The Fast Food Burger That's Meat-Free But Not Necessarily Vegan-Friendly

From tastingtable.com

Since 2016, the Impossible Burger (an engineered patty that looks and tastes like real meat but contains none) has been one of the flagship plant-based meat alternatives on the market. When Burger King started offering the Impossible Whopper using these patties in 2019, the vision was clear: the classic Whopper but suitable for vegetarians and vegans. However, due to factors such as unfavourable means of product testing and a lack of designated cooking surfaces, the Impossible Burger still doesn't cut the mustard for some vegans.

Burger King's Impossible Whopper patties are cooked by default on the same broilers as beef patties. This can be seen as contamination to some strict vegans. For many, the animal testing on lab rats that Impossible Foods used to approve its products for foreign markets in 2019 also disqualifies the brand from being truly vegan.

Beef contamination of Impossible Whopper patties can also have serious consequences for those with severe alpha-gal syndrome (also known as a red meat allergy), which usually develops after bites from certain ticks. At first, Impossible Whoppers may seem suitable for sufferers of the syndrome who are advised to avoid eating animal meats, but even cooking on the same surface as beef can be enough to trigger an allergic reaction in some cases.

Veganism means different things to different people

                                                                                                           Drew Angerer/Getty Images

In 1949, then vice president of the Vegan Society, Leslie J Cross, defined veganism as "the principle of the emancipation of animals from exploitation by man" (per Plant Based News). This ideological framework aims to eliminate harm to animals in the foods we consume and products we purchase to the greatest extent possible. Therefore, vegans differ from vegetarians, who might still consume eggs or dairy. In reality, this often means making concessions in cases where animal exploitation is difficult or impossible to avoid. As a result, one vegan's definition of (and relationship with) veganism can differ from another's.

Some vegans see Burger King's beef contamination as a redundant appeal to the vegan consumer base, while others see it as better accessibility to appealing plant-based foods for the general population. Opinions online are divided, with one Reddit user explaining, "I see no reason that something cooked on a grill with animal products means it can't be vegan. This does not create demand for animal products, require the killing of animals, or have any moral inconsistencies with veganism."

Another user outlines a thought process against contamination, saying the aversion is less an ethical problem with veganism or a judgment on others but rather a personal dilemma. "For me, I would feel immoral and ... kinda grossed out with myself... for having the oils of a dead cow potentially season my food and be in my body."

Is a vegan Impossible Burger even possible?

                                                                                                     Miguel Villagran/Getty Images

Is an Impossible Whopper literally impossible for those who want a burger free of any harm to animals? If the animal testing Impossible Foods has used in the past means its meat alternatives don't align with your idea of veganism, then the Impossible Whopper would be a non-starter. However, there are certainly other fast food chains with vegetarian and vegan options for you to explore. Alternatively, using different brands of meatless ground beef to cook your own burgers at home can give you full control over what you eat.

If beef contamination from sharing a broiler is the deal-breaker for you, you can request that your Impossible patty be cooked in a microwave. In some cases, staff may be willing to clean the broiler before cooking your patty on it, but this will depend on the Burger King branch and the staff there.

Aside from burgers, it's also worth considering Burger King's fries, which are vegan by themselves but can be contaminated by sharing a fryer with non-vegan items. So, if you're a vegan stranded on a desert island, and the only source of food is a fully operational Burger King, you may be in luck — depending on your personal relationship with veganism and its goals.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2209750/impossible-fast-food-burger-cooked-on-beef-grill/

Slutty Vegan Spreads the Love with Newly Signed Franchise Deals in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta

From franchising.com

World-Famous Plant-Based Burger Enters New Chapter of Growth With Experienced Operators Leading Expansion Efforts

Slutty Vegan, the nationally recognized plant-based burger brand founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Pinky Cole Hayes, has officially signed franchise agreements to bring the rapidly growing concept to Washington, D.C. and further grow the brand’s roots in Atlanta, the city where Slutty Vegan first began its cultural movement and cult following. The expansion marks a major milestone in the company’s continued national growth plan.

As the company enters its next phase of growth, Slutty Vegan has intentionally partnered with operators who understand both the business and the culture behind the brand. Khadejah Davis and Jamel Douglas are the first Slutty Vegan franchise owners to officially open and operate a location in Atlanta.

Already recognized as successful multi-unit franchise owners of Juici Patties, Davis and Douglas are now expanding their restaurant portfolio with Slutty Vegan. The duo brings proven experience in scaling high-performing food brands to one of the most culture-driven and nationally recognized concepts in the industry.

In Washington, D.C., franchise veteran Brandi Forte will lead development efforts across the market. Already immersed in the Slutty Vegan experience, Forte brings years of franchising knowledge and a strong understanding of community-driven growth.

“Atlanta is where Slutty Vegan was born, and we’re planting deeper roots here while establishing our presence in D.C.,” said Pinky Cole Hayes, Founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan. “I was intentional about partnering with operators who understand our business and the culture because this is bigger than the burgers. We’re creating opportunity, legacy and proving what’s possible when you never give up.”

Since launching in Atlanta in 2018, Slutty Vegan has grown from a viral burger concept into a nationally recognized brand known for bold flavours, high-energy customer experiences, and community impact. The brand’s founder, Pinky Cole Hayes, is a best-selling author and philanthropist who built the brand from a single food truck into a cultural phenomenon. Cole Hayes has only continued her rise to stardom this year with her television debut as a cast member of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta for its 17th season, bringing her boldness and business savvy to one of television’s most-watched franchises and introducing Slutty Vegan to millions of new fans.

The company’s move into franchising marks growing demand for the brand across the country and a strategic focus on sustainable expansion in high-opportunity markets with experienced operators. For more information about the Slutty Vegan franchise opportunity, visit sluttyveganatl.com/franchise.

About Slutty Vegan

Founded in Atlanta in 2018 by visionary entrepreneur Aisha “Pinky” Cole Hayes, Slutty Vegan is a wildly popular, plant-based burger concept revolutionizing the fast-casual dining experience. Famous for its bold marketing, decadent vegan creations, and signature "Slut Sauce," the brand is on a mission to challenge the reputation of veganism as uptight and pleasureless. Slutty Vegan operates locations across the United States, continuing to expand its footprint and redefine the future of comfort food. 

For more information, visit sluttyveganatl.com/franchise/. 

https://www.franchising.com/amp/news/20260622_slutty_vegan_spreads_the_love_with_newly_signed_franchise_deals_in_washingt.html

This Earth Day Burger Is Completely Vegan

From plantbasednews.org

This easy burger recipe helps reduce emissions by using plant-based meat! 

As BBQ season picks up, Earth Day is a good moment to rethink what goes on the grill. This Earth Day burger keeps the format people already enjoy but swaps in a plant-based option. It shows how small changes can shift everyday meals without losing familiarity. You still get a stacked burger, toasted bun, and classic toppings, just with a different base.

The burger itself is quick to cook and easy to assemble. The patty cooks in minutes and pairs with lettuce, pickles, and a slice of vegan cheese. Each serving delivers a solid amount of protein and fibre, which helps turn it into a proper meal rather than just a light option. It’s straightforward and fits into a regular dinner routine.

The dill-sriracha relish adds something extra. Blended white beans give it a thicker texture, while pickles, dill, and chili bring sharpness and heat. Add some homemade sweet potato fries to round everything out with a crisp side that works well with the softer burger and sauce.

This Earth Day burger works for spring meals, casual BBQs, or quick dinners at home. It’s easy to repeat and simple to scale up for more people.

This recipe was republished with permission from Redefine Meat.

Prep your Earth Day burger

An Earth Day burger offers a plant-based take on a BBQ classic, paired with a dill-sriracha relish and sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Cut down on carbon emissions with easy swaps like meat alternatives and plant-based ingredients - Media Credit: Redefine Meat

Ingredients

Burgers

• 1 pack Redefine Premium Burgers defrosted
• 2 burger buns
• 1 head of gem lettuce
• 6–8 pickle slices
• Sliced vegan cheese

High-protein burger relish

• 30 ml ketchup
• 15 ml vegan mayo
• 5 ml sriracha or to taste
• 10 g chopped dill
• 1 pickle finely chopped
• Chopped shallot
• 50 g cooked white beans

Sweet potato fries

• frozen sweet potato fries
• 15 ml oil
• Pinch smoked paprika & dried mixed herbs
• Salt & pepper

Instructions

Make the sweet potato fries:

• Heat oven to 200°C. Toss sweet potato fries with oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and dried mixed herbs. Roast for 20–25 minutes, turning once.

Make the dill–sriracha burger relish:

• Blend white beans until completely smooth. Mix with ketchup, mayo, sriracha, dill, chopped pickles and diced shallot. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Cook the burgers:

• Heat a pan on medium-high heat. Toast the buns and set aside. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Add the sliced cheese and cover with a lid or place into the oven to melt.

Build the burgers:

• Spread relish on both sides of the toasted bun. Add lettuce, burger patty and pickles. Add more relish on top if you like. Serve with a generous portion of sweet potato fries.

Tips:

• Always toast the buns: it improves flavour and protects against sogginess.
• Let the patties rest 1 minute: they stay juicier and hold together better.
• Spread relish on both sides of the bun: for that proper burger-shop feel.

https://plantbasednews.org/veganrecipes/dinner/earth-day-burger/

Get the Vegan Whopper! PETA’s Cow-lossal Message Rises Above Sunset Boulevard Burger King

From peta.org

Hollywood, Calif. – Diners in search of a fast-food fix on Sunset Boulevard this month are in for an udderly unexpected sight: with two enormous cows staring accusingly down from above and asking, “Would It Kill You to Get a Vegan Burger?” The message is directly across from Burger King, where customers can choose the kind option – a vegan Whopper topped with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and pickles—and swap the mayo for ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce, making it 100% animal- and artery-friendly. PETA notes that the fast-food chain’s French fries, onion rings, hash browns, French toast sticks, and syrup are also vegan. Additional photos are available here.

“Burger King’s vegan options make it easy to order kind meals that are full of flavour and free from animal exploitation,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA encourages everyone to consider who went into that burger and let animals live in peace by simply ordering vegan.”

Cows have friends and mourn when a loved one dies or when they’re separated from each other. In the meat industry, they’re crammed into filthy sheds and feedlots, endure routine mutilations including tail docking, castration, and dehorning with no painkillers, and are slaughtered at just a fraction of their natural lifespan.

Each person who chooses vegan foods spares nearly 200 animals every year and reduces their own risk of suffering from cancer, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and obesity. PETA’s free vegan starter kit is filled with tips to help anyone looking to make the switch.

PETA’s billboard is located near 7107 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness.

https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/get-the-vegan-whopper-petas-cow-lossal-message-rises-above-sunset-boulevard-burger-king/ 

Aldi Brings Back Vegan Smashed Pork Burgers, Launches New Chicken Version

From plantbasednews.org

The plant-based burgers are high in protein and feature the thin, easy-to-fry silhouette of classic smashed patties 

Aldi UK just brought back its popular vegan smashed pork burgers.

In addition to the Plant Menu No Pork Smashed Patties, the budget supermarket has also launched a new version: No Chicken & Black Pepper Smashed Patties.

Both Aldi products feature the thin profile of classic smashed burgers, and develop a crisp, caramelized crust and enhanced flavour when cooked. They are designed to be eaten two at a time, as in a traditional double sausage muffin or breakfast burger.

                                                Aldi's smashed burger patties are £1.99 per box - Media Credit: Liam Pritchett

The No Pork burgers feature 5.5g of protein and 80 calories per patty, or 11g of protein and 160 calories per two-patty portion. The No Chicken burgers contain 6g of protein and 87 calories per patty, or 12g of protein and 174 calories per portion.

Writing in the Vegan UK group on Reddit, one user said, “Myself and my girlfriend really enjoyed both of them. The ‘sausage’ ones with some cheese and ketchup felt like a McMuffin. Will be buying them again.” Another wrote, “They’re bloody lovely.”

The smashed pork and chicken burgers have an RRP of £1.99 per 4-pack, and both flavours are gluten-free. They are available now at Aldi stores nationwide.

Vegan croissants, pepperoni pizza, and demand for high-protein options

Liam PritchettThe smashed burger patties are just the latest vegan products from Aldi UK

Aldi first introduced the No Pork Smashed Patties in January 2024 as part of its biggest-ever Veganuary range, alongside vegan corn dogs and pain-au-chocolat.

The supermarket recently brought back its Carlos Takeaway vegan “Pepper-Noni” and “BBQ No Chick’n” frozen pizzas. Both feature coconut-oil cheese, tomato sauce, and a stonebaked base, and are topped with either vegan pepperoni or chicken.

Earlier this year, Tesco reported plant-based food growth “for the first time in years,” citing demand for high-protein ingredients like tofu, seitan, and tempeh, in particular. The company also cited a 12 percent increase in sales over the 12 months.

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/aldi-vegan-smashed-pork-burgers-new/