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Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr go beyond flexitarian’s menu expectations

Cristine Struble
Cristine Struble

FoodSided

As the plant-based food trend continues to flourish, Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. go beyond flexitarian’s menu expectations with all day menu items.

Sometimes a craving doesn’t adhere to a clock. Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. want to offer flexitarians and vegetarians more menu options. After successful menu launches featuring Beyond Meat, the two quick service restaurants have decided to expand those menu offerings even more. A new all-day Beyond Meat menu will be available starting this month.

The rise of plant-based food has been one of the biggest trends of 2019. Many fast food brands have embraced these traditional protein alternatives.

Whether it is the vegetarian who is craving that Famous Star burger or the flexitarian who wants to balance their food choices, these plant-based food alternatives offer options without feeling deprived. It has been a win for everyone.

While the plant-based burger movement has been huge, the breakfast side has been slower to take over. Although all-day breakfast has a strong fan base, the plant-based breakfast options are fewer.

By offering an all-day Beyond Meat menu, Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. show that they are listening to the flexitarian and vegetarian consumer. As the first national U.S. quick service restaurant to offer these items, it could be a game changer for the industry.

To kick off this menu launch, Carl’s Jr. is adding two new breakfast offerings. The Beyond Sausage Egg and Cheese Biscuit could be the hearty bite that many people will crave. While the Beyond Sausage Burrito fills huge gap in the plant-based menu, the biscuit will probably be the more popular menu item. No one can resist those biscuits.

Also, Hardee’s will add the Beyond Sausage Biscuit, Beyond Sausage Burrito and Original Beyond Thickburger. A few of these menu items had a test run at select locations earlier in the year. Given the positive response, it was only a matter of time for the national launch.

Looking at these menu additions, it will be curious to see when either quick service restaurant adds a complete vegan option. While many QSR brands now offer plant-based food options, very few offer vegan menu choices.

If more consumers demand these types of changes, it could be a matter of time before vegan choices arrive on menus.

The all-day Beyond menu will be begin on December 18 at Carl’s Jr. and December 30 at Hardee’s.

Will this new all day Beyond menu make you change your quick service restaurant choice? Which menu item are you most excited to try?

Cristine Struble

Cristine Struble

Cristine Struble has been a highly regarded food journalist for over 10 years. From food trends to traveling the world for the must try cuisine, Cristine appreciates that food and culture are always intertwined. Covering chef interviews to the food innovations, she uses her extensive knowledge to bring people together around the love of a great meal. Many of Cristine's articles have been featured in various industry publications, television commercials, and food brand websites. Over the past several years, she has been named a top 10 food and travel journalist by media publications and is considered an authority within the food journalism niche. Follow her on social media at @StrublePublications or @CristineStruble to check out what is on her plate, food travel discovery, and fun adventures. Her complete writing portfolio can be found at https://authory.com/CristineStruble.