McDonald’s puts first vegetable-based burger on menu
Macca’s has put a “veggie” burger on its menu for the first time in Australia. But there’s a glaring reason why some dedicated vegetarians won’t want to eat it.
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For the first time, vegetarians will have more to eat at Maccas than just a serve of fries.
From today, the fast food giant will offer the McVeggie, the first time a veggie-based burger has made its menu in Australia.
The McVeggie consists of a crunchy potato patty with carrot, corn, peas, onion and cheese served with lettuce, pickles and mayo on the signature sesame seed bun.
It is also comes in a deluxe version, with cheddar cheese and tomato.
McDonald’s Australia chief marketing officer Jenni Dill said the McVeggie catered to the growing number of Aussies following a plant-based diet.
“We know there’s an appetite for alternatives to traditional meat proteins and Australians are looking for more plant-based options in their diet,” she said.
Though there are no meat products used, the burger isn’t 100 per cent vegetarian due to its cooking process.
Natalie Lazarevski, 20, from Tarneit was one of the first in the country to try the new burger.
Though she usually orders a McChicken she gave the new veggie version the thumbs up.
“It’s pretty good. It tastes the same as a McChicken, just without the chicken. For a vegetarian burger, it’s got enough flavour,” she said.
Theo Zafiropoulos, 20, from Williamstown agreed.
“I usually order something with beef, but this is good. There’s enough flavour without it being overpowering. I reckon I’d get this again,” he said.
The McVeggie costs $5.70 while the McVeggie Delux will cost $7.25.
Both will be available from 10.30am at McDonald’s nationwide.
McVEGGIE TASTE TEST
Dan Stock, Herald Sun Food Editor:
Though it has good fried potato crunch, the patty is a pretty unidimensional – it’s mainly mashed potato with a few veg strewn throughout. Spicing is mild.
The addition of cheese within the patty is a good idea as are including pickles on top, which adds welcome bursts of sweet-sharpness.
It’s definitely worth shelling out a bit more for the deluxe version for the fresh tomato and cheese, but either way, let’s face it – douse anything in enough mayo and it’s going to taste pretty good.
Score: 7/10
Natalie Lavarevski, 20:
I never usually order a veg burger, I usually have a McChicken. This tastes the same, just without the chicken. For a vegetarian burger, it’s good. I’d maybe order it again.
Score: 8/10
Theo Zafiropoulos, 20:
It’s good. Just enough flavour so you could taste it, without being overpowering. I usually order one of the burgers with beef, but I reckon I might get this again.
Score: 7.5/10