White Castle Makes Southwest Veggie Slider Permanent Menu Item Amid Declining Veggie Burger Sales

White Castle added the Southwest Veggie Slider to its menu as a permanent meat-free option. The Columbus, Ohio-based chain announced the launch on Monday. The slider features a crispy brown rice crust and a veggie patty made with sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, red bell peppers, onions and carrots.

It is served on White Castle’s signature bun and topped with jalapeño cheese, though customers can substitute American or cheddar cheese. White Castle selected a veggie patty created by Dr. Praeger’s as the base of the sandwich.

Jamie Richardson, White Castle’s chief marketing officer, said customer feedback drove the decision. “Our Cravers have been pretty vocal about wanting an alternative to traditional meat Sliders that doesn’t compromise on flavor,” Richardson said in a statement.

” Recent surveys indicate that Americans who identify as vegetarian or vegan now account for at least 6% of the population, with some estimates placing the share at 10-15%.

White Castle developed the item in response to requests for a meatless option. Sales of veggie burgers have declined amid a resurgence of pro-meat sentiments championed by the Trump administration. New dietary guidelines announced earlier this year by the Trump administration encourage increased protein intake from both animal and plant sources, along with the consumption of full-fat dairy products.

Plant-based companies have been forced to reckon with the cultural shift. Impossible Foods, for example, repositioned its plant-based burger messaging to appeal to meat lovers rather than vegetarians, stating on its website, “We’re not here to win over the salad eaters.