Burger King Is Expanding Its Plant-Based Offerings With This Classic Menu Item

Over the past couple of years, Burger King has proved itself a pioneer in the plant-based fast food movement, beating its competitors to the meat-free punch. 

In 2019, the charbroiled burger specialists partnered with the plant-based protein juggernaut Impossible Foods to create the Impossible Whopper, a play on Burger King's most iconic menu item, which swaps the standard beef patty for a meat-free Impossible patty, topped with the traditional trappings of the classic Whopper.

The Impossible patty, which contains a legume-based ingredient called soy leghemoglobin, is designed to replicate a real beef patty right down to the ability to "bleed" like a standard burger, per the brand. Although Burger King came under fire from some in the meat-free community for the preparation method of the Impossible Whopper — which is cooked on the same cooktop as the beef patties (via CNBC) — many still applauded the burger restaurant's efforts towards offering a more sustainable and animal-friendly on-the-go burger option to the masses.

Now, Burger King has unveiled a new plant-based twist on a classic menu item that will satisfy your bite-sized breaded chicken cravings. In a press release sent to Mashed, the chain announced the debut of meatless Impossible Nuggets Made From Plants, making Burger King the first global quick-service restaurant to offer the vegetarian alternative to chicken nuggets. 

According to Burger King's press release, the Impossible nuggets "have the savory taste of a family favorite, with a golden-brown crispy breading on the outside and a tender, juicy bite on the inside."

The plant-based nuggets — which will be available for eight-piece orders and come with a side of dipping sauce — will be rolled out in a few select cities for market testing prior to their potential nationwide release. Customers in Miami, FL, Boston, MA, and Des Moines, IA will be able to order the Impossible Nuggets beginning on October 11.

"This isn't the first time we've teamed up with Impossible to make waves in the industry," Ellie Doty, Burger King North America's Chief Marketing Officer, said in the release. "So, it's only fitting we're the first global [quick service restaurant] to test the Impossible Nuggets."

In addition to the limited release of the vegan-friendly nuggets, Burger King also announced the nationwide rollout of its spicy Ghost Pepper Nuggets, which are coated in a fiery ghost pepper breading guaranteed to set taste buds ablaze. Members of the chain's rewards program will have exclusive first access to the nuggets via the Burger King app and website before they're made available to the public on October 11 as well.

While there's no word yet on when Impossible Nuggets will be available to the public at large, if the success of the Impossible Whopper is any indication, this twist on a classic should be hitting your local BK before you know it.