McDonald's launches its first-ever plant-based vegan burger at selected restaurants in the North East on Wednesday.

The McPlant will be rolled out to 250 branches across the country from Wednesday October 13, in the second phase of a two-part trial after an initial launch in 10 midlands restaurants in late September

Selected McDonald's restaurants in the Newcastle area are part of the extended trial.

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The McPlant contains a plant-based patty developed in collaboration with Beyond Meat, a vegan sesame bun, mustard, ketchup, vegan sauce, fresh onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and pea protein-based vegan cheese which "tastes just like McDonald's iconic cheese slices".

Michelle Graham-Clare, chief marketing officer at McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said: “We’re so pleased to be finally launching McPlant in the UK and Ireland.

"As with every McDonald’s offering, we take our time to ensure it meets the highest standards and is something that all our customers will enjoy.

"We are always looking for different ways to innovate and meet our customers’ needs, and with McPlant we have a delicious plant-based burger that will appeal to everyone.

"Whether you’re vegan or just fancy a plant-based patty, we’re confident you will enjoy the McPlant.”

McDonald's says the vegan burger is cooked separately from other products, using dedicated utensils.

It adds: "Based on feedback and expectations from local customers, the UK&I version of the McPlant is fully accredited as vegan by the Vegetarian Society to ensure it meets the highest vegan standards."

Where to get the McPlant vegan burger at McDonald's from Wednesday October 13

McDonald's has confirmed the following North East restaurants will be selling the McPlant, which costs £3.59.

• Asda, Longbenton
• Byker, Newcastle
• Coast Road, North Shields
• Gosforth Park, Newcastle
• Killingworth
• Kingston Park, Newcastle
• Grainger Street, Newcastle

For a full list of the 250 McDonald's around the UK and Ireland that sell the McPlant, head here.

Will more McDonald's get the vegan McPlant?

If the product proves successful - like the Greggs vegan sausage roll - in the 250 store trial, then expect it to be rolled out at McDonald's across the country.

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