McDonald's France Expands Plant-Based Menu with Beyond Meat Partnership for New Veggie McPlant Nuggets

Crafted fr om pea protein and coated in a wheat and cornflour breading, the new nuggets closely replicate the taste and texture of their meat counterparts, earning favorable reviews in consumer taste tests, as reported by Le Figaro. McDonald’s is confident in the product’s appeal and anticipates it will resonate well with French consumers.

While McDonald’s has previously offered limited-edition meat-free items in France, these options often contained dairy or eggs, making them unsuitable for vegans. The Veggie McPlant Nuggets, however, are fully plant-based and mark a permanent menu addition. This product follows the success of the McPlant Nuggets in Germany last year, which, despite some controversy around preparation methods, demonstrated strong consumer interest.

McDonald’s commitment to plant-based offerings extends throughout Europe, wh ere the McPlant burger is performing well. Additionally, McDonald’s Netherlands introduced four meatless menu items in 2023, some limited-edition, and the UK recently trialed vegan ice cream.

Compared to competitors like Burger King, which aims to make 50% of its menu plant-based, McDonald’s plant-based options remain relatively limited. However, McDonald’s continues to broaden its offerings to appeal to the growing number of consumers interested in reducing meat consumption.

“With Veggie McPlant Nuggets, we are responding to an increasingly strong desire of French consumers who want to vary their protein intake without compromising on pleasure,” stated Jean-Guillaume Bertola, Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s France, in an interview with BFM Business.

Image by McDonald's