If you’re vegan, you know how frustrating it can be when a restaurant suddenly removes your go-to meal. Just when you’ve found a solid plant-based option, it’s gone—leaving you to start the search all over again.
Denny’s was once a great option for vegans thanks to their Beyond Burger, a plant-based patty that mimicked the taste and texture of real meat. But by 2023, Denny’s discontinued the Beyond Burger and replaced it with Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Burger.
Why the switch? And how do these two burgers compare? Let’s take a closer look.
Beyond Burger vs. Denny’s New Veggie Patty
The Beyond Burger – A Meatless Meat Experience
When Denny’s introduced the Beyond Burger in 2020, it was a big deal. The patty, made by Beyond Meat, was designed to look, cook, and taste like beef, using pea protein, beet juice, and coconut oil to recreate the experience of eating a real burger.
For many vegans (and flexitarians), this was the perfect option—it tasted like a traditional burger without the ethical concerns. But there were some downsides:
- Expensive – Beyond Meat is about twice the price of regular beef, making it costly for both restaurants and customers.
- Not as healthy as you’d think – At 270 calories, 6g of saturated fat, and 860mg of sodium, it wasn’t much different nutritionally from a regular burger.
- Falling demand – Beyond Meat’s sales dropped sharply, leading many restaurants, including Denny’s, to phase it out.
Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Patty – A Whole-Food Alternative
Denny’s has now replaced the Beyond Burger with Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Patty—a completely different type of plant-based burger.
Rather than trying to taste like meat, this burger is made from real vegetables, including:
- Carrots
- Onions
- String beans
- Zucchini
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Corn
- Spinach
- Red peppers
- Garlic & spices
Unlike the Beyond Burger, Dr. Praeger’s patty isn’t designed to taste like beef. Instead, it’s a crispy, flavorful veggie burger that highlights whole ingredients.
Why Did Denny’s Discontinue the Beyond Burger?
Denny’s decision to remove the Beyond Burger wasn’t personal—it was business. Here’s why:
1. Sales Declined
Fast-food chains like Denny’s, McDonald’s, and Dunkin’ all introduced Beyond Meat products around the same time. But by 2023, many had removed them due to low demand.
For example, McDonald’s McPlant burger underperformed in the U.S., with sales falling short of expectations by over 50% in some locations. If a major chain like McDonald’s struggled to sell Beyond Meat, it’s no surprise Denny’s faced the same issue.
2. Cost Was Too High
Beyond Meat is much more expensive than traditional beef. Since fast-food chains operate on thin profit margins, keeping an expensive item that isn’t selling well doesn’t make sense.
3. Consumer Preferences Shifted
While many vegans and vegetarians liked Beyond Meat, others weren’t impressed. Some felt that:
- The ingredient list was too processed.
- It wasn’t as healthy as expected.
- It didn’t fit a whole-food plant-based diet.
Denny’s likely saw Dr. Praeger’s as a better long-term fit, appealing to both health-conscious customers and those looking for a more affordable option.
Is the New Veggie Burger at Denny’s Worth Trying?
If you loved the Beyond Burger because it tasted like meat, you might be disappointed by Dr. Praeger’s veggie patty. But if you prefer a healthier, veggie-forward option, this burger could be a pleasant surprise.
Here’s what to expect:
- A lighter, fresher taste with real veggie flavors.
- A crispy texture from the breaded coating.
- A lower-calorie, lower-fat option that feels more like a homemade veggie burger.
The switch may not please everyone, but it’s worth trying to see if it fits your taste.
Final Thoughts
Denny’s discontinued the Beyond Burger because sales were too low, costs were too high, and consumer demand shifted.
They have now replaced it with Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Burger, a healthier, whole-food-based option that doesn’t try to mimic meat.
While this change has frustrated fans of the Beyond Burger, the new veggie patty offers a more budget-friendly and nutritionally balanced alternative.
Will it be as popular? Only time will tell. But if you’re looking for a lighter, plant-forward option, the new veggie burger might just hit the spot.
