Why Hasn’t McDonald’s Put a Veggie Burger on Its U.S. Menu Yet? | Eater

"At the end of 2020 the company’s International President announced a proprietary plant-based burger planned for a 2021 rollout, yet that sandwich had still not appeared on U.S. menus by the following October. The corporation touts several sustainability initiatives — a goal to cut emissions by 36% by 2030, a phase-out of certain single-use plastics including Happy Meal toys, and a “global network” of farms testing practices like rotational grazing — but critics argue that its enormous beef sourcing and links to Amazon destruction mean only a substantial reduction in beef sales will produce meaningful environmental benefits. Climate and public-health reporting increasingly recommends cutting beef consumption, and because this chain is the world’s largest buyer of beef, adding a widely available plant-based option could have measurable impact. The Quarter Pounder with cheese is identified as an ideal vehicle for such a patty, since its appeal rests more on neutral texture, saltiness, half-melted American cheese, pickles, mustard, and ketchup than on a distinct beef flavor — so swapping in a “boring brown” plant-based patty might go largely unnoticed. Beyond environmental reasons, practical and personal arguments are made for the option: adults who once avoided meat as children want a full sandwich with protein, and people in food deserts, late-night travelers, or others with limited choices need accessible vegetarian options. The piece concludes that while the fast-food industry cannot undo all damage, launching the promised veggie burger sooner would be a concrete step in the right direction." - Madeleine Davies