The petition for veggie burgers at In-N-Out Burger

Image: Ken Wolter/Shutterstock

Ever walked into a fast food restaurant and thought, “Why don’t they have a vegetarian option?” The people at the Good Food Institute, a nonprofit that advocates for meat alternatives, have done just that, and they’re doing something about it. Their target? Fast food icon In-N-Out Burger.

While the chain is famously opposed to outside persuasion, the Good Food Institute’s Change.org petition is impossible to ignore. The open letter to Lynsi Snyder, President of In-N-Out Burger, states, “If you want a meat-free meal at In-N-Out, you’re going to be stuck eating multiple orders of French fries or a cheese-slathered bun. In-N-Out has been letting its fans down by failing to serve anything that would satisfy a burger-loving customer who wants a healthy, humane, and sustainable option.”

For a company that claims ethical practices and seemingly cares for customer satisfaction, it makes sense that In-N-Out might adapt to the wishes of the people. The petition now has over 40,000 supporters (with less than 10,000 to go to meet their goal), so it’s obvious that the momentum is building.

The letter continues by adding, “The push for plant-based meats is growing, with Millennials leading the charge and backing up their desire to support ethical companies with a whopping $200 billion in annual buying power.”

The move isn’t unprecedented, with several recognizable fast food chains having already made the vegetarian-friendly adjustment. For example, White Castle introduced veggie sliders in 2015, Burger King has the BK Veggie, and Chipotle has vegan sofritas. It’s clear that the overall societal shift toward healthier foods and sustainable business practices has made a lasting impact on the classic fast food lineup.

The Good Food Institute agrees. In the letter, they state, “As a company that prides itself on both customer satisfaction and ethical business practices, adding a meat-free option is a no-brainer. And by making this single addition, In-N-Out would be making a huge statement that it truly cares about its customers’ health and the health of the planet.”

The only question that remains is, will In-N-Out Burger listen to its customer base and include a vegetarian burger on the menu? Only time will tell.

If you wish to see healthier options at In-N-Out, visit the petition and sign your name. If not, let us know in the comments why you believe this isn’t a good idea for In-N-Out Burger or other similar fast food brands.