The new burger is the first time Burger King has made a plant-based version of its popular Crispy Chicken
Burger King just launched its long-awaited crispy plant-based chicken burger, but there’s a catch: the menu item is exclusively available in Austria.
The Plant-Based Crispy Chicken Burger is the first fully plant-based version of the fast food chain’s popular Crispy Chicken product.
According to Burger King Austria, the Plant-based Crispy Chicken features a soy and wheat-based recipe, and the crispy coating contains small pieces of pumpkin seed to help identify the meat-free version by appearance alone. As with other plant-based Burger King menu items, the Crispy Chicken patty is made by the Vegetarian Butcher.
European customers have been waiting for a Burger King Plant-Based Crispy Chicken Burger for years Burger King Austria / Instagram
The plant-based chicken is available as a burger, a double, and a wrap. Each combines the crispy chicken with iceberg lettuce, tomato, and “creamy mayo” in a sesame bun. In a comment on Instagram, Burger King confirmed that the product and all of its ingredients are vegan, including the mayo, but that “due to possible cross-contamination the burger can’t be labelled as such.”
On Reddit, rumours about a plant-based version of the Burger King Crispy Chicken burger have popped up now and again for more than two years.
The Plant-Based Crispy Chicken burger is available now at Burger King Austria locations nationwide.
Burger King launched the Plant-Based Crispy Chicken Burger at the start of September - Media Credit: Plant Based News
Georg Eder, the managing director of Burger King Austria, said, “Our guests want a diverse selection and increasingly also plant-based alternatives to products that they already know and like.” He added, “With the Plant-based Crispy Chicken, we are therefore putting another popular classic in a plant-based variant on the menu and are consistently developing our plant-based range.”
As autumnal comfort food season kicks in, PETA has named its Top 10 Vegan Pasties in the UK – and a traditional pasty shop from Wales has come in for high praise from the judges.
Pembrokeshire’sLosh’s Pastiesbased in the centre of St David’s nabbed a spot for its scrumptious Vegan Thai Red Pasty, featuring a delicious red Thai curry filled with chickpeas and an array of vegetables encased in a traditional, hand-crimped vegetable pastry and finished with a vegan glaze.
“This vegan pasty proves that you don’t need to harm animals to enjoy a hearty, satisfying lunch,” says PETA Vice President of Vegan Projects Dawn Carr. “When the vegan option delivers all the flavour people want, why choose cruelty?”
Losh’s Pasties. Image: Facebook
PETA’s other picks for the best plant-based pasties come from The Phat Pasty Co. and Philps Bakery in Cornwall, Pasties & Puddings in Bakewell, Cornish Bakery and West Cornwall Pasty Co., with locations nationwide. Rounding out the list are picks from Losh’s Pasties in Pembrokeshire, Mor Bakehouse with locations across Edinburgh and Glasgow, The Cornish Pasty Box in Stourbridge, and Pirate Pasties in Wickham, Locks Heath, and Hamble.
The Vegan Thai Red Pasty. Credit: Losh’s Pasties
PETA write: “Cows develop friendships over time, chickens enjoy taking dust baths and roosting in trees, and pigs show empathy for other pigs who are happy or distressed – but in today’s meat, egg, and dairy industries, the animals are raised in filthy, crowded conditions, trucked to abattoirs through all weather extremes, and violently killed.
“In addition to sparing nearly 200 animals every year, each person who goes vegan bolsters their own health, as vegans are less likely to develop cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. PETA’sfree vegan starter kitcan help anyone looking to make the switch.”
They add: “Every vegan pasty represents a simple way to spare animals from suffering. By choosing fillings made from vegetables, legumes, and plant-based alternatives instead of meat or dairy, consumers can enjoy all the comfort and convenience of a traditional bakery favourite without supporting industries that exploit animals.
“From classic vegetable recipes to inventive bhaji-inspired creations, these bakeries are proving that compassionate eating never means compromising on flavour. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or simply curious about trying something new, there’s never been a better time to tuck into a delicious animal-friendly pasty.”
PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat” – points out that when it comes to the ability to feel pain, hunger, and thirst, a cow is a dog is a boy.For more information, visit PETA.org.uk or follow PETA on Facebook, X,TikTok, or Instagram.
Austrian food-tech company Revo Foods has launched a new high-protein vegan alternative to cottage cheese, and it’s made from a rather unexpected ingredient
COTTAGE PROTEIN+ is made using fermented apricot kernels and contains more than 17g of protein per 150g pot, alongside just four ingredients.
The new vegan cottage cheese alternative launches this September in EDEKA and REWE supermarkets across Germany, with UK shoppers also set to be able to get their hands on it through Vegan Wholesaler.
Rather than relying on coconut oil, starches and thickeners to recreate the texture of dairy cottage cheese, Revo Foods has taken a different approach.
COTTAGE PROTEIN+ is made with 40% soft apricot kernels, alongside water, salt and vegan fermentation cultures.
Live cultures ferment the apricot kernels, naturally developing the slightly acidic flavour and distinctive grainy texture associated with traditional cottage cheese.
According to Revo Foods, the process results in a protein content of 11.5%, delivering 17.2g of protein in each 150g pot. The product contains no added fats, with its fat coming naturally from the oil found within apricot kernels, which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids.
And despite its unusual base ingredient, the company claims its vegan version performs well against the dairy original. In a blind taste test conducted by Revo Foods, 60% of participants reportedly preferred its apricot kernel version to dairy cottage cheese for flavour and taste.
“We stand for healthy proteins,” said David Petuzzi, CEO of Revo Foods. “That is the thread running from our fungi protein through to COTTAGE PROTEIN+: We use fermentation as a tool to turn natural raw materials into foods that deliver real nutrition and taste great.”
Turning a food by-product into a high-protein ingredient
The use of apricot kernels isn’t just about nutrition. Revo Foods says it also offers an opportunity to make use of a food industry by-product that might otherwise go to waste.
Large quantities of kernels are left behind when apricots are processed to make products such as jam, juice and dried fruit, and many are currently discarded or incinerated.
By turning this existing side stream into the primary ingredient in COTTAGE PROTEIN+, Revo Foods says it can create a new protein source without requiring additional farmland to grow the raw material.
The launch comes as demand for protein-rich foods continues to grow, with cottage cheese sales in Germany almost doubling over the past three years.
Niccolò Galizzi, Head of Food Tech at Revo Foods, said the company wanted to offer an alternative to plant-based chilled products that rely heavily on added fats and thickeners.
“With COTTAGE PROTEIN+, the fermentation cultures do the work for us,” he explained. “Texture, acidity and flavour develop in the fermenter, not on the ingredient list.”
While vegan cottage cheese might be new territory for Revo Foods, the Austrian food-tech company has already made a name for itself by recreating animal products that have traditionally been particularly difficult to replicate.
Founded in Vienna in 2021, Revo Foods uses technologies including fermentation and 3D food structuring to create alternatives designed to closely recreate the taste and texture of meat and seafood. Its current range includes THE FILET, inspired by salmon, alongside THE PRIME CUT and THE FILETEL POLLO, its takes on beef- and chicken-style fillets.
Perhaps its most eye-catching creation to date is The Kraken, a hyper-realistic fungi-based vegan octopus alternative, complete with tentacles and visible suckers.
Originally launched as a limited edition in 2024, the unusual product sold out within just 48 hours and was later brought back following customer demand. When Vegan Food & Livingput Revo Foods’ vegan octopus to the test, we were particularly impressed by its firm, bouncy and fibrous texture, which proved surprisingly similar to the real thing.
Its salmon-inspired THE FILET similarly uses fermented mycoprotein to create a juicy, fibrous texture, with Revo Foods using its food-structuring technology to mimic the flakiness and mouthfeel of animal protein.
Now, with COTTAGE PROTEIN+, the company is applying its fermentation expertise to the dairy aisle – while finding an inventive new use for an ingredient that might otherwise go to waste.
From ramping up fibre too fast to forgetting vitamin B12, here's what to watch for, plus the simple fix for each
Going vegan is more popular than ever. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reports that interest in plant-based eating keeps growing and that appropriately planned vegan diets are nutritionally adequate and rich in fiber and phytochemicals. Veganism means leaving out all animal products, the fullest version of plant-based eating, as The Vegan Society defines it as excluding anything derived from an animal. Getting started comes down to a few smart habits, so I asked Sarah Glinski, RD, a registered dietitian who works with clients on gut health, how to sidestep the common beginner mistakes and enjoy being a vegan from day one.
Trying to go fully vegan overnight
"The most common mistake I see people make when transitioning to a plant-based diet is trying to overhaul their entire diet at once," Sarah Glinski said. "This can quickly lead to overwhelm, which may end in people giving up."
The fix is to lower the stakes and let the change happen in stages. "Instead of going 100% plant-based immediately, try starting with 'Meatless Mondays' or 'plant-based before dinner' as a way to gradually transition your diet," she suggested.
Ramping up fibre too fast
Fibre is the goal, but adding it slowly gives your gut time to adjust and keeps the bloating at bay.
(Chatham172 / Shutterstock.com)
Vegan diets are rich in fibre, which is much of the point, though your digestive system needs time to adjust to the jump. Push too hard, too soon, and the discomfort can feel like a verdict on the whole way of eating.
"Increasing your fibre intake too quickly can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms like gas and bloating, which some people mistakenly interpret as their bodies not being able to handle a plant-based diet," Glinski explained.
Easing the amount up over a few weeks, paired with plenty of water, gives your gut bacteria the time they need to adapt.
Worrying about protein on a vegan diet
Spread protein across the day with a mix of legumes, tofu, and whole grains like quinoa, and the numbers add up.
(New Africa./ Shutterstock.com)
The protein question dominates almost every conversation about going vegan, and it rarely deserves the airtime.
"Many people believe they won't get enough protein on a plant-based diet, but in my experience, this typically isn't the case for people with normal protein requirements," she noted.
Whole grains pull more weight here than most new vegans expect. Harvard's The Nutrition Source confirms that one cup of cooked quinoa supplies about 8 grams of protein and counts as a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids the body cannot make on its own.
"For example, one cup of cooked quinoa contains 8 grams of complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids," Glinski pointed out. "While 8 grams may not seem like a lot, when combined with other plant-based proteins, it adds up."
Forgetting to plan for vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 comes only from animal foods or fortified products, so fortified nutritional yeast earns a spot in a vegan kitchen.
(New Africa / Shutterstock.com)
If protein is the worry new vegans can usually set aside, B12 is the one they should take seriously. It is the single nutrient a vegan diet cannot reliably supply on its own.
"Anyone following a strict plant-based diet will need to rely on fortified foods such as nutritional yeast or certain breakfast cereals to meet their daily B12 requirements," Glinski cautioned. "If you don't eat these fortified foods, you will likely need to take a vitamin B12 supplement."
Because the body holds such a large reserve, the consequences of skipping it can stay hidden for a long time. "Vitamin B12 deficiency tends to show up months or even years after starting a plant-based diet," she observed. "This is because the body stores a large amount of vitamin B12, primarily in the liver, so it takes a while for symptoms of deficiency to appear."
One seasoning does a lot of the work here, as long as you confirm it is the fortified kind, since plain nutritional yeast is not always a B12 source.
"One easy fix is to sprinkle nutritional yeast, which has an umami flavour and is fortified with vitamin B12, on your meals," Glinski shared. "Just one tablespoon contains more than your daily requirements, making it an easy way to meet your B12 needs on a plant-based diet."
Relying on processed vegan meats and cheeses
Vegan cheeses can be a delicious part of a plant-based diet, but they are not great as an everyday staple if you're on a budget.
(Pilar Picas / Shutterstock.com)
"One mistake I commonly see even among experienced plant-based eaters is an overreliance on ultra-processed plant-based foods," Glinski said.
The issue is what those products add up to over a week of meals. "While I'm a firm believer that all foods can fit into a balanced diet, an overreliance on ultra-processed plant-based foods can lead to excessive sodium intake and inadequate fibre intake," Glinski explained.
Her recommendation keeps the convenience products in the rotation while shifting the foundation toward whole foods.
"While there's nothing wrong with using 'mock' products, I recommend choosing less-processed options like legumes, tofu, and plant-based milks," she added. "They also tend to be cheaper, which is a nice bonus if you're on a budget."
Eating plenty but missing key nutrients on a vegan diet
Feeling full and being well-nourished are different things, and a vegan diet built on processed foods can deliver one without the other.
"A high-calorie diet isn't necessarily nutritionally complete, and many people eating a lot of highly processed foods, including plant-based options, may be missing out on important fibre and micronutrients like iron and vitamin B12," she said.
There are everyday signals worth paying attention to. "If you're consistently tired, run-down, have trouble concentrating, or get sick easily, it could be a sign that you're missing out on micronutrients and fibrer," Glinski noted.
The fix that solves the most: focus on what you can add
Rather than focusing on a list of foods to give up, Glinski reframes the choice to go vegan around what goes onto the plate.
"I recommend an approach that adds rather than subtracts," Glinski explained. "Ask yourself what you can add to a meal to increase the beneficial effects of plants."
That can look as simple as bulking up dishes you already make. The payoff tends to show up quickly, and it's the change she finds most rewarding to watch.
You may experience better digestion and energy levels, according to Glinski. The fibre alone is worth the effort for most people, since a 2017 analysis cited by the American Heart Association found that roughly 95 percent of American adults and children fall short of recommended fibre intake, a gap she sees plant foods close fast.
Frequently asked questions for new vegans
What can't you eat on a vegan diet?
The Vegan Society defines a vegan diet as one that excludes anything derived from an animal. In practice that means no meat, poultry, fish, or seafood, and no dairy, eggs, or honey. It also reaches less obvious ingredients, and some people avoid certain sugars and food colourings made with animal products. Whole plant foods, legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, fruit, and vegetables make up the core of what stays on the menu.
Is honey vegan?
No. The Vegan Society explains that honey is an animal product that vegans avoid, since bees produce it for themselves rather than for humans. Common swaps include maple syrup, agave nectar, date syrup, and molasses, all of which work in most recipes that call for honey.
Do vegans need protein powder?
For most people, no. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics holds that appropriately planned vegan diets are nutritionally adequate, and that protein from a variety of plant foods eaten across the day typically meets or exceeds what the body needs when calorie intake is sufficient. A plant-based protein powder is more of a convenience than a requirement, though it can help people with higher needs, such as very active adults and athletes, reach their targets more easily.
Are there hidden animal ingredients to watch for?
Yes, and label-reading becomes second nature quickly. Healthline notes that ingredients like gelatine, carmine, shellac, casein, whey, and lactose are animal-derived and show up in foods you might not expect, from gummy candies to some chips and drinks. Try checking labels, or looking for a certified vegan logo, to take the guesswork out of shopping.
About our expert: Sarah Glinski, RD, is a registered dietitian specializing in gut health and the owner of Gut-Friendly Nutrition in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
