Chicken Chain Nando’s Launches Vegan Chicken in the UK

This week, South Africa-based chicken chain Nando’s launched “The Great Imitator” vegan chicken strips at its locations across the United Kingdom. The chain says the new vegan option was crafted to taste similar to Nando’s signature PERi-PERi chicken breast fillet but is made from pea protein. The Great Imitator can be ordered on a burger with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayonnaise; on a toasted pita with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and cucumber; or as a wrap with lettuce and chili jam. The chain warns that the vegan chicken is cooked on the same grill as its animal-based chicken. Nando’s has also added sweet potato wedges with vegan garlic mayonnaise to its menu.

“PETA is delighted to have played a part in Nando’s journey to putting this delicious plant-based chicken on the table,” Dawn Carr, Director of Vegan Corporate Projects for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), said. “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!” Earlier this year, Nando’s launched the vegan chicken burger across its locations in Queensland, Australia, with a greater rollout to all 270 Australian locations anticipated later this year.