McDonald’s is Bringing Plant Based Burgers to Canada

McDonald’s will be debuting its very own Beyond Meat plant-based burger for Canadians to enjoy starting September 30^th.

The plant-based patty will be available across 28 restaurants in Southwestern Ontario and has been “crafted” by McDonald’s to convey the company’s staple fast-food flavor.

The “P.L.T.” — plant, lettuce and tomato — burger will be available for a limited 12 weeks and is part of the company’s global test run to see how well plant based food items resonate with its customers.

“During this test, we’re excited to hear what customers love about the P.L.T. to help our global markets better understand what’s best for their customers,” said Ann Wahlgren, McDonald’s vice president of Global Menus Strategy. “This test allows us to learn more about real-world implications of serving the P.L.T., including customer demand and impact on restaurant operations.”

According to CNBC, Beyond Meat shares increased by 12 percent since Thursday’s announcement that the new menu addition would soon be available at select Canadian McDonald’s retailers. McDonald’s shares also increased by 1 percent.

Beyond Meat has taken the alternative protein industry by storm over the last two years and it seems almost every fast-food chain, from A&W to Tim Hortons, has invested in the company’s products, so its no surprise McDonald’s is now looking for its forkful of market share.

McDonald’s restaurants in other countries, including Germany and Israel, have tested the new plant based patty earlier this year — both for a limited time as well.

Although the company hasn’t made it clear as to if, or when, it will introduce these products permanently, its plant based burger will likely do well in Canada for the time being, seeing as the A&W Beyond Burger sold-out nationwide in its first week. This success made it a staple favorite on their Canadian menus.

For now, customers can expect to purchase the new McDonald’s P.L.T. for $6.49 plus tax. The fast-food giant also claims its plant based patty has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.