IHOP's Partnership with Impossible Foods
As of September 2023, IHOP officially rolled out its partnership with Impossible Foods, making both Impossible Sausage and Impossible Burger patties available at all of its U.S. locations. This collaboration was a response to growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives and marks a significant evolution for the classic American diner, which once offered very limited options for plant-based diners.
Plant-Based Sausage for Breakfast
For breakfast, IHOP now offers Impossible Sausage patties as an alternative to traditional pork sausage. These can be ordered a la carte or as a substitute in combo meals. It's crucial for vegan diners to specify modifications when ordering, as many breakfast combos and dishes include dairy or eggs. For example, a combo typically comes with pancakes (which contain eggs and dairy) and scrambled eggs. A truly vegan meal would require swapping these out for side items like hash browns (confirm no butter), fresh fruit, and multi-grain toast (confirm no butter).
The Impossible Burger for Lunch and Dinner
For lunch or dinner, IHOP has fully integrated the Impossible Burger patty into its Ultimate Steakburgers menu. Guests can now substitute any beef patty for an Impossible one for an upcharge. However, the same rule of customization applies. To create a vegan burger, you must order it without cheese and the signature IHOP sauce, and ensure the bun is vegan-friendly. IHOP's brioche bun is reportedly free of animal-derived ingredients, but it's always best to confirm with your server. Toppings like avocado, lettuce, tomato, mustard, and ketchup are typically vegan-friendly.
Customizing Your Vegan Meal at IHOP
While the addition of Impossible meat is a game-changer, building a complete and satisfying vegan meal at IHOP often requires creative ordering. Here is a list of common vegan-friendly items and how to customize your order:
- Impossible Sausage Patties: Order as a side, or substitute them in a breakfast combo. Specify no butter on toast or hash browns.
- Impossible Burger Patty: Swap the beef patty on any Ultimate Steakburger. Order with no cheese, no IHOP sauce, and confirm the bun is vegan.
- Avocado Toast: Order on multigrain bread and ensure no butter is used. Add a side of Impossible Sausage patties for extra protein.
- Hash Browns: Can be ordered as a side, but request no butter.
- Fresh Fruit: A simple and safe vegan side item.
- Oatmeal: Can be ordered with water instead of milk, and with no butter. Pair with a side of fruit and syrup.
- Classic Burrito or Bowl: Order with Impossible Sausage and request no eggs or cheese.
Comparison: Plant-Based vs. Traditional IHOP Options
| Feature | Plant-Based Meat (Impossible) | Traditional Meat (Beef/Pork) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | 100% plant-based ingredients | Animal products |
| Availability | All U.S. locations | All U.S. locations |
| Breakfast Options | Impossible Sausage patties | Pork Sausage, Bacon, Ham |
| Lunch/Dinner Options | Impossible Burger patty | Beef Steakburger |
| Nutritional Profile | Lower in cholesterol | Contains cholesterol |
| Allergens | Soy (Impossible contains soy) | Specific meat allergens, potential cross-contamination |
Potential for Cross-Contamination
While IHOP offers plant-based meat, it's important for strict vegans to be aware of the risk of cross-contamination. IHOP's own vegan and vegetarian guide mentions that shared cooking and prep areas, including common fryer oil, are used. This means that while the ingredients are plant-based, they may come into contact with animal products during preparation. If this is a concern, it's advisable to speak with the manager or server about preparation methods. For most people simply reducing their meat intake, this is less of a concern, but it's a critical detail for those with strict dietary restrictions.
The Future of Plant-Based Options at IHOP
The partnership with Impossible Foods is a clear indicator that IHOP is committed to expanding its menu to meet the demands of modern diners. The company has shown it's listening to consumer feedback, previously acknowledging requests for more inclusive options. The success of the Impossible products could pave the way for even more plant-based offerings in the future, such as vegan pancakes or other breakfast staples. For now, the Impossible sausage and burger provide a solid foundation for building a satisfying meal. For more information on Impossible Foods and their products, you can visit their official website.
Conclusion
In summary, IHOP now offers plant-based meat through a nationwide partnership with Impossible Foods. Diners can enjoy Impossible Sausage patties for breakfast and the Impossible Burger patty for lunch and dinner, customizing them to fit a vegan diet by omitting dairy and other animal products. While customization is key, and cross-contamination is a possibility, this represents a major step forward for the restaurant chain in catering to the growing market of plant-based eaters.
