McDonald’s Is Testing A New Plant-Based Burger

The fast-food giant is joining the plant-based burger market with its latest menu item. They announced the "P.L.T." (plant, lettuce, tomato) will begin testing in select Ontario, Canada stores September 30th for a limited time.

The burger will feature a plant-based Beyond Meat patty. It will be tested in 28 stores in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.

"This test allows us to learn more about real-world implications of serving the P.L.T., including customer demand and impact on restaurant operations," Ann Wahlgren, McDonald's vice president of global menu strategy, said in a statement.

Shares of Beyond Meat soared 12% the morning the announcement was made. McDonald's shares also went up 1%.

The burger is not vegan as it features both processed cheese and a mayonnaise sauce. It will also be "cooked on the same grill as other burgers, meat-based products, and eggs" according to the McDonald's Canada website. The burger is intended to help consumers cut down their meat consumption.