Global fast-food chain, McDonald’s has announced to introduce a line of plant-based meat alternative McPlant in 2021.

The McPlant will debut next year, with expectations that markets will add the menu item ‘when they’re ready.’

McDonald’s said it would offer plant-based burgers, chicken substitutes and breakfast sandwiches.

Barclays Bank forecasts that consumption of meat alternatives might be worth $140bn by 2029.

McDonald’s has tested out a plant-based burger in Canada with Beyond Meat.

However, shares of Beyond Meat plummeted after the announcement by McDonald’s as it was not clear who would supply the fast-food chain with the meat alternative.

The move towards meat substitutes has been driven primarily by concerns over meat’s effects on health, the environment and animal welfare.

The McPlant has been ‘crafted for McDonald’s, by McDonald’s,’ made with all of the ‘classic toppings,’ which typically includes lettuce and tomato.