Fast-food giant McDonald’s has quietly removed its vegetarian burger and wrap from menus in both Czechia and Slovakia. The change came without a press release or official announcement, leaving customers to notice only when the items vanished from the menu boards.
Low Demand, Weak Flavor
According to reports in Hospodářské noviny and Flowee, the main reason behind the move was persistently low sales. “Interest in vegetarian items gradually declined,” confirmed Martin Troup, McDonald’s marketing director for Czechia.
Vegetarian burgers had been tested in Czechia for several years, but they never gained the traction of classics like the Big Mac or Cheeseburger. Critics argue that the issue wasn’t only demand, but also the product itself. The flavor, texture, and ingredient combinations felt flat and uninspiring. As Flowee put it, “The fact that they didn’t taste good was only part of the problem.”
A Shock for Slovak Customers
While the change in Czechia happened with little fanfare, in Slovakia it sparked stronger reactions. Local media such as Bratislavák.sk reported that customers were shocked when McDonald’s suddenly pulled both the vegetarian burger and wrap at once, without warning. Discussions online reflected frustration among vegetarians who now find their options limited to fries and salad.
Abroad, the Taste Is Better
On social media, the debate quickly turned to quality differences. Under a Facebook post by Hospodářské noviny, commenters noted that McDonald’s vegetarian products taste far better abroad. While the Czech and Slovak versions were seen as compromise options, customers in countries like Scandinavia and the UK praised burgers developed in partnership with Beyond Meat. One comment summed it up: “The problem isn’t that people don’t want a vegetarian burger. The problem is that here, it simply wasn’t good.”
What’s Next?
McDonald’s has yet to officially comment on the removal of these items in Czechia and Slovakia. Salads, sides, and the Filet-O-Fish — brought back after customer demand — remain on the menu.
Whether the chain will revisit vegetarian alternatives in the region remains to be seen. Globally, McDonald’s continues to experiment: its McPlant line, developed with Beyond Meat, has performed well in some markets and failed in others.
For the Czech and Slovak markets, the message is clear: vegetarian options still struggle to find a foothold in mainstream fast food. And if plant-based eating is to succeed in this space, it will need to be not just available — but truly delicious.
