Are you a fan of Dunkin’ Donuts breakfast sandwiches? Have you ever wondered what kind of meat is in their sausage? Is it pork or beef?
The answer may surprise you.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Dunkin’ Donuts sausage and take a closer look at some recent developments in the world of plant-based meat substitutes.
So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we delve into the delicious world of breakfast sandwiches.
Is Dunkin Donuts Sausage Pork Or Beef?
Dunkin’ Donuts sausage is made of pork. The sausage is a traditional formless slab of meat that is a popular addition to many breakfast sandwiches. While some may prefer beef or other types of meat, Dunkin’ Donuts has stuck with pork for their sausage.
It’s important to note that the sausage at Dunkin’ Donuts is not made from scratch on site. Instead, it is sourced from a supplier and then cooked and served at the restaurant. This means that the quality and flavor of the sausage may vary depending on the supplier and cooking methods.
The History Of Dunkin’ Donuts Sausage
Dunkin’ Donuts has been serving sausage as part of their breakfast menu for many years. The exact history of their sausage recipe is not clear, but it is known that the company has always focused on providing quick, convenient, and affordable breakfast options for their customers.
Over time, Dunkin’ Donuts has made some changes to their sausage offerings. In November 2019, they introduced a Beyond Sausage Sandwich made with plant-based sausage from Beyond Meat. This option was a response to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan options at fast food restaurants.
Despite this new addition, the traditional pork sausage remains a staple on the Dunkin’ Donuts breakfast menu. It is a popular choice for customers who want a classic breakfast sandwich with a savory and satisfying flavor.
Pork Or Beef: What’s In Dunkin’ Donuts Sausage?
If you’re wondering what exactly is in Dunkin’ Donuts sausage, the answer is simple: pork meat, spices, and seasoning. The sausage is made from a blend of ground pork and a variety of spices to give it its distinct flavor. The spices and seasoning used may vary depending on the supplier and recipe, but they typically include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other herbs.
While some may prefer beef or other types of meat, pork is a popular choice for sausage due to its rich flavor and versatility. Pork sausage is a staple in many breakfast dishes and is a great way to start off your day with a flavorful and satisfying meal.
It’s worth noting that Dunkin’ Donuts has also recently released a plant-based Beyond Sausage Sandwich made from Beyond Meat patties. This option is completely pork-free and is made from plant-based protein sources.
The Rise Of Plant-Based Meat Substitutes
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the popularity of plant-based meat substitutes, and this trend has been spreading rapidly among food chains. According to Forbes Magazine, the plant-based food market is projected to increase to $6.43 billion by 2023. This growth is largely driven by meat substitutes, which accounted for $4.63 billion of the projected $100 billion of retail sales for meat, poultry, and meat substitutes in 2019.
Food chains like Dunkin’ Donuts have also started to embrace this trend by offering meatless-menu options. Dunkin’ CEO David Hoffman recently announced that the company is considering plant-based proteins for its menu options. This is a significant shift from their current menu, which includes meaty options like sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiches and bacon omelette wraps.
Competitors like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are leading the charge in this market. Impossible Foods produces 500,000 pounds of its Impossible Burgers per month to serve more than 5,000 restaurants. Beyond Meat, on the other hand, saw sales of its meat-free burgers, chicken strips, and sausage increase by 70%. The company has expanded to more than 35,000 restaurants, grocery stores, universities, hotels, and stadiums.
Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are both competing for market share and collaborating with various food chains. Last month, Beyond Meat partnered with Carl’s Jr. as well as with Del Taco, making it the first major Mexican fast-food chain to sell faux-beef tacos. As for Impossible Foods, it announced a partnership with Burger King in addition to its White Castle Impossible Sliders.
The rise of plant-based meat substitutes is not just limited to fast-food chains. Walk into any supermarket in America and you’ll likely find shelves full of plant-based meat products such as burgers, sausage, and even “chicken” nuggets. Major fast-food chains such as McDonald’s and Chipotle also offer meals built around plant-based meat.
This trend is being driven by the increasing demand for vegan and vegetarian options among consumers. The NPD Group found that 18% of Americans are trying to reduce their meat intake. The U.S. market for meat substitutes reached $1.44 billion in 2018, according to Euromonitor data.
While plant-based meat substitutes have enjoyed explosive growth in their first few years, sales plateaued in 2021 and are now growing slowly. For some consumers, the novelty factor may be wearing off. Diners were blown away by their first bite of an Impossible Burger but when its novelty faded, it was just a burger with a higher price point and similar calorie count as its traditional meat counterpart.
Dunkin’ Donuts And Beyond Meat: A Partnership For The Future
In July 2019, Dunkin’ Donuts announced a new partnership with Beyond Meat, a revolutionary plant-based meat company. This partnership aimed to introduce a new plant-based menu option for Dunkin’ guests in Manhattan, the Beyond Sausage Breakfast Sandwich. This sandwich was made with the Beyond Breakfast Sausage patty, which was crafted specifically for Dunkin’ with a mix of spices and served on an English muffin with egg and American cheese.
This partnership was a significant move for Dunkin’ as it made them the first U.S. restaurant brand to serve Beyond Breakfast Sausage. The success of the sandwich was evident when it quickly became the number one breakfast seller for both vegetarians and meat eaters combined. The sandwich’s popularity led to plans for a national rollout, which began on November 6, 2019.
Beyond Meat has since gone on to collaborate with other fast-food chains such as McDonald’s and Taco Bell, offering plant-based options such as the McPlant burger and vegan chicken tenders. The company has also launched an e-commerce site to sell products directly to consumers and partnered with PepsiCo to develop and market plant-based snacks and drinks.
The partnership between Dunkin’ Donuts and Beyond Meat is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. By offering plant-based protein options, both companies are contributing to better-for-the-planet environmental benefits. This partnership also highlights the growing trend towards plant-based diets, which are becoming increasingly popular among consumers concerned about their health and environmental impact.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Dunkin’ Donuts Breakfast Sandwiches Responsibly
When it comes to enjoying Dunkin’ Donuts breakfast sandwiches, it’s important to do so responsibly. While the plant-based Beyond Breakfast Sausage and low carb options like the Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich and Veggie Egg White Wake Up Wrap are great choices for those looking for healthier options, it’s important to keep in mind that these sandwiches are still fast food and should be consumed in moderation.
If you’re looking to indulge in a traditional breakfast sandwich with pork sausage or smoked bacon, it’s okay to enjoy it as a treat every once in a while. However, it’s important to balance it out with healthier options throughout the day and make sure you’re not consuming too much saturated fat and sodium.