The American Saga: The Impossible Whopper
In 2019, Burger King partnered with Impossible Foods to launch the Impossible Whopper across the United States. The Impossible Whopper features a soy-protein-based patty, intended to taste like the original Whopper.
For strict vegans, the standard US Impossible Whopper presented two main issues: it included dairy-based mayonnaise, which requires removal, and the patties were cooked on the same broiler as the beef patties, raising cross-contamination concerns. Burger King disclosed this practice upfront.
A class-action lawsuit filed over the cross-contamination issue in 2019 was later dismissed. Despite this, the Impossible Whopper has remained popular, particularly among flexitarians. While rumors of its removal circulated in 2024, Burger King clarified these were temporary, localized tests, confirming the item's continued availability in most US locations. For a truly vegan meal, customers must request 'no mayo' and separate cooking.
The International Puzzle: The Rebel Whopper and Vegan Royale
Internationally, Burger King's approach has varied. In the UK and parts of Europe, the Rebel Whopper launched with a patty from The Vegetarian Butcher. Similar to the US, it was cooked on shared grills, making it unsuitable for vegans. Burger King UK faced an advertising ban for implying the Rebel Whopper was vegan-friendly.
Responding to this, Burger King UK later introduced the certified Vegan Royale, a chicken-style sandwich prepared separately with vegan mayonnaise, offering a genuine vegan option.
Key Factors Behind the Changes
Several factors explain the differences in Burger King's plant-based Whopper offerings globally:
- Regional Suppliers: Different markets partnered with different companies for plant-based patties.
- Cross-Contamination: Cooking plant-based patties on shared equipment was a significant issue for vegan customers.
- Target Audience: Some products were marketed towards flexitarians rather than strict vegans.
- Market Demand: Local demand and operational considerations influence menu availability.
A Tale of Two Burgers: Rebel vs. Impossible
| Feature | US Impossible Whopper | UK Rebel Whopper | UK Vegan Royale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patty Manufacturer | Impossible Foods | The Vegetarian Butcher | The Vegetarian Butcher |
| Patty Type | Soy-based, beef-like | Soy-based, beef-like | Soy-based, chicken-style |
| Cooked Separately? | No (unless requested) | No (cooked on same grill) | Yes (certified separate) |
| Vegan Status | Not vegan by default (contains mayo, cross-contamination) | Not vegan (contains mayo, cross-contamination) | Certified Vegan |
| Availability | Still widely available with modifications | Replaced by Vegan Royale | Widely available |
The Current Burger King Plant-Based Menu
Burger King continues to offer plant-based options, though availability and vegan certification differ by region. In the US, the Impossible Whopper remains the primary meat-free burger, and fries are generally vegan. Other items like hash browns or French toast sticks may be vegan depending on the location.
The UK offers the certified Vegan Royale and certified vegan fries. They also have other vegan-certified items like Vegan Nuggets. Burger King has even tested plant-based pop-ups in the UK. Customers should check the official website or ask staff for the most current information. Veganuary.com provides a detailed guide for US options.
Conclusion: What’s Next for the Vegan Whopper?
Burger King's plant-based journey is marked by regional differences and learning curves regarding vegan certification and preparation. While the US Impossible Whopper requires specific customization to be vegan, the UK market has introduced the certified Vegan Royale. The evolution of these offerings reflects both changing consumer demand and operational adjustments, indicating that plant-based options will likely continue to be a part of Burger King's menu.
