McDonald’s launches veggie Happy Meals
MCDONALD’S restaurants across Glasgow have launched their first-ever vegetarian Happy Meal for children from today.
The massive American fast food company has also added a new spicy veggie wrap onto its main menu.
The news also comes on the same day bakery chain Greggs jumps onto the meat-free bandwagon with its new vegan sausage roll.
The vegan-friendly sausage roll will feature pastry made using vegetable oil and will contain a “bespoke Quorn filling.”
The new additions come as more and more people continue to embrace the growing trend of vegetarianism and veganism.
McDonald’s bosses worked closely with the Britmums network and Vegetarian Society, inviting both parents and their children to select the final flavour.
The tasters selected red pesto goujon wraps, which have been accredited by the Vegetarian Society.
The ingredients are all also dairy free.
The Saturdays singer and mum-of-two, Frankie Bridge, was one of the first customers to try the new vegetarian wrap options, as she joined the third of McDonald’s customers who recently told a survey they think it’s important the chain start including more meat-free meals.
The 29-year-old pop star said: “Having more meal options that the kids enjoy makes my life easier and the veggie Happy Meal wrap flavour was literally chosen by children, so I know it’s something my son Parker will love too.
“I think it’s important our diet is varied and full of choice and, for me at the moment, this means introducing more meatfree meals. The boys and I are so excited about this.”
Lynne Elliot, chief executive of the Vegetarian Society, added: “We’re really proud to have worked closely with McDonald’s for over 10 years and it’s great to see their veggie menu developing, especially as McDonald’s tell us a third of their customers think it’s important to eat more veggie meals.
“There’s a growing demand for veggie food everywhere and it’s fantastic to see McDonald’s meeting the needs of their customers.
“It is especially important for young veggies to be able to choose something to eat when they are out with their friends.
“With the new options carrying our trademark, diners can trust their meal is one hundred per cent vegetarian.”
Just a month ago, it was reported that a third of Britons now eat less meat or none at all, with one in eight now identifying as vegan or vegetarian.
A further fifth of consumers described themselves as “flexitarian” – eating increasing amounts of plant-based meals without eliminating meat entirely – while half of those who said they are vegan or vegetarian eat meat at weekends, a survey for the annual Waitrose Food and Drink report suggested.
However, 41 per cent admitted to missing a Sunday roast and 11 per cent missed pork scratchings.