# Vegan Fast Food Burgers Wendy's is Offering a Vegan-Friendly Sandwich With a Black Bean Patty By M | Published 2016-04-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-bean-patty References: [vegnews](http://vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=7758&catId=1) & [wendys](https://www.wendys.com/en-ca) As veganism becomes a more socially accepted lifestyle choice for consumers aiming to stir clear of meat and animal by-products, popular fast food chains such as [Wendy's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-bacon-cheeseburger) are adding vegan-friendly takeout options for consumers to enjoy -- among them a burger that contains a [meat-free black bean patty](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/actual-veggies-burgers). The [Black Bean Burger](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7eleven-black-bean-burger) is a new addition to Wendy's menu as the first vegan option the fast food chain has offered. The meal offers a protein-packed patty made from black beans, peppers, corn, carrots and spices that is offered on a vegan bread bun and can be served without cheese or dairy condiments. The turn to vegan-friendly meals allows eatery chains to target much larger demographics with more inclusive fast casual menus that span a variety of dietary restrictions. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 99% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Vegan Fast Food:** The trend of offering plant-based fast food options allows for more inclusive menus and a larger consumer base, creating opportunities for vegan entrepreneurs and food tech companies. - **Vegan Protein Alternatives:** The growing demand for meat-free protein sources creates opportunities for food producers to innovate with alternative options, such as black bean patties, beyond meat, or lab-grown meat alternatives. - **Fast Casual Restaurants:** The move towards healthier and niche menu offerings by fast casual chains, such as vegan options, creates opportunities for new entrants in the industry that prioritize health and sustainability. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food Industry:** Fast food chains can benefit by expanding their markets by introducing vegan menu items that are inclusive to more consumers. - **Plant-based Foods Industry:** Producers of plant-based foods can capitalize on the trend by creating alternative meat options such as black bean patties or other meat-free protein alternatives. - **Fast Casual Restaurant Industry:** Fast casual restaurants and chains that offer dietary-restricted menu choices create opportunities for new entrants into the industry looking to cater towards the evolving dietary preferences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vegetarian-Friendly Convenience Store Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7eleven-black-bean-burger.md) - [Vegetarian Bean-Based Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-king-bean-burger.md) - [Vegan Deep-Fried Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-bean-vegan-burger.md) - [Black Bean Burger Patties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/actual-veggies-black-bean-patty.md) - [Mushroom-Based Restaurant Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-beef-free-boy.md) - [House-Made QSR Veggie Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aw-plantbased-burger.md) - [Crispy Vegan Fish Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-fish-burger.md) - [Spiced Chickpea Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spiced-chickpea-burger.md) - [Vegan Fast-Food Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-chicken-nugget.md)