Nando’s Go Plant-Based

New from Nando’s: The Great Imitator

Nando’s has recently become the latest high-street chain to join the plant-based revolution, launching its first vegan chicken alternative in October. The Great Imitator is made of pea-protein, packing the classic Nando’s PERi-PERi punch in a totally plant-based way. It’s available as a burger, wrap or pitta and comes in all the Nando’s spice levels you know and love. So, whether you’re an Extra Hot or more Lemon & Herb, The Great Imitator does it all.

The rise of the plant-based diet

This news follows a number of similar stories of other restaurants improving their plant-based offerings – hardly surprising given the rising popularity of a vegan diet. The number of vegans in the UK quadrupled from 2014 to 2019. Now, over 600,000 people have ditched all animal products. Plant-based food substitutes are found on all supermarket shelves and restaurant groups are following suit. Chains such as Wagamama and Pizza Express now offer a full vegan menu, with starts, mains and desserts for all tastes.

McPlant – coming in 2021

Even fast-food chains such as McDonalds, once totally inaccessible to plant-based diners, are introducing vegan offerings. The global giant revealed they will be releasing an entire plant-based line ‘McPlant’ in 2021. The range, said to include burgers, chicken alternatives and breakfast options, will no doubt prove popular within the increasing vegan market.

Unfortunately, this plant-based expansion hasn’t been without a few hiccups. Burger King made headlines in the spring following the launch of their ‘Rebel Whopper’. Although the ingredients were totally plant-based, the burger was cooked on the same grill as its meaty counterparts. Whoops.

As we move towards the end of the year, the ever popular month of ‘Veganuary’ is around the corner. With plant-based options now appearing on nearly all menus, it’s exciting to see that restaurants are making huge efforts to cater to all diets.