With the popularity of plant-based diets soaring, so are the demands for delicious vegetarian and vegan options. As the UK embraces the growing sustainable food system, fierce competition has emerged to claim the title of the nation’s best veggie burger. With numerous contenders vying for the top spot, who will come out on top?
The Contenders For The Best Veggie Burger:
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
Known for their original gourmet burger, GBK is a go-to option for burger lovers across the UK. Their three choices of veggie burger do not compromise the quality you expect from the franchise.
Their ‘Californian’ burger features a handmade pan-fried bean patty, vegan cheese, smashed avocado, paprika onions, mayo, relish and salad. While you are there why not have one of their vegan vanilla milkshakes on the side?
The Vurger Co
This 100% plant-based based eatery has crafted a range of mouthwatering burgers that are both nutritious and satisfying. The franchise offers a range of ‘meat-like’ patties from ‘chicken’ to ‘beef’, and also a vegetable-based patty so there is really something for everyone.
One of the most popular items is their Ranch ‘Chicken’ burger made with their crispy ‘chicken’ fillet, topped with gherkins, crispy onions and house-made ranch sauce.
The Vurger Co. has gained a loyal following for its commitment to using high-quality, whole-food ingredients and the company is praised for being environmentally conscious. So much so that they recently announced that they have won the Marie Claire Sustainability Award for ‘Best Sustainable Fast Food Brand’.
Honest Burgers’ Vegan Teriyaki Burger
This popular UK burger chain offers a plant-based option that has hooked foodies with its bold flavours. Featuring a beyond-meat patty made, Honest Burgers ‘Vegan Teriyaki Burger’ combines plant-based power with the taste of Japan. Topped with pulled shiitake mushrooms, teriyaki sauce, applewood vegan cheese, grilled peppers, spring onions, umami mayo and lettuce. This burger truly stands up to the test.
Patty & Bun’s ‘Dig It‘
The London-based Patty & Bun’s portobello ‘dig it’ mushroom burger features a braised field mushroom fritter, garlic parsley butter, cheese sauce, coleslaw, lettuce and tarragon mayo enwrapped in a soft brioche bun.
Patty & Bun works with some of the top artisan producers in the country to create their unique burger combinations and now has three vegetarian options available on their menu.
Leon’s LOVe Burger
Leon, a fast-casual chain committed to offering healthy and sustainable food has created a burger made primarily from beetroot and soya patty, served with Leon’s signature vegan burger sauce. With its widespread availability, this could be a great affordable option for those with little time but still want a healthier option.
Mcdonalds – The Mcplant
Developed in collaboration with Beyond Meat, this burger aims to replicate the taste and texture of beef. Made primarily from pea protein, the McPlant Burger caters to the growing demand for meat alternatives without compromising on the classic McDonald’s taste. Topped with classic ingredients of lettuce, tomato, pickles, vegan cheese, and McDonalds special burger sauce.
Fat Hippo
Fat Hippo has cracked the code to creating a towering veggie burger that really gives you a band for your buck. Known for their overflowing buns and stacked burgers, Fat Hippo has an entirely separate vegan menu that leaves you spoilt for choice.
Their Kula Faker burger includes southern fried plant-based chicken, vegan cheese, salt & chilli pepper, bang bang pickles, pink onions, lettuce, and yum yum sauce.
The Judgement
Choosing the UK’s best veggie burger depends on individual preferences for taste, texture, and cost. While Honest Burgers, GBK and Fat Hippo pay homage to tradition, Patty & Bun and The Vurger Co. showcase creativity, and Mildreds adds a touch of gourmet finesse. Leon’s, Mcdonalds, and Burger King’s accessibility and mass appeal bring plant-based options to a wider audience.
Ultimately, the battle for the UK’s best veggie burger reflects how many delicious possibilities there are for veggie burgers in the UK. Regardless of the win, the real triumph lies in the increasing availability and acceptance of plant-based options across the country.