McDonald’s to Debut the McPlant, a Plant-Based Option, in 2021 | Eater

"In a conference call the chain announced an in-house plant-based burger called the McPlant, slated to be added to menus in 2021 and described by its leadership as developed internally. Having tested a P.L.T. using Beyond Meat in Canada, the new product suggests future Beyond Meat partnerships may be unlikely and is being pitched as the start of a broader plant-based line that could include burgers, chicken substitutes and breakfast sandwiches. The reveal was paired with a renewed push into the crispy chicken sandwich market, underscoring a pattern of trend-chasing despite past attempts that didn’t stick. The move comes amid a broader fast-food shift — from White Castle sliders to Chipotle’s Sofritas and offerings from Burger King, KFC, Qdoba and Del Taco — as plant-based meats, which aim to recreate meat’s texture and taste, reach roughly 40% consumer exposure and are largely marketed to meat-eaters concerned about health and environmental impact. The product name drew derisive attention for being a literal, punny extension of the brand prefix, prompting comparisons to novelty naming stunts." - Jaya Saxena