Fast-Food Chain Smashburger Debuts Meat-Free Menu

United States-based chain Smashburger—with more than 370 locations in nine countries—recently debuted a 100 percent meat-free “Alternative Menu” to its United Kingdom locations. The new menu includes the “Alternative Burger” created by food brand The Not Beef Burger Co.—a vegan patty made of mushrooms, beetroot, kidney beans, chickpeas, golden beet, bulgur wheat, and soybeans—which is available in 10 pre-set styles, as well as a butternut and chickpea veggie burger patty, available in eight styles. All items from the Alternative Menu can be made vegan upon request by substituting vegan cheese and mayonnaise. Alternatively, customers have the option to create their own burgers, choosing from either of the two aforementioned patties, or a portabello mushroom cap—along with choice of bun, sauces, toppings, cheese, and premium add-ons, such as avocado and guacamole. Additionally, the menu includes a “Triple Double Line Up”—three pre-set double burgers that can be made vegan—three vegan milkshakes, and sides. Smashburger joins a growing list of non-vegan chains which have recently added plant-based items to meet the demand for vegan options, including A&W Canada, Sweden’s Max Burgers, and TGI Fridays.