Burger King launches vegan options: ‘You won’t even know the difference!’

Burger King is joining a number of other fast food chains in launching meat-free options – a move food awareness non-governmental organisation ProVeg says is eerily similar to their existing products. 

“Burger King’s new products are so similar to their existing products that consumers who try them won’t even know the difference, even though they’re healthier and more sustainable and at a great price,” said ProVeg South Africa director Donovan Will. 

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The lack of taste sacrifice is a definitive motivating factor in getting meat eaters to try food always thought to be reserved for vegetarians and vegans. 

South Africa is quite slow on the uptake when it comes to plant-based and vegan diets, compared to the rest of the world.

This is because of a lack of quality offerings in the fast-food space, and the absence of an internationally recognised vegan accreditation for local companies. 

The introduction of Europe’s largest vegan accreditation programme, V-Label, hopes to change that. 

“The V-Label symbol is going to increase awareness of veganism, and make it easier for consumers to identify vegan options and trust that they are truly vegan,” Will said. 

Burger King follows in the footsteps of Steers, McDonalds, Nando’s and Wimpy, who all have vegetarian options. 

Those who have not taken up the juicy offer in South Africa yet, despite them having vegan and vegetarian options internationally, are KFC and Pizza Hut.  

What are Burger King’s vegan options? 

Burger King will now have a plant-based Whopper burger, a Vegan Royale and Vegan Nuggets. 

CEO of Burger King South Africa, Juan Klopper, says the fast-food chain aims to become a global leader in plant-based alternatives in the quick-serving restaurant space. 

“Our aim is to offer vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based alternatives that do not compromise on flavour or price. Why should it? By working with The Vegetarian Butcher and V-Label, we know we can create the industry’s leading vegan and vegetarian recipes,” Klopper enthused. 

V-Label said it hoped working with Burger King would inspire South African consumers to embrace the world of vegan and vegetarian options. 

After all, it is easier on the gut, and better for the planet.