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If you think McPlant is a creature out of a bad 1980s horror movie, you’re wrong. If you think it’s the newest addition to McDonald’s menu, you’re totally right. McDonald’s is bringing its own plant-based burger to the masses in 2021. The McPlant hopes to make a big impact in the forever-changing food chain world.
Running With The Bulls
McDonald’s isn’t the first to bring out a plant-based menu item. In the last few years, almost every food chain introduced the world to its own meatless burger. Chipotle even goes with tofu-based burritos. White Castle has its own meatless slider, Burger King and Del Taco go with plant-based meat. The list of fast-food chains trying this new trend is long. Many Americans went from never hearing the word “plant-based,” to see it on regular menus. These aren’t your everyday bean veggie burgers. These use meat substitutes with the same taste and texture as red meat. They can be eaten by herbivores, omnivores and carnivores.
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The Holdout
Arguably one of the most popular fast-food chains, McDonald’s is one of the last to announce a meatless meat item. Last year in Canada, they did test a “P.L.T.” burger using Beyond Meat. McPlant isn’t just a burger, though. If it is a success, McDonald’s hopes to roll it out into chicken-substitutes and breakfast items.
Going Further
McDonald’s didn’t stop at the McPlant. They’re getting back in the ring. They want to battle the other “chicken giants” to reign in the world of chicken sandwiches. They’re going to roll out a new, crispy chicken sandwich next year, too. They’ve tried many times in the past to do the same thing with a new chicken sandwich but failed each time. Long lines at Chick-fil-A for their iconic chicken sandwiches make McDonald’s want to win this game. The worldwide argument of Popeye’s vs. Chick-fil-A last year boosted the sales of Popeyes chicken putting it on the map to success. Of course, McDonald’s has a McChicken sandwich on the menu already. They also launched a successful spicy chicken nuggets campaign in September 2020. They’ll have to up their game even more.
New All Around
They also introduced modern, refreshing packaging. This will roll out globally in the next few years. They’re also going to improve their buns and grilling process for their hamburgers. These changes join a new delivery trend, too. During the pandemic, fast food restaurants leaned on digital delivery, pickup and drive-thru orders to get them over the hump. McDonald’s wants to make it easier for people to eat at home by making it easier for them to order delivery through their own app. They’re also working on ways to improve drive-thrus with automated order taking and express pickup lanes.
Using Technology
Their new digital hub will be called “MyMcDonald’s.” It will have a loyalty program as well. The company is working on its technology games. Last year they rolled out smart menu boards. They also purchased a company that works on voice-based ordering platforms. They’re trying to stay up with the rest of the fast-food world.
What Works Best
McDonald’s knows it’s one of the kings of burgers, nuggets and fries. They can’t change too much or risk losing customers. They understand core items like their Big Mac and Quarter Pounders give people comfort in these uncertain times. They hope to roll the old with the new for big growth.
The McPlant may take the fast-food world by storm. It might also fade like some in its class. People seem to want healthier options. It’s also important to most fast-food restaurants that they cater to all types of diets. Whether it’s a person that loves to eat a few burgers a day or a person that only eats plant-based foods, McDonald’s wants them in their ring.
