White Castle's plant-based burger, the Impossible Slider, is the best in the business. So good, we recently honored it with a Fastie Award in the Best Plant-Based Burger category. And while this meat-free slider is a good choice for vegetarians or anyone who's seeking an alternative to beef, it wasn't entirely vegan -- until now.
The chain announced this week that it plans to start topping the Impossible Slider with a new, dairy-free cheese replacement. Beginning March 1, the non-dairy cheddar will be available to order on any slider at participating New York and New Jersey locations. Hurrah for our vegan and lactose-challenged friends!
"Our Impossible Slider was an instant Craver favorite, but it's about to get a new dimension with the introduction of dairy-free cheddar," Vice President Jamie Richardson said in a statement. "We are excited to bring this new non-dairy, vegan item to Cravers in the New York and New Jersey areas with the hope of taking it to other markets in the future."
This isn't the first time White Castle has made its commitment to the plant-based movement known. Back in 2015, the burger slinger introduced a vegan patty in collaboration with Dr. Praeger's, officially dubbed the "Veggie Slider," in retail stores. Just last summer, the chain gave its wildly popular Impossible Slider a BBQ-style update for the season. And in case you're wondering, White Castle also updated its bun recipe to make it vegan friendly.
"We're committed to innovation, and we're always looking for ways to do things better and make things better for our loyal customers," Richardson added. "It's exciting to be the fast-food restaurant that's leading the trend in providing plant-based options for consumers."
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Megan Schaltegger is a staff writer at Thrillist. Follow her @MegSchaltegger.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of plant-based cuisine, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise on the subject. My extensive exploration of plant-based alternatives, coupled with a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field, allows me to provide credible insights into the evolving landscape of plant-based foods. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about White Castle's plant-based burger, the Impossible Slider.
White Castle's Impossible Slider with Dairy-Free Cheese Replacement
1. Impossible Slider:
- White Castle's Impossible Slider is a plant-based burger featuring the Impossible Burger patty, known for its realistic meat-like texture and taste.
- The Impossible Burger is made from ingredients like soy protein, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and heme (derived from plants), which gives it a meaty flavor.
2. Fastie Award:
- The article mentions that the Impossible Slider received a Fastie Award in the Best Plant-Based Burger category, indicating industry recognition for its excellence in the plant-based burger sector.
3. Dairy-Free Cheese Replacement:
- White Castle plans to enhance the Impossible Slider by introducing a new dairy-free cheese replacement.
- This move aims to cater to a broader audience, including vegans and those who are lactose intolerant.
4. Non-Dairy Cheddar:
- The non-dairy cheddar mentioned is a cheese substitute that does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. It is designed to replicate the taste and texture of traditional cheddar without using dairy.
5. Geographical Availability:
- Starting from March 1, the non-dairy cheddar topping will be available at participating White Castle locations in New York and New Jersey.
- The availability of plant-based options in specific regions reflects the growing demand for such alternatives in the market.
6. White Castle's Commitment to Plant-Based Options:
- White Castle has demonstrated a commitment to the plant-based movement, as evident from its previous initiatives.
- In 2015, White Castle collaborated with Dr. Praeger's to introduce the "Veggie Slider," a vegan patty, in retail stores.
- Last summer, the chain updated its popular Impossible Slider with a BBQ-style twist to align with seasonal preferences.
7. Vegan-Friendly Bun Recipe:
- In addition to the plant-based patty and non-dairy cheddar, White Castle updated its bun recipe to make it vegan-friendly.
- This holistic approach ensures that the entire sandwich is free from animal products, catering to a broader customer base.
8. Future Expansion:
- White Castle expresses its excitement about introducing the dairy-free cheddar in New York and New Jersey with plans to expand to other markets in the future.
- This forward-looking approach aligns with the evolving consumer preferences for more plant-based options in the fast-food industry.
In conclusion, White Castle's recent announcement reflects not only a response to the increasing demand for plant-based options but also a strategic move to cater to specific dietary preferences, such as vegan and lactose-free choices. The brand's commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of its customers positions it as a leader in providing plant-based alternatives within the fast-food landscape.
