For many, McDonald’s brings a lot of joy. The burgers, the McNuggets, the milkshakes — it’s all good. But even though they have quite the menu, they’re isolating a large group of people out there who’d likely love the chance to pick up some fast food. When it comes to vegans, McDonald’s options are severely limited.
The locations in the U.K. weren’t too happy about this and chose to make a big change. Recently, they unveiled a vegan Happy Meal that was officially approved by The Vegetarian Society. Even better, it sounds delicious and inspired. When it comes to vegetarian and vegan cuisine, many who follow the dietary lifestyle often come across food that does nothing for the taste buds.
The meal is a breaded meatless chicken wrap that includes ketchup and lettuce. Customers can order it with a side of carrot sticks or pineapple. Honestly, it even sounds appealing to us non-vegans.
But here’s the big news — after the U.K.’s change went public, McDonald’s locations in Sweden felt the need to push a similar product. And theirs is one that’ll make your mouth water. It’s called a McFalafel, and it’s available on their menu as a stand-alone item and as a Happy Meal.
Here’s what it looks like:
According to that customer, it was tasty — but would have been better in a pita. Perhaps that’s something that McDonald’s could look into in the future.
Surprisingly, a pita was included in past creations of the McFalafel. This isn’t the first time that a McDonald’s has worked with the idea before, but it’s one of the first times it’s being marketed toward kids as well. Both Israel and Egypt reportedly had it on the menu for a short time.
Really jealous im not in israel right now for the #McFalafel.
— Liana (@LianaShelby) January 19, 2011
please please please bring the #McFalafel to the US! it would be the perfect way to celebrate today, happy birthday trees!
— Rachael (Pazornick) Woodward (@rachpaz) January 20, 2011
Unfortunately, it seemed to fail. But that was a different product, in different countries, during a different time period, so it doesn’t mean that Sweden’s McFalafel is doomed.
R.I.P #McFalafel http://ow.ly/5CP0y (via @guardiannews) Would love to hear from someone who has tried it!
— Eat St. (@EatStTweet) July 12, 2011
The United States probably won’t get it for a while, if at all. But the latest American menu items are nothing to scoff at. Bacon and Cheese Fries are coming our way later this month, and they look like everything you’ve ever dreamed of.
Maybe if there’s enough demand, we’ll someday be able to try both types of McFalafel at the international cafe over in Chicago, which serves up some of the best McDonald’s favorites around the globe.
As far as vegan food goes, perhaps this should be a warning to other fast food places.
Burger King does have a veggie burger on the menu for vegetarians, but aside from that, there’s not too much out there — and people are taking note.
McDonald’s would make so much more bread with a vegan burger.
— Morgan | Event x Show Producer (@morgzz23) January 15, 2019
McDonald’s don’t know what they’re missing by not selling vegan nugs
— Eli (@_palmaviolet) January 22, 2019
Taco Bell has a bunch of good options (and a lot of beans), but maybe this will inspire other chains, including Wendy’s and KFC. It’d be strange to see faux fried chicken at KFC, but it’d still be a way to welcome those who are aiming to go meatless.
