The End of an Era: Why A&W Moved on from Beyond Meat
For years, A&W Canada partnered with Beyond Meat to offer a plant-based burger nationwide, a collaboration that began in 2018 and was initially very successful, leading to temporary supply shortages due to high demand. Additional Beyond Meat items were introduced, including breakfast sandwiches and a limited-time Jalapeño Lime burger. However, persistent supply issues with the Beyond Burger, coupled with Beyond Meat's market challenges, led to A&W's decision to change its approach.
Introduction of the New Proprietary Plant-Based Burger
In September 2025, A&W launched its own Plant-Based Burger, made from a blend of pea and soy protein, replacing the Beyond Meat patty. This move allows A&W greater control over consistency and supply. Developing an in-house product is a growing trend for chains aiming for better cost-efficiency and brand control.
A New Era of Plant-Based Options at A&W
Although the Beyond Burger is no longer available, A&W remains committed to plant-based options. The new proprietary burger is a permanent menu item, joining other vegetarian offerings.
A&W’s Plant-Based Menu Expansion Includes:
- The new proprietary Plant-Based Burger.
- The Masala Veggie Burger.
- The Crispy Veggie Burger.
- The Spicy Piri-Piri Potato Buddy Burger (vegan by default).
Beyond Burger vs. New A&W Plant-Based Burger: A Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the discontinued Beyond Meat Burger and the current A&W Plant-Based Burger:
| Feature | Beyond Meat Burger (Discontinued) | A&W Plant-Based Burger (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Patty Composition | Pea protein, brown rice, mung bean, etc. | Proprietary pea and soy protein blend |
| Flavor Profile | Known for meat-like flavor | A&W's own classic burger flavor |
| Availability | Discontinued Sept 2025 | Permanent menu item |
| Vegan Status (Standard) | Not vegan (egg mayo/bun) | Not vegan (mayonnaise), can be customized |
| Supply Chain | Experienced shortages | Controlled by A&W |
The Impact on Consumers and the Fast-Food Market
A&W's decision to replace the Beyond Burger with its own patty provides greater control over supply and costs, reflecting a shift in the plant-based market towards in-house development. While some customers may miss the Beyond Burger's taste, A&W's new offering and other vegetarian items provide alternatives. Other Canadian fast-food chains like Harvey's or Burger King may still offer different vegan options, with availability varying by location.
Conclusion
A&W Canada has replaced the Beyond Meat burger with its own proprietary plant-based patty as of September 2025. This change was prompted by Beyond Meat supply chain issues and A&W's desire for control over its plant-based recipe. This transition ends a significant partnership but expands A&W's own vegetarian menu options.
