At the end of 2025, White Castle revealed the disappointing news that its Impossible Sliders, which launched in 2018, were being removed from the menu. “We’re so sorry about the disappointment, but our Impossible Sliders are being discontinued,” the burger chain confirmed on X. “We will have a new veggie slider coming soon, and we hope you’ll give it a try!”
It turns out White Castle wasn’t making an empty promise. Its new Southwest Veggie Slider has finally arrived, and it’s easy to make vegan.
A White Castle spokesperson confirmed to VegNews that the Dr. Praeger’s patty is plant-based. Made with a blend of vegetables including sweet potatoes, corn, black beans, peppers, onions, and carrots, the patty is encased in a crunchy brown rice crust seasoned with chipotle and barbecue flavors.
The bun is also plant-based, and while the slider comes topped with jalapeño cheese, it can easily be ordered without it. The spokesperson also confirmed that, as is common at many fast-food chains, the slider is prepared in the same cooking and preparation areas as meat and fish products.
White Castle has replaced its old Impossible Slider with a new veggie-focused option. | White Castle
Why did White Castle swap out its meatless burger?
White Castle hasn’t said exactly why it chose to replace its Impossible Slider with a more vegetable-focused option, but the move aligns with shifting consumer attitudes toward plant-based food in the US.
While sales of plant-based meat are declining, demand for whole-food plant-based options continues to grow. Take beans, for example: the US bean market is projected to surpass $1 billion by 2027, according to Renub Research.
White Castle says the new Southwest Veggie Slider was developed in response to customer demand. After conducting consumer research in summer 2025, the chain found that the slider’s combination of flavors and textures resonated strongly with customers.
“Our Cravers have been pretty vocal about wanting an alternative to traditional meat Sliders that doesn’t compromise on flavor,” Jamie Richardson, White Castle’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement. “That prompted our menu innovation team to prioritize finding a craveable alternative, and we believe the Southwest Veggie Slider delivers on that in a big way.”
While fast-food chains appear more cautious about introducing plant-based menu items these days, new launches are still happening. In the UK, for example, Subway recently introduced its BBQ Pulled Plant Sub for the summer. And dedicated vegan fast-food brands continue to expand.
Mr. Charlie’s
In May, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker announced he was joining vegan fast-food chain Mr. Charlie’s—often described as a vegan take on McDonald’s—as an equity partner and brand ambassador as the brand grows across the US.
“Mr. Charlie’s isn’t just another food concept—it’s a movement,” said Barker. “What they’re building across food, culture, and community resonates with me. I’m excited to help take it to the next level.”
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
