Fast-food chain White Castle announces the permanent addition of a plant-based slider to its menu systemwide.

The new menu item, the Southwest Veggie Slider, features a crispy brown rice crust and a savory blend of six vegetables—sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, red bell peppers, onions and carrots—seasoned with smoky chipotle and sweet barbecue flavors and served on a slider bun with a slice of jalapeno cheese.

White Castle’s innovation pipeline is fueled by consumer insights and, by listening to its customers, it became clear which type of veggie slider most appealed to them. Last summer, White Castle conducted consumer research to help its innovation team identify the flavors, ingredients and overall profile customers wanted most in a nonmeat slider. In direct response to feedback from White Castle's customer base, the innovation team ultimately chose to use a Dr. Praeger’s veggie patty as the base for the Southwest Veggie Slider.

White Castle first launched a Veggie Slider with a Dr. Praeger's veggie patty in 2015.

“Our Cravers have been pretty vocal about wanting an alternative to traditional meat Sliders that doesn’t compromise on flavor," said Jamie Richardson, chief marketing officer. "That prompted our menu innovation team to prioritize finding a craveable alternative, and we believe the Southwest Veggie Slider delivers on that in a big way."

The Southwest Veggie Slider is available at White Castle restaurants across the country for a price starting at $2.49.

Source: White Castle