# Piquant Meat-Free Burgers The Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Beyond Spicy BBQ Cheeseburger is Indulgent By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2020-06-25 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-spicy-bbq-cheeseburger References: [chewboom](https://www.chewboom.com/2020/06/24/carls-jr-and-hardees-introduce-new-beyond-spicy-bbq-cheeseburger/) & [carlsjr](https://www.carlsjr.com) The Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Beyond Spicy BBQ Cheeseburger comes as a new meat-free sandwich from the QSR brand that will offer consumers a new take on the namesake meat-free burger to enjoy this summertime. The burger starts off with a plant-based Beyond Burger patty that is then topped with jalapeños, onion rings and a melted pepper jack cheese all served on a sesame seed bun. The burger is available on its own or as part of a combo to let customers choose how they'd like to try it out. The Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Beyond Spicy BBQ Cheeseburger is available at participating locations nationwide but only for a limited time to make it a meat-free summertime exclusive. Image Credit: Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Meat-free Fast Food:** The success of the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Beyond Spicy BBQ Cheeseburger highlights the potential for more meat-free menu items in fast food chains. - **Plant-based Proteins:** As more consumers embrace plant-based diets, the demand for tasty and innovative meat alternatives like Beyond Burger patties will continue to grow. - **Indulgent Vegetarianism:** There's an opportunity for companies to cater to consumers who want to indulge in meat-free options without sacrificing taste or indulgence. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fast Food Chains:** Fast food chains can capitalize on the growing demand for meat-free options by introducing new menu items that cater to vegetarian and flexitarian consumers. - **Plant-based Protein Suppliers:** Companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods can leverage the success of meat-free products like the Beyond Burger to expand their product lines and tap into new markets. - **Food Service Industry:** Restaurants and other food service providers can benefit from offering indulgent meat-free options that appeal to consumers looking for guilt-free indulgence. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Extra-Spicy Charbroiled Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-lil-cheeseburger.md) - [Crispy-Fried Zucchini Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zucchini-star.md) - [Piquant Breakfast Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-breakfast-burger.md) - [Spicy Plant-Based Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-burger-jalapeo.md) - [Juicy Plant-Based Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/even-juicier-beyond-meat.md) - [Spicy QSR Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/el-diablo-burger.md) - [Extra-Meaty Barbecue Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bbq-brisket-steakburger.md) - [Upsized QSR Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upsized-burger.md) - [Hearty Chili-Topped Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chili-cheese-star.md)