McDonald's is set to launch a fully vegan meal in the UK on 2 January, joining a growing list of fast food chains offering plant-based options. The Veggie Dippers meal will include vegan nuggets served with chips and a soft drink, the company announced.
The move follows similar introductions by KFC and Greggs, the latter of which credited its vegan sausage roll with boosting sales earlier this year. Other chains such as Frankie & Benny's, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Nando's, Papa John's and Pizza Hut have also added vegan options.
McDonald's new dippers are made from rice, red peppers, tomato pesto and split peas, coated in breadcrumbs. A spokesman confirmed the product will be fried separately from meat-containing items and served with the chain's UK chips, which are vegan-friendly.
The decision comes amid rising demand for vegetarian and vegan food in the UK. McDonald's reported an 80% increase in customers ordering vegetarian options over the past 12 months. The Humane Society International UK said the move would help veganism go mainstream, with director Claire Bass noting that 'when big global brands like McDonald's start serving up vegan food, it can have a huge meat-reduction impact overall.'
Animal rights group Peta welcomed the development, with director Elisa Allen stating: 'A vegan meal - one that doesn't require killing - is the very definition of a happy meal.' However, Peta said it would continue to campaign for McDonald's to bring its McVegan burger, currently available in Finland and Sweden, to the UK.
