Wimpy has announced that it is now serving vegan Beyond Burgers in the UK at select locations.
The new menu item features a Beyond Burger patty served on a vegan brioche bun with shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion, and egg-free mayonnaise. It is cooked on a separate grill with dedicated pans and cooking tongs to avoid cross-contamination, a Wimpy representative told LIVEKINDLY.
The new patty is available for a limited time at 85 percent of Wimpy locations. It will be available through January 2021. If the trial proves popular, Wimpy could add the new burger to the permanent menu next year.
The Beyond Burger appeals to the rising popularity of meat-free food across the UK. However, Wimpy’s first plant-based option dates back to the 1980s.
In 1986, the chain launched the Spicy Bean Burger—featuring a patty made from cannellini, red kidney, black turtle, haricot, and pinto beans—in response to customer demand.
It also serves a vegetarian Spicy Southern Fried Quorn sandwich (which contains egg whites and milk protein). Animal product-free sides include Onion Rings, Chips, Sweet Potato Chips, Hash Browns, and Heinz Baked Beans.
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Where to Get the Beyond Burger in the UK
California-based food technology brand Beyond Meat developed the Beyond Burger. The juicy meat-like pea-based patties contain 20 grams of plant protein.
Beyond Meat launched Beyond Burgers stateside in 2016. They launched in Tesco, the largest supermarket chain in the UK, in November 2018. In July, the Beyond Burger launched at budget supermarket chain Lidl, priced at £3.99 for two patties. And as of October, the burger is available at 372 Sainsbury’s locations and 41 Gourmet Burger Kitchen restaurants.
Announced last May, Beyond Meat’s first European production facility is expected to open by the end of the year. Not only will the factory allow the company to reduce its carbon footprint from overseas shipping, but it will also increase the speed at which Beyond Meat can launch at new locations across the EU and UK.
The company has also secured partnerships with Ocado, Holland & Barrett, and JD Wetherspoons, Reuters reported.
“The UK continues to be a crucial part of Beyond Meat’s long-term growth strategy in Europe,” Chief Growth Officer Chuck Muth said.
