McDonald's and Beyond Meat have partnered to launch a plant-based burger in the UK.

The fast food chain says the McPlant has been three years in the making, with the burger being created using Beyond Meat's meatless patty, as well as its innovative vegan cheese based on pea protein, which is said to taste just like McDonald's cheese slices. The burger comes complete with a new vegan sauce.  

The McPlant features: a vegan sesame bun, mustard, ketchup, vegan burger sauce, fresh onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato and vegan cheese. The plant-based offering is also cooked separately from the company's other burgers, with dedicated tools and equipment. 

Michelle Graham-Clare, chief marketing officer, McDonald’s UK and Ireland said: “We’re so pleased to be finally launching McPlant in the UK and Ireland. As with every McDonald’s offering, we take our time to ensure it meets the highest standards and is something that all our customers will enjoy."

She added: "We are always looking for different ways to innovate and meet our customers’ needs, and with McPlant we have a delicious plant-based burger that will appeal to everyone. Whether you’re vegan or just fancy a plant-based patty, we’re confident you will enjoy the McPlant.”

Earlier this year, Beyond Meat signed new global strategic agreements with McDonald’s and Yum! Brands to add its McPlant to the fast-food chains. In 2019, McDonald’s partnered with Beyond Meat to trial a new plant-based burger called the P.L.T in Canada.

The McPlant burger will be trialled in 10 restaurants in Coventry, before rolling out to a further 250+ restaurants from 13 October, with an aim to become available nationwide by 2022.