McDonald's ranks near bottom for plant-based burger options
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A report released this month ranks Chicago-based McDonald's at the bottom of a list of burger chains offering plant-based items.
Why it matters: Fast food remains popular for its convenience and affordability. But as diners seek more plant-based options, McDonald's is not focusing on more veggie menu items.
The big picture: Plant-based diets tend to be healthier than diets centered on meat and they're more environmentally friendly.
Driving the news: A report out this month by animal welfare advocates Mercy for Animals, called "Patty Battles: How the Biggest U.S. Burger Chains Stack Up," places McDonald's in the lowest tier of chains with veggie-friendly food.
Zoom in: The two chains that scored the highest are Bareburger and BurgerFi. The closest Chicago BurgerFi is in Glenview, while Eater reported Bareburger closed in 2018.
- Some of the chains that ranked in the second highest level do have Chicago-area locations, including Burger King, White Castle, Fatburger and Red Robin.
- McDonald's and 12 others rank in the bottom tier, with nine points or less on the group's scale. Wendy's and DQ also fall into this category.
The other side: Axios reached out to McDonald's for comment, but didn't get a response.
The fine print: Mercy for Animals awarded points to chains based on the number of plant-based burgers, sides and desserts they served.
- The report also considered menu presentation and price.
Yes, but: Veggie options sometimes appear on the menu at the "international McDonald's" in the West Loop, such as the popular McAloo Tikki Burger from India.
- Many countries outside the U.S. eat more plant-based products, and grocery store chains in Europe push more veggie options.
Flashback: McDonald's USA president Joe Erlinger told the Wall Street Journal in 2024 that tests of the McPlant burger in San Francisco and Dallas were not successful.
- "It's a trend we'll continue to monitor," Erlinger said at the time, adding that chicken was the bigger trend and where the chain would be investing.
What we're watching: Whether McDonald's changes course and considers more plant-based options in the future.