McDonald’s could launch its first vegan burger in the UK next year.

Dubbed the “McPlant”, the company said the burger is ready, and is now waiting for suitable consumer demand in order to launch.

The burger was developed alongside Beyond Meat, one of the foremost Silicon Valley plant-based meat manufacturers in the world.

McDonald’s has tested plant-based burgers in branches before, but McPlant appears the real deal – a worldwide offering.

International president Ian Borden said in a statement: “As we have worked to better understand customer demand, some markets around the world have tested plant-based products.

“Informed by those learnings, we have created a delicious burger that will be the first menu option in a plant-based platform we are calling McPlant. McPlant is crafted exclusively for McDonald’s, by McDonald’s. In the future, McPlant could extend across a line of plant-based products including burgers, chicken-substitutes and breakfast sandwiches.

“And, we expect some markets will test the burger next year. We are excited about the opportunity because we believe we have a proven, delicious-tasting product. When customers are ready for it, we are ready for them.”