Has anyone noticed that it feels like there’s been a bit of a backslide in veggie and vegan foods of late? Maybe it’s just me, but it does kind of seem as though the peak moment of plant-based everything has passed. Sure, you can still find vegan meat alternatives everywhere, but the flurry of new products that came in the first half of the decade has quietened down a little – and for people who don’t eat meat who got used to having more and more options in grocery stores and fast food chains, that kinda feels like a backstep.
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So, White Castle’s newest release feels both like a challenge to that slightly shrinking nature and a very welcome change to its regular menu. In a first for the chain, it’s introducing a new meat-free slider. And it’s permanent. We’re sold.
White Castle’s Southwest Veggie Slider
White Castle announced its new Southwest Veggie Slider at the start of this week, and the chain has said that it’s a response to what its customers have been asking for. “Our Cravers have been pretty vocal about wanting an alternative to traditional meat Sliders that doesn’t compromise on flavor,” said chief marketing officer Jamie Richardson in a statement. “That prompted our menu innovation team to prioritize finding a craveable alternative, and we believe the Southwest Veggie Slider delivers on that in a big way.” White Castle developed the sandwich through consumer research, through which it established exactly what type of veggie burger (because let’s be real, there are a lot of them) its customers wanted.
The result is more of an old-school vibe than an imitation meat vibe – and I have a feeling that White Castle is gonna fare all the better for that decision. The Southwest Veggie Slider uses a Dr. Praeger’s patty as a base, made with a mix of six vegetables and with a crispy brown rice crust. It’s then hit with smoky chipotle and sweet BBQ flavors, and comes on one of its classic slider buns. Jalapeño cheese comes as standard, but you can add in American or cheddar instead if you want.
Available Now!
Yep! The Southwest Veggie Slider is now available in White Castle locations across the country, where it’ll start at $2.49. It’s here for both a good time and a long time (well, we hope, anyway). As well as being able to order the base sandwich, you can also grab it in a limited-time combo meal, brought out to mark its release. From July 1 to 31, grab two of the sliders, a small fry, and a small drink for $5 (you have to be a Craver Nation Rewards member, but it’s a small trade-off). Veggie burgers…we are so back.
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!