When Burger King launched the Impossible Whopper in 2019, many welcomed the new plant-based fast-food option. Others were hesitant, largely due to concerns about cross-contamination (the Impossible patty is cooked on a shared surface). Still, the burger proved popular, and more than six years later, it remains on the menu.
But perhaps some skeptics had a point. Burger King doesn’t just cook the plant-based patty alongside meat, it’s also willing to pair it with meat inside the bun. In 2022, the chain puzzled vegans, vegetarians, and plant-based meat fans when it introduced the Impossible Southwest Bacon Whopper—with real bacon.
Now, in 2026, it’s done it again.
Burger King
At the end of February, Burger King will add an Impossible Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper to the menu alongside the original meat version. The Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper is a fan creation and winner of Burger King’s Million Dollar Whopper contest. But customers aren’t thrilled that the Impossible version once again includes real bacon instead of a vegan alternative.
Online reaction has been swift. Fans are baffled that, while Impossible Foods has been developing its own plant-based bacon and numerous vegan bacon options already exist on the market, Burger King opted not to swap the pork product.
Below is just a snapshot of the backlash.
Burger King
The internet reacts to the new Impossible Whopper with bacon
“Vegan burger with bacon? Y’all saw what we did to Target. You’re up,” wrote one commenter on Instagram.
Another added: “Real bacon in a plant-based burger? Make it make sense.”
“Impossible Burger with bacon is wild,” wrote another. “Why not have Impossible bacon?”
“I thought I was tripping when I read this,” one person said, while another commented, “I’m glad I checked the comments, cause I sure would’ve ordered this thinking they made it entirely plant-based.”
One user declared, “Please tell me who thought of this, and then who approved it, and fire them both! Thanks!”
“Rage bait,” added another. “And I’m enraged because I got so excited until I saw the real bacon. BK you better fix this.”
“I promise no one has ever asked for this, imagine being this out of touch,” wrote one commenter.
“This is a huge missed opportunity to introduce Impossible bacon,” said another. “Huge swing and a miss. @burgerking, please address the backlash in the comment section.”
Has Burger King addressed the backlash?
At the time of writing, the Instagram post announcing the Impossible Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper appears to have been removed from Burger King’s main grid, though it remains accessible via direct link.
Burger King has not publicly addressed the backlash, although a spokesperson told VegNews, “With varying consumer preferences, including flexitarian diets, we designed this [limited time offer] to give guests who enjoy the Impossible patty another way to experience our Whopper flavor innovations. The Maple Bourbon BBQ build was crafted to deliver the bold, craveable taste our guests expect, including the option of bacon as part of that flavor profile.” They continued. “As always, we continue to evaluate our menu offerings based on guest feedback and evolving preferences.”
The spokesperson confirmed that the new Whopper can be personalized, and customers can ask for the menu item without bacon.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
