Burger King's vegan nuggets and McDonald's McPlant burger now available nationwide as Veganuary encourages people to eat less meat

Anyone attempting to cut back on meat consumption as part of Veganuary has been given a helping hand by two unlikely sources.

McDonald's is now selling its plant-based vegan burger nationwide after it went on sale in a limited number of restaurants last year.

And Burger King has today launched vegan nuggets across the UK as part of a pledge to make its menu 50% meat-free by 2030.

Burger King said the new nuggets will taste the same as the meat originals despite being made from only soy and plant proteins, and are certified by the Vegan Society.

The new nuggets follow Burger King releasing a plant-based Rebel Whopper burger two years ago, which was later revealed to be unsuitable for vegans because it was cooked on the same grill as meat.

But demand for vegan products is soaring, and the chain last year came back with a Vegan Royale burger that is prepared separately from animal products.

It said its 2030 50% meat-free aim will help it achieve a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 41%.

McDonald’s already sells some “accidentally vegan” Veggie Dippers, while the Greggs vegan sausage roll and vegan steak bake have achieved a following among vegans and non-vegans alike

Burger King UK chief executive Alasdair Murdoch said: “We’re pleased to announce the launch of BKUK’s new vegan nuggets across our menus nationwide – a significant milestone for the company and an important next step in achieving our target of a 50% meat-free menu by 2030.

“Adapting to customer preferences is a key focus at Burger King – we are committed to helping our guests make good decisions about what they eat and drink and providing them with informed choices – whether through clear nutrition and allergen labelling, or by offering vegan and vegetarian options.

“The launch is another positive step in reducing our carbon footprint and driving innovation in our menus in response to growing demand for meatless alternatives and products with no animal protein in the UK.”

McDonald's started selling its vegan McPlant in 250 restaurants last year.

The burger features a patty co-developed with Beyond Meat and was three years in the making.

Michelle Graham-Clare, chief marketing officer for McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said: “We’re so pleased that our McPlant is now officially ‘everywhere’ and available for more of our customers to taste and enjoy. We saw a remarkable response to the trial period back in October and now McPlant is on the high-street, in retail parks and service stations all over the UK and Ireland so all of our customers will be able to try it.

"We’re proud to once again be offering our customers more great-tasting options from McDonald’s. Its our same iconic taste – but plant-based.”

Have you tried either of the new menu items or will you be getting behind Veganuary? Let us know in the comments below.