Dua Lipa and Callum Turner wedding divides Palermo: ‘I could understand if it was for the pope’
Dua Lipa and Callum Turner celebrate their wedding in Palermo, drawing mixed reactions from locals.
The Guardian World1 min read
White Castle adds veggie burger to menu as plant-based eating grows
TL;DR
White Castle has introduced a permanent meat-free option, the Southwest Veggie Slider, to its menu. This new slider features a veggie patty made with various vegetables and is aimed at the growing number of plant-based eaters in the U.S.
Key points
- White Castle introduces the Southwest Veggie Slider.
- The slider features a veggie patty with various vegetables.
- Plant-based eating is on the rise in the U.S.
Mentioned in this story
White CastleOhio
Vegetarians have a new reason to celebrate: White Castle has added a permanent meat-free option to its menu.
On Monday, the Columbus, Ohio-based slider chain announced the launch of the Southwest Veggie Slider, featuring a crispy brown rice crust and a smoky chipotle- and barbecue-inspired veggie patty made with sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, red bell peppers, onions and carrots.
The new slider is served on White Castle’s signature bun and topped with jalapeño cheese, though customers can substitute American or cheddar cheese if they prefer.
The latest addition comes as the number of plant-based eaters continues to grow nationwide. Recent surveys suggest that Americans who identify as vegetarian or vegan now account for at least 6% of the population, with some estimates placing the figure at 10-15%.
“Our Cravers have been pretty vocal about wanting an alternative to traditional meat Sliders that doesn’t compromise on flavor,” Jamie Richardson, White Castle’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement.
“That prompted our menu innovation team to prioritize finding a craveable alternative, and we believe the Southwest Veggie Slider delivers on that in a big way,” Richardson added.
According to White Castle, the new product was developed in response to customer feedback on a meatless option. White Castle ultimately selected a veggie patty created by Dr Praeger’s, a company known for its vegetarian frozen foods, as the base of the sandwich.
Despite the growing number of plant-based eaters across the country, sales of veggie burgers have declined amid a resurgence of pro-meat sentiments championed by the Trump administration.
New dietary guidelines announced earlier this year by the Trump administration increased protein intake from both animal and plant sources, along with the consumption of full-fat dairy products.
Q&A
What is the Southwest Veggie Slider at White Castle?
The Southwest Veggie Slider is a new permanent menu item featuring a crispy brown rice crust and a veggie patty made from sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and other vegetables.
Why is White Castle adding a veggie burger to its menu?
White Castle is responding to the growing demand for plant-based options, as surveys indicate that 6-15% of Americans identify as vegetarian or vegan.
What toppings are available for the Southwest Veggie Slider?
The Southwest Veggie Slider comes topped with jalapeño cheese, but customers can choose to substitute American or cheddar cheese.
