Vegan Food Launches for January 2020
Our 2020 vision is vegan! If 2019 was the year of the vegan, these new launches point to the ’20s as the decade of the vegan.
Last year gave us KFC’s Imposter burger trial, Papa John’s vegan meat and cheese pizzas, Greggs’ vegan sausage roll, and so much more – it’s safe to say the bar has been set pretty high for 2020. But we’re happy to report the vegan revolution marches on: the industry-wide vegan food boom means more and more cafés, fast-food joints, and chain restaurants want a slice of the plant-based pie, and so do we.
Here are some of the most exciting launches to mark the new year:
Costa
Meet Costa’s Vegan Smoky Ham & CheeZe Toastie, offering an accessible, more animal- and eco-friendly way to enjoy familiar flavours – and a special PETA Vegan Food Award winner.
PETA worked with Costa on this iconic vegan meat toastie, the first ever from a high-street chain, setting the bar high for 2020 vegan food launches.
Also new to the popular coffeehouse chain is a delectable strawberry croissant that’s bound to brighten up even the dullest winter mornings (or afternoons or evenings – we won’t judge you).
KFC
You may not have been lucky enough to nab one of KFC’s vegan Imposter burgers during the trial last summer, but it’s back. This is no imposter – it’s the real (vegan) deal: introducing the KFC Vegan Burger. This time, it’s here to stay. The burger boasts a bespoke Quorn fillet coated with the famous Original Recipe herbs and spices and topped with fresh iceberg lettuce and creamy vegan mayo, all in a soft, glazed bun. Yum, yum, YUM!
Frankie & Benny’s
Frankie & Benny’sDelighting us with eight new vegan dishes, taking the total number of vegan options to 30, Frankie & Benny’s has something for everyone. With a vegan menu including mushroom ravioli, calzone, hot dogs, pizza, pasta, burgers, and more, you’ll need a few visits to try it all. But leave room for dessert, as choices include the dreamy Chocomisu and a chocolate and raspberry lava cake.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s finally offers a Happy Meal worthy of its name: the new vegan option. Veggie dippers made with red pepper, rice, sun-dried tomato pesto, and split peas are coated in crispy breadcrumbs and served with fries and a drink. No one needs to miss out, as the meal is available in child and adult portion sizes.
Want to see the McVegan burger added to the chain’s menu in the UK? Add your name to the petition.
Greggs
GreggsFrom the people who brought you the beloved vegan sausage roll comes another game-changer: Greggs’ Vegan Steak Fake. This meaty, delicious vegan pastry is the perfect animal-friendly takeaway treat to warm bellies and hearts alike. Rumour has it that a vegan doughnut is rolling out soon. Oh, Greggs, you had us at vegan sausage roll …
Café Rouge
French bistro chain Café Rouge has launched a delectable vegan afternoon tea including all the classics – sandwiches, scones, and a variety of delicate cakes. After you’ve digested your afternoon treat, pop back in for dinner to try dishes like vegan burgers, tagine, and risotto.
Caffè Nero
Winner of a 2019 PETA Vegan Food Award for its sun-dried tomato and pesto tostati, Caffè Nero has once again proved it’s listening to what people want. New for January are vegan raspberry croissants, sausage rolls, and salted caramel and chocolate cheesecake. But the best of all is its new vegan meatball panini with cheese – wow!
Pizza Hut Restaurants
Pizza Hut’s Pepperphoni Pizza delivers real flavour, featuring pea-protein vegan pepperoni and Violife cheese. It’s just for January, but let the chain know you like it, and it may find a home on the permanent menu. Keep the celebrations going by finishing off with Pizza Hut’s vegan caramel and biscuit cheesecake.
Subway
Following a recommendation from PETA, Subway has launched its vegan Meatless Meatball Marinara sub across the UK. The sandwich features four vegan meatballs covered with the chain’s popular marinara sauce and topped with a generous helping of tasty vegan cheese – yes, please.
Burger King
A meat-free option that can be made vegan if you ask for it without the mayo, the Rebel Whopper® features a delicious plant-based patty from The Vegetarian Butcher. But no one likes a dry burger, so reach for the ketchup and ask BK to offer vegan mayo. Concerned about cross-contact on the grill? Have a look at our tips for being a pragmatic vegan here.
Take Our 30-Day Vegan Pledge
If all these exciting new options have got you thinking about going vegan, take our 30-day vegan pledge. We’ll send you meal plans, recipes, and tips on having a balanced diet, choosing vegan clothes and cruelty-free cosmetics, and showing compassion for animals in other areas of your life.