint. McDonald's teamed up with Orkla, a specialty Norwegian food company, to help the chain create the perfect vegan food option.
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To learn more about the environmental impact of the fast food industry and how chains are making efforts to change, this is a great place to start.
Will we see the McVegan in the United States anytime soon? It seems that only time will tell, but judging by the outpouring of interest, it could happen. Would you try the McVegan?
