BURGER KING’S PLANT-BASED burger, which is available in Ireland, is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. 

The global burger chain’s Rebel Whopper, which is made from soy, launched in Ireland late last year and is available in the UK from today. 

However, vegetarians or vegans who might want to try the burger will be set for disappointment because the burger isn’t vegan or vegetarian because of the way it’s been cooked. 

The small print of the promotional material released in Ireland states: “The Rebel Whopper is meat-free and flame-grilled on our broiler to retain the same flame-grilled taste as our meat burgers. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.”

The burger is cooked on the same grill as the restaurant’s beefburgers, meaning vegetarians and vegans are unable to eat it. 

The burger is being aimed at “flexitarians” – people who eat meat but are cutting down on the animal-based food they eat.

“This sandwich is about providing choice for our guests. It’s not intentionally geared towards one segment over another – it’s an option for all,” a spokesperson for Burger King told TheJournal.ie. 

“We looked at consumer trends and also at guest feedback, and we knew that our guests wanted a plant-based option,” the spokesperson added.  

Launching the UK burger, Burger King’s marketing director Katie Evans said: “This really is a game changer – we wanted our first plant-based Whopper to replicate the indulgence and flame-grilled taste of the real thing as closely as possible, and we’re thrilled with the result.”

“We’re delighted to satisfy the demand for this highly-anticipated product and finally bring the Rebel to the UK,” she said. 

Related Reads

UK employment tribunal rules that ethical veganism is a belief protected by law

Vegetarian restaurant Govindas on Dublin's Aungier Street closes its doors after 22 years

Toni Vernelli, international head of communications and marketing at Veganuary, said: “For all of the important issues that Veganuary – and most vegans – are trying to address through their food choices it makes absolutely no difference whether the plant-based patty is cooked separately or on the same grill as the meat.”

“What does make a big difference to animals and the planet is when non-vegans choose a plant-based menu option, enjoy it and then order it again.”

The soy patty, made with the Vegetarian Butcher company, is served with tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, ketchup and pickles on a seeded bun.

Burger King has been contacted for comment. 

With reporting from Press Association