McDonald's customers are asking for their veggie burgers back.
According to the Wall Street Journal, a petition started by health and wellness author Kathy Freston is asking the chain to bring back its veggie burger as an effort to give vegetarians a "meatless protein-centric option."
The petition on Change.org has collected more than 85,000 signatures and received backing from celebrity vegetarians such as Pamela Anderson, Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Simmons, food writer Mark Bittman and actress Alicia Silverstone; all sent their support through social media.
The burger was originally introduced in the early 2000s, but was unsuccessful among customers, The Journal reported. Freston, author of "The Lean, Veganist, and The Quantum Wellness Cleanse," argues that times have changed and people are looking to eat healthier.
"Adding plant-based protein options at McDonald's will appeal to workers out for a quick lunch, families with health-conscious members out to dinner, children on field trips and anyone looking for something different than the current menu at McDonald's where even the french fries contain beef flavoring," writes Freston on the petition.
The petition also noted that meat substitutes brings in $533 million annually. Freston, who is also a health expert, points out chains, such as Chipotle, Burger King, Denny's Subway and KFC, have added meatless options to their menus.
"In our experience, menu items at McDonald's are most successful when enough customers choose to select them," McDonald's spokesperson Lisa McComb, told The Journal. "It allows us to ensure freshness of ingredients and overall quality of the food item. We'll continue to evolve out menu to meet the changing preference of our customers."
In an interview with WBEZ, McDonald's noted that many of their food items can be customized without meat--like the Premium McWraps and salads; adding that there are a few breakfast options that are available to order without meat and still provide a source of protein.
"In our experience, menu items at McDonald's are most successful when enough customers choose to select them," McDonald's stated. "It allows us to ensure freshness of ingredients and overall quality of the food item. We'll continue to evolve our menu to meet the changing preferences of our customers."
