Fast food giant McDonald’s told investors this week it plans to launch its own line of plant-based alternatives to traditional meat products next year.

McDonald’s said its range of plant-based alternatives would trade as “McPlant” menu options, and will include plant-based alternatives to traditional burgers, chicken and bacon products. The company said it expects to launch the new line in 2021.

“Plant-based products are an ongoing consumer trend. It’s not a matter of if McDonald’s will get into plant-based. It’s a matter of when,” said McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski.

McDonald’s made the announcement as it unveiled a robust set of third-quarter results, which show the fast food giant has been able to recover strongly from the initial impact of COVID-19. McDonald’s third-quarter sales stood at $5.4bn (€4.6bn), which was down 2% year on year.

Despite the slight fall in sales, McDonald’s reported a 5% increase in third-quarter operating profits to $2.5bn (€2.1bn), as operating profit margins widened to an incredibly strong 47%.