McDonald’s adds McPlant burger to menu in select Victorian stores

After much online speculation, McDonald’s has confirmed the arrival of a popular burger in Australia. But there’s a catch.

After days of speculation on social media, McDonald’s Australia has confirmed the arrival of the McPlant burger on its menu – but there’s a catch.

Eagle-eyed customers spotted the plant-based burger, which was co-developed with vegan meat substitute producer Beyond Meat and previously wasn’t available Down Under, on Uber Eats last week.

Now the fast food giant has revealed the McPlant has indeed joined the menu – but will only be available at Victorian restaurants.

The burger features a “juicy” plant-based patty made from peas, rice, potatoes and beetroot, paired with all the classics – tomato, lettuce, pickles and onions – a “mayonnaise-style” sauce, ketchup, mustard and a slice of American cheese, all on top of a sesame seed bun.

Victorian McDonald’s customers can try the McPlant burger from now until November. Picture: Supplied

While many vegans are happy to eat the burger by removing the cheese and mayo, McDonald’s has stressed it is not classified as a vegan burger as it is cooled on the same grill as meat-based products and eggs.

“Macca’s is always testing new menu items and flavours as part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and choice,” a spokeswoman said in a statement.

“The McPlant gives customers another delicious menu option, alongside their usual favourites.”

Hungover vegetarians rejoice, @maccas has FINALLY brought the #McPlant to Australia 🤤🍔🌱

*please note* if you’re vegan you can still have it if you remove the mayo and cheese!

— Salomae Haselgrove (@Salomae_H) July 1, 2022

FINALLY the McPlant burger has arrived in Australia!!!!!

— Paul Atreideez Nuts (@rare_ai_cube) June 29, 2022

McDonalds Australia has quietly released the McPlant burger and it is yummy😋

— Emma Nygard (@NygardEmma) June 29, 2022

TikTok users World Vegan Guides trialled the burger in a video on their account, deeming it “legit” and “unreal” – though adding it needed some “vegan Tasty cheese”.

In the comments under the clip, people agreed, writing that Macca’s Australia “need to bring the vegan cheese and mayo like the UK”.

The burger features a patty made from peas, rice, potatoes and beetroot. Picture: TikTok

World Vegan Guides described the McPlant as ‘legit’ and ‘unreal’. Picture: TikTok

“I want to try this so bad but my Macca’s hasn’t got it yet,” one complained.

Another said the burger “needs to come to Sydney”.

It’s not the first time McDonald’s has offered up a vegetable patty – the Golden Arches did trial the McVeggie here in 2020, which featured a potato, pea, corn, carrot and onion patty, before taking it off the menu in July last year.

Victorian customers can find the McPlant at all of the state’s 270 restaurants, via the MyMacca’s app and McDelivery, from today until Tuesday, November 1.