THE FUTURE OF VEGAN FAST FOOD
HEALTHY BUT UNHEALTHY
Vegan food is known to have a particular image when it comes to health and lifestyle. Especially when it comes to the perspective of non-vegans, it is usually looked at as an extreme diet that focuses heavily on healthy eating and animal protection. If you ask a vegan, you will probably get a more balanced view. While the focus is on animal and environmental protection, it’s also simply about eating foods without animal-based products.
Vegan foods come in various forms, and dishes have various influences depending on the location and culture. There are a variety of ways that you can create vegan meals. And there are also a lot of ways that non-vegan meals can be recreated to suit the vegan diet. This includes fast food.
Vegan fast food. It may sound contradictory; however, while veganism can be healthy like any food, it can also be indulgent. You could say that people like the convenience and accessibility of fast food. For most, regardless of the health or quality, people love fast food for the taste. However, is there room for more vegan options in this industry?
VEGAN OPTIONS AT FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS
Currently, fast food restaurants in North America and Europe are already expanding their menus for vegetarians and vegans. For example, at a McDonald’s location in London, you can get a McPlant meal or Veggie Dippers. At the Champs-Élysées McDonald’s in Paris, you can get similar options like the McPlant Nuggets. Other restaurants like Burger King also offer Impossible burgers.
However, with the recent closing of Neat Burgers' UK locations, it’s got us thinking about the future of vegan fast food. Neat was a popular spot for vegan food alternatives like burgers, sandwiches, shareable meals and more. With a focus on sustainability, transparency and accessibility to vegan foods, Neat was a growing leader in vegan fast food. Nevertheless, its departure signals a potential change in the vegan restaurant scene. While vegan restaurants are definitely continuing to grow and thrive, the concept of a vegan fast food restaurant like McDonald’s, Taco Bell or A&W is still a niche idea.
NEW PLAYERS & INNOVATIONS
But there is hope, with the rise of restaurants like Mr Charlie’s, for instance. This restaurant has locations in the US and Australia, with two locations in California and one in Sydney. Presenting a similar look and feel to McDonald’s, Mr Charlie’s offers an exciting take on vegan fast food. Vegans and non-vegans alike can enjoy burgers and desserts made without meat or dairy products.
We also have Odd Burger as another example. Odd Burger is Canada’s first vegan restaurant. Officially opening in 2017, Odd Burger serves vegan burgers, pizza, breakfast, dessert, and more. With over 20 locations across Canada, they are providing easy access to fast, good food for vegans.
So while we still have a way to go before we have vegan headliners akin to the big names, the scene is evolving. Let’s continue to watch and support the moves being made to add to this amazing industry.