The Official Partnership with Impossible Foods
In a significant move to expand its plant-based offerings, the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) formally partnered with Impossible Foods in September 2023 to offer Impossible™ Sausage patties on its menu nationwide. This collaboration marked a key moment for both brands, with Impossible Foods gaining a massive new platform in the family dining segment and IHOP catering to a growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives. The Impossible Sausage patties are made from plants, specifically soy protein, sunflower oil, and other ingredients, to replicate the flavor and texture of traditional pork sausage.
This is not the first time IHOP has dipped its toes into plant-based meat options. In 2022, a smaller-scale pilot program at a Flip'd by IHOP location in New York City featured a vegan sausage patty from the brand Sweet Earth. However, this test item was not rolled out nationally, making the Impossible Sausage the first and current nationwide offering.
How to Order the Plant-Based Sausage at IHOP
The Impossible Sausage is a versatile addition to IHOP’s all-day menu. Diners can order the plant-based patties as a side item or as a substitute for traditional meat in other dishes. However, customers following a strict vegan diet must be diligent when ordering, as the plant-based sausage is often paired with eggs, dairy cheese, or other non-vegan ingredients. Additionally, IHOP's official vegan guide states that due to shared cooking areas and common fryer oil, cross-contamination is possible and cannot be guaranteed to be avoided.
Here are some popular ways to order a plant-based meal with Impossible Sausage:
- Impossible™ Sausage Power Combo: This can be ordered by requesting a side of Impossible Sausage patties with hash browns and other vegan-friendly sides.
- Avocado Toast: Order the Classic Avocado Toast on multigrain bread without butter. Add a side of Impossible Sausage patties for a more protein-rich meal.
- Breakfast Burrito/Bowl: For a customizable breakfast, order a burrito or bowl and substitute the meat with Impossible Sausage patties. Be sure to request no eggs, no cheese, and no queso sauce. Ask for extra veggies like peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
- Build Your Own Omelette: If you are vegetarian but not vegan, you can build your own omelette with the Impossible Sausage and your choice of veggies and vegetarian cheeses.
Potential Vegan Add-ons and Sides
To complement your plant-based sausage, IHOP offers several other options that can be made vegan with the right modifications.
- Crispy Breakfast Potatoes: A great side option, but be sure to ask for them to be cooked without butter or animal fat.
- Fresh Fruit: The simple and healthy side of a mixed fruit cup is a safe vegan choice.
- Hash Browns: Always confirm they are cooked without butter or other animal products.
- Oatmeal: Request it to be made with water and choose from vegan toppings like fruit and syrups.
- Sourdough or Multigrain Toast: These are typically vegan, but always ask for no butter.
IHOP vs. Competitors: A Plant-Based Comparison
| Feature | IHOP (Impossible Sausage) | Denny's (Dr. Praeger's) | Beyond Meat (Retail) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sausage Brand | Impossible Foods | Dr. Praeger's | Beyond Meat |
| Form | Patties | Patties | Links or Patties |
| National Availability | Yes, starting Sept 2023 | Varies, previously had Beyond Burger | Wide, grocery stores, other restaurants |
| Vegan Status | Plant-based, requires careful ordering for vegan | Plant-based, requires careful ordering for vegan | Varies by item; some are fully vegan |
| Cross-Contamination | Possible due to shared equipment | Possible due to shared equipment | Not a factor in home cooking |
| Primary Offerings | Breakfast/combo meals, customizable | Primarily burgers, other items vary | Home cooking, various recipes |
What This Means for Plant-Based Diners
IHOP's embrace of Impossible Foods is part of a larger industry trend where restaurants are expanding their menus to include more plant-based and vegan-friendly items. The partnership ensures that customers looking for a meat-free sausage option can consistently find one at IHOP locations nationwide. For vegetarians, the Impossible Sausage can be enjoyed without concern. For vegans, it offers a solid base for a customized meal, provided they are aware of the need to specify vegan preparation instructions.
The widespread availability of a high-profile brand like Impossible Foods at IHOP is a significant step towards normalizing plant-based meat and making it more accessible to a broader audience. It allows flexitarians, or those who are simply curious, to try a plant-based alternative at a familiar and popular chain. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, it's likely that IHOP and other family restaurants will further expand their vegan and plant-based selections, potentially adding more dedicated menu items in the future. Learn more about Impossible Foods' full range of products.
Conclusion
To answer the question directly, the brand of plant-based sausage IHOP uses nationally is Impossible Foods. This partnership, initiated in September 2023, brought Impossible™ Sausage patties to nearly 1,700 locations across the United States. While the patties are a delicious plant-based addition, vegan diners should remain mindful of potential cross-contamination and ensure they explicitly request modifications to avoid non-vegan ingredients. The collaboration with Impossible Foods signals a positive direction for IHOP in catering to modern dietary preferences, offering a versatile meat alternative for breakfast combos, avocado toast, and other customizable dishes. For any diner seeking a plant-based sausage option, IHOP now provides a widely accessible and well-known brand.
