Major fast food restaurants appeal to consumers with vegan diets
Implications - Major fast food brands are catering to vegans by offering meat, dairy and animal byproduct-free menu items. More than broadening their reach, this shift helps chain restaurants alter the perception of fast food – from an industry that focuses solely on reduced cost and convenience, to one that also considers the heath-related impacts of its offerings.
Workshop Question - Consider some of the less appealing aspects of your brand, products or services from a consumer perspective. What shifts can your brand make in order to change these narratives?
Trend Themes
1. Rise of Plant-based Fast Food Menu Items - As consumer demand for plant-based options continue to increase, major fast food brands are incorporating meat and dairy-free alternatives into their menus to tap into the growing vegan and non-vegan markets.
2. Vegan Alternatives to Popular Fast Food Dishes - Fast food chains are now recreating their classic dishes with vegan-friendly ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers who want healthier, plant-based alternatives to their favorite fast food meals.
3. Expansion of Plant-based Protein Options - Restaurants and fast food chains are now exploring plant-based protein sources to offer meat-free alternatives to their meals, while catering to the increasing number of consumers adopting a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food Industry - The fast food industry is evolving to meet the demand for healthy, plant-based alternatives, by creating vegan versions of their most popular menu items, and promoting themselves as brands that prioritize conscious eating.
2. Food Retail Industry - As more consumers adopt a plant-based lifestyle, supermarkets and food stores are expanding their plant-based offerings, making vegan food products more accessible and affordable to the average consumer.
3. Meat Alternatives Industry - Companies that specialize in developing and producing plant-based protein alternatives are seeing increased demand for their products, as more restaurants and fast food chains are incorporating plant-based, meat-free options into their menus.
