The U.S. is seeing a rapid rise in the number of vegan fast food chains. The owner of Next Level Burger, a brand that specialises in plant-based burgers, has announced his intention to reinvent the classic American burger joint by opening 1 000 of branches by 2024. The brand joins the likes of veggie Grill, a vegan fast-casual chain that has more than 30 outlets in that country.

This could be us, but you playin’ Today is the LAST DAY for you to try the Peachy Portland Burger! All NLB locations nationwide are serving up this delicious creation, so you have no excuse for burger FOMO #portlandburgerweek #pdxburgerweek #plantbasedburger #vegansofig #veganism #vegansofinstagram #plantbased #govegan #veganlife #crueltyfree #veganlifestyle #veganlove #veganfood #veganfoodshare #whatveganseat #whatveganslooklike #veganburger #veganfastfood #nextlevelburger #treatyoself #veganeats #burgerholic #burgerlovers #burgerlife

A post shared by next level burger (@nextlevelburger) on Aug 18, 2018 at 10:30am PDT

As consumers become more informed on mass-production of meat and animal products, trends like Meat-free Monday, flexitarianism and veganism have taken hold. (One report states that Veganism has increased 500% in the U.S. between 2014 and 2017.)

One more picture of this 5 patty monster, because it’s the baddest… Don’t forget about the Instagram contest we are running till Friday at noon! Check our previous post to see how you can win 5 free burgers for you and your squad…

A post shared by Lekker Vegan (@lekkervegan) on May 24, 2018 at 12:27am PDT

While Cape Town already has its vegan ‘junk food’ joint, Lekker Vegan (which turns out buckle-busting bites like the iconic gatsbys); other popular spots like Plant and Hungry herbivore; vegan waffles at Jessy’s (peanut butter glaze, anyone?); and crazy-good vegan ice cream at Unframed, we have yet to see a totally plant-based chain break out. The clock is surely ticking, though…

Interested in more local restaurants that are doing the right things, especially when it comes to sourcing meat and produce? In November we’ll announce the winner of the Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award. Find out more about in this story of lightbulb moments from our recent sustainability workshop.

Find places serving vegan food near you on the new Eat Out app. Download it for free here.