Wendy’s is testing a new plant-based burger that, in a twist for the category, does not try to imitate meat.
The “Spicy Black Bean Burger” became available for $5.79 June 28 in Columbus, Ohio; Jacksonville, Fla., and Pittsburgh. It depends on intense flavor for its appeal, with seasonings including paprika and chipotle pepper, topped with crunchy chipotle jalapenos, smoky chipotle sauce and melted pepper jack cheese.
Wendy’s trolled McDonald’s in a statement about the rollout, saying "certain plant-based creations have spawned a bland reputation for the category – looking at you McImpossible – but luckily, Wendy's has spice in her DNA." Actually, the Impossible Burger is a menu item at Burger King; McDonald’s is due to add a plant-based burger supplied by Impossible Foods rival Beyond Meat.
In addition, Taco Bell recently concluded a test of a shell made from a "pea protein-based proprietary blend" for its Naked Chalupa, sold at a location in Irvine, Calif.
