It’s no secret that many “new” fast food items involve reconfigurations of existing ingredients. So it’s interesting that, since introducing the Impossible Whopper three years ago, Burger King hasn’t officially expanded their use of its plant-based Impossible patty to other menu items. Sure, customers could customize an Impossible Whopper into something different — adding cheese or bacon or swapping around condiments — but it’s only now that Burger King has finally broken out this plant-based patty into a “new” burger: the Impossible King.
BK will start offering another plant-based Whopper option, as well: the Impossible Southwest Bacon Whopper — part of a larger “Southwest Bacon” burger lineup — giving fans two new Impossible choices.
A Burger King spokesperson confirmed that this is the first time the Impossible patty has been brought to other menu items. Still, when asked what took the chain so long, no discernible reason was given. “Since launching the Impossible Whopper in 2019, our guests have continued to express their excitement about the introduction of new plant-based items at Burger King,” the spokesperson said in an interview with Food & Wine. “We are excited about the category and the opportunity to provide guests with even more options that let them have it their way.”
Back to the burgers, arriving on June 27, the Impossible King is a flame-grilled Impossible patty topped with American cheese, sliced white onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard on a toasted sesame seed bun. It’s not a major overhaul: It’s just the existing Single Quarter Pound King swapping out the beef patty for an Impossible one. (And the Single Quarter Pound King itself is essentially just a Whopper without the tomatoes and swapping out mayo in favor of mustard.) Still, Burger King’s willingness to officially move their Impossible patty to a different item is a significant step for this flexitarian item.
Notably, the Impossible King will also become part of the “2 for $6 Mix n’ Match” promotion, giving Burger King an even more affordable plant-based option.
At the same time, Burger King will also be expanding their menu with four Southwest Bacon burgers –— a Southwest Bacon Whopper Jr., Southwest Bacon Whopper, Double Southwest Bacon Whopper, and Impossible Southwest Bacon Whopper — all of which are made with the addition of an avocado spread, seasoned tortilla strips, bacon, and a creamy spicy sauce. And speaking of avocado, Burger King also says that, starting on June 30 for a limited time, Royal Perks members exclusively will be able to add the avocado spread to any burger or sandwich on the menu for $1 through the customization page on the BK app and on BK.com.
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