With a growing interest in plant-based diets, more food chain companies are shifting their gears and opening up new options on their menus. In November 2020, Burger King Philippines introduced their plant-based Whopper, which is “made from plants, tastes like beef.” (And surprisingly, they really do!)
In the same month, McDonald’s also announced that a plant-based burger, called “McPlant” will soon be part of their menu. However, this only applies to McDonald’s USA for now–there’s no word from McDonald’s Philippines on this yet.
Backtracking a few more months, KFC also released a plant-based “fried chicken” in the US that seems indistinguishable from the real thing. This was after a successful test run in Atlanta in 2019, where they sold out in just a few hours.
Following in Burger King, McDonald’s, and KFC’s footsteps is Taco Bell, which recently teamed up with Beyond Meat to create food options that will cater to those who follow plant-based diets.
Taco Bell and beyond
In a video posted on Twitter, Mark King, the CEO of Taco Bell, hinted at the big plans of the food chain for its menu. “This year, we’re going big [on] our vegetarian menu. We’re going above… and beyond.”
While Taco Bell is not yet giving out full details, they described their upcoming plant-based menu as something different from what we’ve already seen.
Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer said: “I would say that it’s going to be unique to the things that you’ve seen elsewhere, so we’re definitely going to put our Taco Bell innovation and spin on it.”
The potatoes are back
Aside from the Beyond Meat partnership, Taco Bell also announced the return of its potato dishes, such as Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and Spicy Potato Soft Tacos, which were recently removed in September in an attempt to simplify their menu.
Mark King said, “It’s a new year with new possibilities. And you know what? We’re bringing [potatoes] back! As of March 11th, [they] are officially back at Taco Bell.”
While changes are already happening to Taco Bell in the US, there’s no update yet on when these plant-based options will also be available in the Philippines.
