Burger King outpaces McDonald's, KFC to become first UK fast-food chain to offer vegan ‘chicken’ nuggets

Burger King became the first fast-food chain in the UK to launch vegan nuggets, preceding McDonald’s, which only sold vegan nuggets in Norway, and KFC, which only released a plant-based version of its chicken burger.

Until Burger King’s launch, Vegan nuggets had yet to materialize in the UK despite manufacturers such as Quorn long offering chicken substitutes made from textured fungus.

Burger King said its vegan nuggets, designed to taste and look exactly like their meat originals, are made from soy and other “plant proteins” but did not provide a full list of ingredients.

Just like their traditional counterparts, Burger King’s vegan nuggets are covered in crunchy batter.

McDonald’s version is made from potatoes, chickpeas, and corn.

According to Burger King’s Soco Nunez, it took years for them to develop plant-based nuggets and said it was “great” that they’re the first major chain to release a version.

Burger King’s vegan nuggets were made in collaboration with the Vegetarian Butcher.

Fast-food chains have been trialing plant-based burgers, with many launching during Veganuary, when thousands of Britons decide to shun meat for various reasons.

McDonald’s followed KFC and Burger King with its McPlant burger last year, using the increasingly popular brand Beyond Meat for its patties.

Toni Vernelli, head of marketing for Veganuary, said they are “thrilled” to see Burger King’s latest product, which provides an easy way to cut carbon footprint by simply swapping chicken nuggets for Vegan Nuggets.

The nuggets are also certified by the Vegan Society and follow the chain’s plant-based Whopper and Royale burgers.