McDonald’s launches the McPlant burger – and it tastes just like a quarter pounder with cheese

THE first vegan McDonald’s burger offering is finally here, and it lives up to expectations.

It’s been a long time coming – the burger has been in development for three years.

McDonald's has launched a vegan burger for the first time in the UK — McDonald’s has launched a vegan burger for the first time in the UKCredit: Kevin Dunnett

The McPlant is closest to a McDonald's quarter pounder with cheese in taste — The McPlant is closest to a McDonald’s quarter pounder with cheese in taste

Meanwhile rivals like Greggs and KFC have already been selling plant-based versions of their popular menu items.

McDonalds fans have slammed the chain for its previous attempts at veggie food, including its veggie dippers.

So I was very excited to try out the new menu item ahead of its official launch.

On opening the box, I got the waft of that familiar, mouth-watering Maccies burger smell.

It looked the part, with a juicy patty topped with gherkins, tomato, lettuce, ketchup and a vegan burger sauce in a classic sesame seed bun.

Anyone who’s tried vegan cheese knows it can be disappointing, so I was interested to see whether McDonald’s had managed to perfect that all important element.

The burger cheese – which took the McDonald’s team three years to get right – is a great imitation of the classic American cheese slice, even if it isn’t quite as melty as the diary version.

The McPlant is served up in a special cardboard box.

The patty – designed in partnership with US firm Beyond Meat – is a bit thicker than you’d get in a Big Mac and slightly thinner than a traditional quarter pounder.

But it passes the all important taste test, it’s meaty and salty and has that specific McDonald’s flavour that just can’t be imitated.

Where can you get a McPlant?

THE McPlant will be available in these 10 Coventry restaurants before rolling out across the UK next month…

Cross Cheaping
Coventry Alvis
Coventry Canley
West Orchards
Gallagher Retail Park
Coventry-Binley
Nuneaton
Nuneaton Asda
Coventry Walsgrave
Nuneaton DT

Meat-eaters will be able to tell its not a beef burger as it’s slightly drier than the real deal – but that doesn’t make it unpleasant, just a bit different.

In fact, I think it will be popular with vegans, veggies, people trying to cut back on their meat intake and those that want a slightly healthier fast food option.

It comes in at 429 calories, compared to 518 for a beef quarter pounder with cheese.

The McPlant will launch in 10 McDonald’s sites in Coventry from September 29, before rolling out to a further 250 UK restaurants in October.

It will be available in all McDonald’s restaurants from the beginning of 2022, just in time for Veganuary.

The burger will cost £3.49 or £4.89 as part of a meal with chips and a drink, in line with other McDonald’s products. But prices will vary between restaurants.

It’s Vegetarian Society vegan approved – meaning there will be no cross contamination with animal products in the supply chain or the kitchen.

So vegans can order a McPlant without having to worry.

It’s been a long time coming, but I think it’s worth the wait.

And as for whether we should be eagerly anticipating other meat-free attempts at other Maccies menu items, such as its popular chicken nuggets, in the near future, I was told “watch this space”.