With the rise in popularity of the Impossible Foods’ meat substitute, Mickey D’s won’t be the first chain to have made this addition to their menu. Restaurants such as Burger King, Little Caesars, Qdoba, Red Robin and even White Castle have taken the leap in offering this meatless options for their vegan and vegetarian consumers as well.

Story by Samantha Paradiso
Illustrated by Paige Giordano

It seems that fast food chains have figured out that accommodating diverse diets is extremely profitable. Though vegans and vegetarians are major consumers of meatless options, they aren’t the only ones who fit within this target audience. Those considering reducing their meat consumption or who are simply curious about the taste can now try it. Individuals who may not consume beef or pork due to religious reasons can also branch out in their dining options. Now that fast food chains have caught on to the vegan wave, meatless options are more accessible.

Though meat alternatives seem to be the rave recently, the Impossible Burger has been around for a while. Restaurants such as Pluckers and Hopdoddy have been offering this burger on their menus, but never at such an affordable price. While competing restaurants charge upwards of $12 for a burger alone, you can purchase a meal for less than $10 at fast food joints.

Healthy living has always had a higher price tag, and for many that is just out of reach. For a tight budget, purchasing meat substitutes may not be a viable option. As many food chains expand their menus, meatless diets are becoming more feasible. Those who may not have been able to splurge in the past can now eat a meatless burger free of guilt. If McDonald’s decides to bring a meatless burger to their US menus and join the race against rivaling restaurants, it could be a step in the right direction for public health and accessibility.