The new menu item comes is expected to replicate their peri-peri chicken breast filet. However, the Imitator will be made entirely from pea protein. Nando’s wrote on their website about their venture into vege options stating:
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We’ve made some pretty big commitments to fight climate change, and introducing more plant-based options to our menus is just one of the many ways we’re aiming to bring down our carbon emissions. Because when it comes to climate change, we’re not clucking about.
The brand new vege option will be available both in-store and online from the 13th of October. The option sees four strips of meat grilled perfectly to serve and ready to be paired with Nando’s delicious range of sauces. But, although The Great Imitator is entirely plant-based, Nando’s will not be labelling it as vegan as it is prepared in the same kitchen as the rest of the more meaty dishes.
The new vegetarian meal will be available in the form of burgers, pittas and wraps and will be the perfect accompaniment with Nando’s new plant-based sweet potato wedges with garlic PERInaise.
Dawn Carr, Director of Vegan Corporate Projects, PETA spoke about Nando’s new vegetarian venture:
PETA is delighted to have played a part in Nando's journey to putting this delicious plant-based chicken on the table. Nando's can't guarantee zero risk of cross-contamination, so it's not calling it vegan, but as all the ingredients in the burger and pitta versions are completely animal-free - right down to the mayo - we say these are an excellent choice for vegans, vegetarians, meat-reducers, and chickens. Cluck yes!
Nando’s isn’t the only fast-food chain on High Street that are embracing more alternative takes to their traditional dishes. Gregg’s vege roll took the work by storm this year, KFC also announced they would be trialling their meat-free chicken bucket. Not to mention Domino’s has branched into the plant-based alternative business and McDonald’s launched their first-ever vegan meal and happy meal option.
So, whether it’s Nando’s of Macca’s it looks like vegetarians finally have some fast-food options.
