Last year, McDonald’s tested its first plant-based burger in select restaurants in Canada. Based on what was learned as well as an encouraging response from customers, the restaurant provided a sneak preview of its new plant-based McPlant.

“There are other plant-based burgers out there, but the McPlant delivers our iconic taste in a sink-your-teeth-in (and wipe-your-mouth) kind of sandwich,” the company said. “It’s made with a juicy, plant-based patty and served on a warm, sesame seed bun with all the classic toppings.”

A spokesperson for McDonald’s told Feedstuffs that markets can adopt the McPlant when they’re ready and that the company expects some to test the burger next year, although it has not confirmed which markets, or if it will be in U.S.

“As we have worked to better understand customer demand, some markets around the world have tested plant-based products,” Ian Borden, president of international at McDonald’s, said. “Informed by those learnings, we have created a delicious burger that will be the first menu option in a plant-based platform we are calling McPlant.”

Borden said the McPlant was crafted exclusively for McDonald’s by McDonald’s. He further noted that the McPlant could extend across a line of plant-based products, including burgers, chicken-substitutes and breakfast sandwiches.

"We are excited about the opportunity because we believe we have a proven, delicious-tasting product. When customers are ready for it, we are ready for them,” he said.

Last year, Beyond Meat provided McDonald’s with a patty for a test sandwich called the P.L.T. (plant, lettuce and tomato), in Canada. However, no company has been named as the supplier for the McPlant patty.