As someone who enjoys exploring plant-based fast food options, the launch of McDonald’s new McVeggie burger instantly caught my attention.
With more people in the UK adopting vegetarian or flexitarian diets, I knew this burger was worth a try, not just for taste, but also for health, affordability, and convenience.
Walking into my local McDonald’s, I couldn’t help but wonder: would this veggie burger finally tick all the right boxes?
What’s Inside the McDonald’s Veggie Burger?
The McDonald’s veggie burger, branded as the McVeggie in Canada, is made with a breaded vegetable patty featuring a colourful blend of:
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Zucchini
- Peas
- Soybeans
- Broccoli
- Corn
It’s served on a toasted sesame seed bun with shredded lettuce and a creamy mayo-style sauce. While the burger is completely meat-free, the inclusion of mayonnaise means it’s not strictly vegan unless modified. In some markets, it also includes a Spicy Habanero sauce for a kick of flavour.
McDonald’s has been transparent about the ingredients, positioning the McVeggie as a wholesome, veggie-packed alternative to their meat-based burgers.
McVeggie Burger Calories and Nutritional Breakdown
One of the key questions for health-conscious eaters is: how healthy is the McVeggie burger? Here’s a closer look at its nutritional value:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (124g) |
| Calories (kcal) | 326 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.3g |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Cholesterol | 34mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Dietary Fibre | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 49µg |
| Calcium | 160mg |
| Iron | 3.1mg |
Compared to a typical beef burger, the McVeggie is lower in calories and saturated fat, making it a smart option for those trying to reduce their meat intake without compromising on protein.
How Much Does the McDonald’s Veggie Burger Cost in the UK?
While prices may vary slightly by location, the McVeggie burger in the UK is generally priced between £3.89 to £4.29 à la carte. As part of an Extra Value Meal, you can expect to pay around £5.79 to £6.29, depending on your chosen drink and side.
When considering the nutritional value, ingredients, and convenience, most customers agree that the price offers decent value, especially for a fast-food item that caters to vegetarian diets.
How to Order the McVeggie Burger Vegan?
The standard version of the McDonald’s veggie burger is vegetarian, not vegan, due to the inclusion of mayonnaise and, in some versions, habanero sauce, both of which contain egg.
To make it vegan-friendly:
- Ask for no mayo
- Skip the habanero sauce (if available)
- Confirm the bun is vegan (typically it is in the UK)
Good news for UK customers: McDonald’s fries in the UK are cooked in vegetable oil and are free from animal-derived flavouring, unlike their US counterpart, making them suitable for vegans.
McDonald’s and the Rise of Plant-Based Fast Food
McDonald’s isn’t new to experimenting with plant-based products. After previous limited tests with the PLT (Plant, Lettuce, Tomato) in Canada and the McPlant in various European markets, the McVeggie marks another step in their evolving plant-based strategy.
The McPlant, made in partnership with Beyond Meat, is still available in the UK and some European countries. But while the McPlant mimics the taste of meat, the McVeggie is an unapologetically veggie-packed burger, designed for those who want to embrace plant-based flavours.
McDonald’s Chief Marketing Officer in Canada noted that this new offering responds directly to a growing customer demand for more variety and meatless meals, in line with changing dietary trends.
McVeggie Burger Reviews and Public Response
Customer feedback from test markets has been overwhelmingly positive. When the McVeggie was trialled earlier in Canada, the response was so strong that locations ran out of stock in just eight days. Diners praised it for:
- Bold and fresh flavour
- Crispy texture of the veggie patty
- Satisfying portion size
- A real alternative to meat without trying to imitate it
Online reviews and social media chatter show that many UK customers are eager to see this burger become a permanent menu item, not just a limited release.
Franchisees have echoed the enthusiasm, stating how rewarding it is to offer customers something that’s both delicious and inclusive.
Final Thoughts on the McDonald’s Veggie Burger
The McVeggie burger proves that fast food and plant-based eating can go hand in hand. With a good balance of nutrition, price, and taste, it fills an important gap in the McDonald’s menu for vegetarians and flexitarians alike.
Whether you’re cutting down on meat or simply curious about new options, the McVeggie is a satisfying alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavour or value.
FAQs About McDonald’s Veggie Burger
Is the McDonald’s veggie burger suitable for vegans?
Not by default, but it can be made vegan by removing the mayo and checking for any non-vegan sauces.
What is the price of the McVeggie in the UK?
The burger is priced between £3.89 to £4.29 on its own, and around £5.79 to £6.29 as part of a meal.
Are McDonald’s fries vegan in the UK?
Yes. UK fries are cooked in vegetable oil without any animal-based seasoning, making them vegan-friendly.
How does the McVeggie compare to the McPlant?
The McPlant aims to mimic meat, using Beyond Meat, while the McVeggie highlights natural vegetable ingredients with a breaded patty.
Is the McVeggie burger available in all UK locations?
Availability may vary, especially if still in rollout phases. It’s best to check your local McDonald’s app or store.
What allergens are in the McDonald’s veggie burger?
It contains soy, gluten, and egg (if mayo is added). Always check the allergen guide on McDonald’s UK website.
Can I customise the McVeggie burger at McDonald’s?
Yes, you can request it without mayo or with additional toppings like tomato or pickles, depending on the branch.
Read Next:
