Nando's Introduces Plant-Based Burger Made From Pea Protein

The popular food chain already has vegetarian options but this is the first time it's introduced a plant-based burger to the menu.

Named 'The Great Imitator', the product will be made from pea protein and will be available nationwide from tomorrow (Tuesday 13 October) on a burger or pitta.

The Great Imitator will be served as four strips that are grilled to order. Nando's fans will still be able to turn up the heat, by choosing their desired level of spice on the PERi-ometer, as they would with the meat options.

While the burger itself is vegan, Nando's won't be labelling it as such because it will be prepared on the same grills as the chicken so they can't guarantee that there won't be cross contamination.

The website does however state: "We do take rigorous steps to segregate our non-meat products from our meat products. We choose a specific part of the grill for our non-meat products and we use separate utensils for them too."

As all the ingredients are completely animal-free - right down to the mayo - the Great Imitator is a potential choice for vegans and vegetarians (if you're alright with the cooking method), flexitarians and meat-reducers.

Dawn Carr, Director of Vegan Corporate Projects, PETA, says: "PETA is delighted to have played a part in Nando's journey to putting this delicious plant-based chicken on the table.

"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, cluck yes!"

Sticking with the plant-based theme, the Great Imitator isn't the only new item coming to the October Nando's menu.

Those looking for the perfect starter to share can now tuck into some Sweet Potato Wedges with Garlic PERinaise - both are plant-based and 10p from each purchase goes to Nando's Fighting Malaria.

Garlic PERinaise is also now available as a condiment along with PERi BBQ for all those PERi Tamer fans out there.

The Great Imitator and Sweet Potato Wedges with Garlic PERinaise will both be available to all flexitarian and PERi-PERi fans across restaurants and delivery nationwide from Tuesday 13 October.