QDOBA Tests Vegan-Friendly Impossible Tacos and Bowls in Michigan

Today, restaurant chain QDOBA Mexican Eats added a plant-based meat option made by Impossible Foods to the menu of select locations in Michigan, including those in the Detroit Metro area, Lansing, Flint, and Traverse City. Guests at these locations can order the plant-based protein (Impossible meat seasoned by QDOBA with a blend of tomatoes, garlic, smoked chiles and paprika, then mixed with diced red onions) as an addition to any customizable meal. The Impossible protein option is also available as part of two prepared menu items: QDOBA Impossible Bowl served with cilantro-lime white rice, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and ordered vegan without cheese; and QDOBA Impossible Taco which features a corn tortilla, salsa verde, red onions, and cilantro, and is vegan as-is. “Launching this test is an exciting milestone for QDOBA as we experiment with options for our customers’ evolving dietary preferences, especially for those looking for a meatless option,” Jill Adams, Senior Vice President of Marketing for QDOBA, said. “Our culinary team used Impossible as a starting point and added their own flavorful twist to create a product that guests can only get at QDOBA.” While the plant-based meat option is not yet available at all 750+ QDOBA locations, David Lee, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Impossible Foods, believes the test market will prove successful. “With 60 percent of United States consumers trying to cut back on meat-based products, we know QDOBA’s unique take on our popular plant-based protein will be a huge success in the Michigan market.” Earlier this year, Impossible Foods unveiled the newest iteration of its flagship Impossible Burger, reformulated to be more versatile in recipes that call for ground beef such as lasagne, dumplings, and, in QDOBA’s case, tacos. Mexican-inspired fast-food chains are quickly moving in the vegan direction. Last year, Del Taco added vegan Beyond Meat crumbles to many of its Southern California locations and Taco Bell will soon announce a dedicated vegetarian menu with new vegan options.