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Taco Bell announced Thursday that it has partnered with Beyond Meat Inc. BYND, +5.97% to create a plant-based protein that will begin testing in the next year.
This is the brand’s first steps into the world of plant-based meats. Other big fast-food names including fellow Yum Brands Inc. YUM, +2.05% chain KFC and McDonald’s Corp. MCD, -0.30%, which is expected to launch the McPlant in 2021.
Beyond Meat has partnered with and popped up on menus across the culinary spectrum.
This week, the company announced that plant-based Beyond Breakfast Sausage will be offered as part of a free breakfast promotion at Gregorys Coffee in New York City, Love Burger Shack in Dallas, Craftsman & Wolves in San Francisco, and PLNT Burger in Washington, D.C. among other places.
Beyond Meat shares jumped 7% in early Thursday trading after the Taco Bell announcement.
Taco Bell is also expanding its existing vegetarian options by bringing back potatoes. Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco will be available on March 11.
Also: Not just snacks: Albertsons says customers now make more trips to load up on fresh products
Taco Bell has also offered other meatless items, like a bean burrito and, internationally, items like the Halloumi Crunchwrap in Cyprus.
Yum stock is up 6.4% over the past year while the S&P 500 index SPX, +0.20% has gained 16% for the period.
