The fast-casual restaurant concept I Heart Mac & Cheese is the latest brand to begin offering plant-based alternatives to its regular menu items.
I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fast-casual restaurant that allows guests to order customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now guests can further customize their cheesy creations by adding a selection of Beyond Meat products. This includes the Beyond Burger, the Beyond Beef Crumbles, and the Beyond Sausage. All of these new toppers are plant-based sources of protein that allow guests to make their favorite meals vegetarian-friendly.
For those who are looking to create a fully vegan dish, I Heart Mac & Cheese also offers a non-dairy cheese substitute, which is made in-house from a mixture of coconut milk base and a secret spice blend.
Image Credit: <i> I Heart Mac & Cheese.</i>
What's Driving This Trend
- Plant-based Menu Options
- Restaurants and food brands are offering more plant-based alternatives to cater to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan options.
- Customizable Dining Experience
- Fast-casual restaurants are embracing the trend of allowing customers to personalize their meals, providing them with a unique dining experience.
- Beyond Meat Products
- Food establishments are incorporating Beyond Meat products into their menus, giving consumers more choices for plant-based protein substitutes.
Who This Affects Most
- Restaurant Industry
- Restaurants can explore introducing plant-based menu options and customizable offerings to attract health-conscious diners and expand their customer base.
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing
- Manufacturers can develop and produce plant-based alternatives, such as non-dairy cheese substitutes and plant-based protein products, to meet the rising demand.
- Plant-based Protein Industry
- Companies specializing in plant-based protein products, like Beyond Meat, can partner with restaurants to supply their products and capitalize on the growing market.
