# Meatless Bean Sliders The Newest White Castle Slider Has a Black Bean Patty from Dr. Praeger’s By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-05-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-castle-slider References: [foodbusinessnews.net](http://www.foodbusinessnews.net/Resources/Slideshow/2017/05/New-on-the-menu/White-Castle.aspx?TipID=7) & [whitecastle](https://www.whitecastle.com/promotions/black-bean-slider) As an alternative to serving The Original Slider with a 100% beef patty, [White Castle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-castle-1921) is now introducing an all-new [plant-based White Castle slider](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-castle-slider-stuffing-recipes). The Black Bean Slider is being promoted as a "meat-less, flavor-full" option that is made with black bean patties from Dr. Praeger’s. Other than black beans as a main ingredient, these nourishing vegetarian-friendly patties are also stuffed with corn and red peppers. Although the new White Castle slider will appeal to those who follow a plant-based diet, the chain notes that its new bite-sized burger is "everyone-approved." With the rise of flexitarianism, or semi-vegetarianism, and plant-based diets in general, many fast food brands, restaurants and QSR eateries are reinventing classic menu items with a focus on creating plant-based options as healthier alternatives that anyone can enjoy. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 8% - 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Plant-based Fast Food:** There is a disruptive innovation opportunity in introducing more plant-based options in fast food chains. - **Flexitarianism:** Creating more semi-vegetarian options can take advantage of the rise of flexitarianism. - **Nourishing Vegetarian Food:** There is a market for vegetarian food that is not only delicious but also nourishing. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Food:** Fast food chains can benefit from introducing more plant-based options in their menus. - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the growing interest in plant-based diets. - **Vegetarian Foods:** There is an opportunity to create vegetarian foods that are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Artisan-Quality QSR Sliders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-castle-1921.md) - [Celebratory Plant-Based Burger Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1-impossible-slider.md) - [Vegetarian-Friendly Convenience Store Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7eleven-black-bean-burger.md) - [Old-Fashioned Slider Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-castle-1921-slider.md) - [Cheese-Filled Snack Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/double-cheese-sliders.md) - [At-Home Bacon Cheese Sliders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheddar-bacon-cheese-slider.md) - [Black Bean Burger Patties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/actual-veggies-black-bean-patty.md) - [Signature Spicy Sliders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1921-slider.md) - [Asian-Themed Burger Debuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-castle-2.md)