Chick-fil-A will jump into the growing market of vegan fast food with the addition of vegan options to their menu.
Speaking with Business Insider Tuesday (May 14), Senior Director of Menu Development Amanda Norris has looked into the idea of more meat-free options for several years. The only meat-free options on the current menu are their fruit cups and signature waffle fries.
“We’re definitely aware, and I would say we’re always interested in, what’s happening in food,” Norris said. “Specifically … a vegetarian option or a vegan option is something we’re looking at, we’re thinking about, and have (done) some (research and development).”
Norris added it normally takes about 18 to 24 months for a new item to appear on the menu so the idea of a vegan Chick-fil-A sandwich won’t be available just yet. “I think it’s good. People like a lot of different choices,” Chick-fil-A customer Carl Smith told Atlanta’s WSB-TV, where the food chain was first created. “As long as they keep their standard favorites, I think having more choices is good, too.”
Chick-fil-A is just one fast food giant who is jumping on the vegan wave. KFC recently announced plans to sell vegan chicken sandwiches while Burger King, Carl’s Jr., Del Taco and Taco Bell have vegan options.
But it’s hard not to credit the popularity of Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat for giving customers healthier options. It’s also secured a few bags. CNBC reports demand for meat substitutes made a cool $1.44 billion in 2018 with Euromonitor International predicting the number will reach $2.5 billion by 2023.
Impossible Foods also announced Monday (May 13) their funding has reached $300 million. The company partnered with the likes of restaurant chains like Counter Burger and White Castle. Even Ghostface Killah has shared an appreciation for the Impossible burger.
“It’s dope. The first time I tried it was in Brooklyn. You could have sworn you were eating regular meat,” he told VIBE in 2018. “I had to really ask them and they said, “Yes, it’s really a plant-based food.” It’s the best plant-based vegan food that I’ve ever tasted, ever.”
