Jack in the Box testing plant-based Impossible burgers across Phoenix area

PHOENIX – Jack in the Box is testing plant-based burgers that resemble real beef at dozens of locations across metro Phoenix, the company announced this week.

For an additional $1 or $1.50, Valley diners can now opt for an Impossible Foods patty when ordering one of Jack in the Box’s core burger items, the fast food chain said.

The trial run started Monday and runs through Dec. 12 at more than 120 participating locations in Phoenix and surrounding suburbs.

“We’re excited to test the Impossible burger patty at our Phoenix locations. We feel it is important to give our guests as many options to choose from as possible, because Jack in the Box is all about menu variety and satisfying all types of cravings,” Ryan Ostrom, the chain’s chief marketing officer, said in a press release.

“Our consumer insights show our guests are interested in plant-based options and we want to give them as many ways to enjoy our products as possible.”

The list of participating restaurants includes locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Tolleson, Avondale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Apache Junction and more.

Impossible Foods developed its burgers to look, sizzle and taste like meat patties, with as much protein as 80/20 ground beef. The ingredients include soy protein, coconut oil, sunflower oil, potato protein and heme.

The plant-based patties have 14 grams of total fat and 8 grams of saturated fat per serving, with no cholesterol, according to the release.

“More and more, meat eaters are looking for new ways to enjoy the same foods they know and love while doing something great for the planet,” Dennis Woodside, Impossible Foods president, said in the release.

“Jack in the Box is delivering on that with a patty that tastes great in every single burger on its core menu.”

Jack in the Box isn’t the first major fast food chain to explore beef burger substitutes.

Competitor McDonald’s announced last week it was launching a small-scale test of the McPlant – a meatless burger the chain developed along with Beyond Meat – at eight select U.S. locations.

Burger King has been serving an Impossible Whopper for a couple of years, and Carl’s Jr. offers the Beyond Famous Star.

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