Healthier Options with the Plant-Based Whopper by Burger King

Burger King rides the plant-based meat alternative wave with its own creation, the Plant-Based Whopper, offering an affordable and tasty option adding a new narrative to the growing global demand for healthier options. And when one more iconic brand in fast food takes the leap to the other side, it all bodes well for the plant-based movement. The future is looking bright. And quite tasty too with that subtle smoky finish we all love...

Known for their juicy all-beef burgers and savory smokiness from their signature flame grills, Burger King seizes the opportunity for a tasty and more affordable plant-based alternative keeping the brand in step with the times. Less than a year since its launch, the Plant Based Whopper has received generally positive reviews both here and abroad. And that's good news for our own health as well as the planet. The potential impact of shifting to plant-based alternatives brings with it global repercussions, from personal nutrition to carbon emission but that's for another more detailed story.   

The biggest hurdle to mass acceptance is the market's price sensitivity to plant-based alternatives. Meat substitutes are often more expensive thus preventing trial and continued usage but as food technology continues to develop and improve, the price gap with more conventional food options are being narrowed at a much quicker pace. In collaboration with v2food from Australia, Burger King finds the perfect balance of quality and price for a viable plant-based alternative (for more on v2food, visit their website at https://v2food.com/). The second barrier is taste, and this is where Burger King's mastery of the grill comes in...

The Plant-Based Whopper (starts at P89 for the Solo Whopper Jr. variant or go for the Plant-Based Whopper Meal with fries and soda at P 206) looks like any of Burger King's signature burgers topped with garden-fresh lettuce and tomatoes on a soft sesame seed bun. But the similarities end there. Made with soy proteins, natural flavorings and fortified with B vitamins and minerals, each patty delivers a whopping 20 grams of protein. And only 286 calories per serving. The numbers do stack up in favor of the Plant-Based Whopper, and achieving price parity with its regular burger offerings makes it even more attractive. 

But they say the proof is always in the pudding. The first bite brings the same juicy texture and mouthfeel of an all-beef patty with the same savory richness. In a blind taste test, I would probably never have guessed this was a plant-based burger. The rich blend of seasonings pack a flavorful punch enhancing the texture, flavor and finish of the plant-based patty. The savory notes are then followed by the comfortingly familiar hints of smoke from the flame grill to complete your Burger King experience. All the way to the last bite, the Plant-Based Whopper by Burger King allows one to experience the same flavor and textural sensation of a regular burger without the guilt. And that's a plus in any book.  

Of course, everyone's free to nitpick and find shortcomings with the Plant-Based Whopper. But it's a decent burger to start with. And probably one of the better plant-based options in the metro providing flavor and value for money. 

This may very well be the start of a much-awaited shift in an evolving culinary landscape, and about time too. Sure, we get cravings for regular all-beef burgers all the time but it feels good to change things up sometimes. And this Plant-Based Whopper by Burger King is your tasty ticket to an alternative and healthier lifestyle...