McDonald's plant-based burger could launch in the UK next year

Following "encouraging" consumer trials in Canada, McDonald's is launching its plant-based burger concept 'the McPlant' globally.

The group said: "Markets can adopt the McPlant when they're ready and we expect some to test the burger next year."

The brand entered the meat-free market with its first vegan meals in January when it launched its veggie dippers in all its UK restaurants.

McDonald's is the latest fast food chain to expand its veggie or vegan-friendly offerings. Following last year's vegan sausage roll success, Greggs launched a vegan steak bake earlier this year, while Pizza Hut introduced a new 'pepperphoni' pizza to its menus.

KFC also launched a vegan burger across its sites, and Burger King launched a plant-based version of its Whopper burger, called the Rebel Whopper, however it later emerged the product is cooked on the same grill as its meaty counterpart.