The report, titled Patty Battles: How the Biggest U.S. Burger Chains Stack Up, evaluated 25 major burger chains based on the availability and promotion of plant-based menu items. Despite McDonald’s global experience with meat alternatives, the company earned only 1 out of 30 possible points, placing it in the lowest-scoring "Bottom Buns" tier alongside competitors such as In-N-Out, Wendy’s, and Five Guys.

Only 24% of the chains analyzed currently feature a dedicated plant-based patty on their primary U.S. menus. Arash Yomtobian, president and CEO of Mercy For Animals, noted that the organization intends to encourage innovation rather than simply criticize. With 71% of American consumers expressing openness to plant-based foods, the nonprofit argues that the industry’s largest players are missing a significant opportunity to align with shifting dietary preferences and sustainability goals. Given that McDonald’s serves approximately 26 million Americans daily, the report frames the company's current domestic strategy as a missed chance to lead the market toward a more inclusive food system.