News

McDonald's adds vegetarian option in Canada

August 29, 2013

McDonald's Canada rolled out two vegetarian options this week — the Mediterranean and Santa Fe Veggie Signature McWraps. The launch marks the first time the chain has featured vegetarian entrees in more than a decade, according to the National Post.

John Betts, CEO of McDonald's Canada, told the Canadian publication that it's a contemporary product, one that especially appeals to the Millennial demographic.

The Mediterranean Veggie Wrap includes garlic hummus, feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, lettuce, onions and a creamy Mediterranean sauce.

The Santa Fe Veggie Wrap includes fire-roasted corn, black beans, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, tomatoes, red onions, lettuce and a tortilla wrap, as well as a chili lime glaze and Southwest sauce.

Both are available for $4.39 plus tax.

These wraps first appeared in McDonald's Poland system, but have been tweaked slightly to fit the Canadian palate. For example, whole wheat tortillas are used in Canada, and tortilla chips were added to the Santa Fe option. Anna Parks, director of Menu Management, said Canadians like "crispy, crunchy things."

Will the veggie wraps make it to the U.S.?

With the Canadian launch this week, there have been some calls to bring the vegetarian options to the U.S.

PETA released a statement that read: "McDonald's Canada's new vegetarian wraps—which can easily be made vegan if you just hold the cheese and dressing — are in response to the growing demand for meat-free meals, and PETA hopes McDonald's USA will get with the times and follow suit. We can't wait to see a McVegan on the menu!"

One commenter on the National Post story wrote: "I'm American and vegan, but if these come to the U.S., I'll try a cheeseless version. Fingers crossed. It's a step in the right direction!"

In January, COO Tim Fenton said the company's product pipeline is "much more robust" than it was last year, and includes more than 180 products that can be pulled from menus globally. The chain has done just that recently, with its Cheddar Bacon Onion burger, which came out of Europe, and its Chicken McBites, which originated in Australia.

"A lot of our items travel quite well," Fenton added.

Read more about food and beverage launches.