Going Vegetarian in McDonald’s

This month marks a year since I have been a vegetarian, after taking part in  vegan January last year, and then carrying on not eating meat or fish afterwards. On the whole, I have found eating out pretty easy, but I did notice the lack of variety for vegetarian food when I’d be out and about and looking at restaurant menus. But recently (and if you’ve been anywhere near Piers Morgan’s Twitter account), you will see that there has been a number of UK brands that have got on board with introducing different vegetarian and vegan options to their menus. As a vegetarian myself, it has been great news to hear.

I have not made my family be vegetarian with me, though to avoid cooking more than one meal, our evening meals are a veggie option (but they can choose for themselves for school dinner and when we’re at restaurants). That being said, my children are becoming much more conscious about the food that they eat and will look for veggie options from time to time. One of their favourite places to eat out at is McDonald’s, and until recently, there hasn’t been a veggie option for a child’s happy meal. But as of 3rd January 2019, there are now two permanent choices on the menu. A Veggie Wrap Happy Meal gives them the choice when we are out, whether to eat meat or not. There is also a Spicy Veggie Wrap on the main menu too which is great news and adds variety for me too, rather than just their Vegetable Deluxe Burger.

It was interesting to hear that families and kids were involved in the testing (and tasting) of this new product, so you know they aren’t going to put something to market that children won’t want to eat.

Max and I went to try the Veggie Wrap Happy Meal recently, and it got a big thumbs up from us. I also love seeing the range of things that children can choose in Happy Meal, from carrot sticks to a fruit bag, and the option of milk or water to drink — positive all round. But what is the Veggie Wrap made from? I know that allergies can be so rife with children, so knowing what is in it can really help. The main ingredients are:

• veggie goujon, made with split yellow lentils, rice, and a nut and dairy-free Red Pesto
• shredded lettuce
• tomato ketchup
• small toasted tortilla wrap

As with most fast-food outlets, there can be traces of dairy and things like sesame seeds, but the only allergen in there is wheat because of the wrap. So it is a winner for most children out there. And with ketchup, you can’t go too far wrong either, right? My son really loved the taste of the wrap and said that he would choose it again. Having options is what I am most pleased with, and hopefully it will encourage more people (children and adults alike), to try something new. Before, there wasn’t an option for them, but now they can choose a veggie meal but still get the good taste of McDonald’s.

I chose to try the Spicy Veggie Wrap when we visited and I was not disappointed. I have been a fan of their veggie burger for a while, but I find a wrap is much lighter for me to eat, so I think this will be go-to from now on. It tasted so good and it’s great to know what you can get food full of nutritional value on the go. Seeing that McDonald’s is always looking to improve their menu is such a positive thing.

Do you think your children would be tempted to try this when they see it on the menu? It would be great to hear what you think.

*this is a paid advertorial with McDonald’s, however all words and opinions are my own.