# QSR-Made Meat-Free Alternatives McDonald's is Developing 'McPlant' Products for its Restaurants By Riley von Niessen | Published 2020-11-09 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcplant References: [businessinsider](https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-announces-plant-based-meat-mcplant-burger-chicken-substitute-2020-11?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) With more consumers preferring plant-based products, [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-mcplant) announced that it would be launching its own meat-free alternatives under its '[McPlant](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcplant-nuggets)' label to broaden the appeal of its burgers and chicken offerings. The McPlant menu items aren't expected to launch until next year, however the [QSR](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-meatless-mckroket) chain has stated that the meat-free alternatives will likely include plant-based burgers and chicken substitutes, among other products that swap meat for vegan and vegetarian-friendly ingredients. The McPlant products will be made for McDonald's restaurants only, and the company will test the products at select locations before widely releasing them. While the details surrounding the new menu additions are limited, McDonald's has stated that it will be debuting a "proven, delicious-tasting product." Image Credit: McDonald's ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 48% | 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) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [New Ventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/newventures) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Plant-based Fast Food:** McDonald's is developing meat-free alternatives under its 'McPlant' label to meet the growing demand for plant-based options in the fast food industry. - **Vegan and Vegetarian Alternatives:** McDonald's will be offering plant-based burgers and chicken substitutes, showcasing the rising trend of vegan and vegetarian options in the QSR market. - **Menu Innovation:** McDonald's is embracing menu innovation by introducing a range of meat-free alternatives to expand its offerings and cater to a wider consumer base. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Food:** The fast food industry is adopting plant-based alternatives to meet changing consumer preferences and capitalize on the growing demand for vegan and vegetarian options. - **QSR (quick-service Restaurants):** The QSR market is embracing the development of meat-free products to attract more customers and diversify their menu offerings. - **Food Technology:** The food technology industry has an opportunity to create and improve innovative plant-based solutions to meet the demands of large QSR chains like McDonald's. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Savory QSR Jackfruit Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-meatless-mckroket.md) - [Collaborative Plant-Based Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcplant-nuggets.md) - [Delicious QSR Veggie Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcveggie.md) - [Meatless QSR Menu Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meatfree-menu.md) - [Sweet Potato-Based Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcyam.md) - [Mycoprotein Plant-Based Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycoprotein-plantbased-burger.md) - [House-Made QSR Veggie Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aw-plantbased-burger.md) - [Plant-Based Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/impossible-original-chickn-sandwich.md) - [Vegan QSR Frozen Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-qsr-frozen-treats.md)