McDonald's Sweden launches 'McFalafel' as first vegan Happy Meal

One in 10 Swedes now identify as vegetarian or vegan

The McFalafel features falafels made with chickpeas, parsley, garlic, and cumin

McDonald’s Sweden has added a new vegan option to its menu – The McFalafel.

Following the success of its McVegan sandwich - a soy-based burger patty featuring an eggless McFeast sauce - in 2017, the fast food chain has now extended its offering with a new product aimed at children.

The McFalafel is McDonald’s Sweden’s first vegan Happy Meal, featuring falafels made with chickpeas, parsley, garlic, and cumin.

The meal also comes with the option of two new dipping sauces – a yogurt sauce for vegetarians, and a vegan pepper dip.

With the number of vegans soaring across the globe, more and more brands are taking note and launching new products to cater to a new demographic of plant-based eating customers.

As with standard Happy Meal’s, this vegan version also comes with the choice of apples, carrots, or a small order of fries and an accompaniment of milk, juice, or fizzy drink.

The news comes after sales of McDonald’s Sweden’s McVegan sandwich exceeded expectations and a recent poll by Animal Rights Sweden that revealed almost one in 10 Swedes now eat a plant-based diet.

With the number of vegans across the globe soaring in the past few years, more and more brands are launching new products to cater to plant-loving customers.

To coincide with Veganuary, an annual event that raises awareness of the health and environmental benefits of veganism, McDonald’s UK also launched its first ever vegan Happy Meal.

There are two variations of the meal. The first, which costs £2.49, contains a veggie wrap, consisting of a red pesto goujon with tomato ketchup and shredded lettuce in a toasted wrap.

The second, which costs £2.99, contains a spicy veggie wrap, consisting of two red pesto goujons, spicy relish with tomato, lettuce and red onion wrapped in a toasted tortilla.

“There’s a growing demand for veggie food everywhere and it’s fantastic to see McDonald’s meeting the needs of their customers,” says Lynne Elliot, chief executive of the Vegetarian Society.

“It is especially important for young veggies to be able to choose something to eat when they are out with their friends.”

Other new launches in the UK include Greggs’ vegan sausage roll, Marks & Spencer’s Plant Kitchen range, TGI Fridays' vegan “bleeding” burger and a new non-dairy ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s.