HAVE YOU HEARD?

Pizza Hut just blew everyone’s mind.

Check out this quick video launched on the Pizza Hut UK Twitter page and then read on for more:

VEGANS. You asked. We listened.
Our Vegan Cheese is here to stay in ALL HUTS NATIONWIDE! 😋🌿🧀 pic.twitter.com/0UzJYLvvsr

— Pizza Hut UK (@pizzahutuk) November 27, 2017

Yes, vegan pizza lovers in the United Kingdom are jumping for joy after Monday’s announcement that Pizza Hut has decided to permanently add vegan cheese to their menus across the country:

Hell yeah Pizza Hut, you've made my 2017 <3

— MF SNOOT (@GIVEUPOX17) November 27, 2017

Can’t wait!! Amazing news #vegancheese #veganism

— Leah Watson (@LeahLeahwatson1) November 28, 2017

And those who are lactose or going the dairy-free route are just as thankful:

OMG Y'ALL. I'm slowy moving over to a dairy free diet and I thought I wouldn't be able to have pizza so I'm so happy now y'all

— Noodle🦄 (@Xspace_catX) November 27, 2017

pic.twitter.com/o0XEDpuepX

— Noodle🦄 (@Xspace_catX) November 27, 2017

This announcement comes on the heels of a successful trial run of the new menu item that lasted from October 11th to November 26th at a select few locations in England.

The cheese of choice is from Violife, a Greek-based health food brand, and Pizza Hut confirms that their crusts, the All American Thin and Flatbread, are also 100% vegan. AND, get this… you can even load it up with… wait for it… VEGAN BACON BITS!

What Does This Mean for the Rest of the World?

While pizza lovers in north-western Europe are rejoicing, the rest of the world is drooling and shouting— ‘WHAT ABOUT US?’

The reality is, such a global brand making this sort of move into the vegan market can only be a positive thing. Pizza Hut may just be dipping their toes in right now, but this only makes way for more and more locations and other fast food giants to jump on board as well.

Let’s talk McDonald’s for a minute— they are also on the back end of a trial run of a new burger called the McVegan, which is made up of tomato, lettuce, pickles, McFeast sauce and a soy-based patty, all on a sesame bun. You’d also have to fly to Europe for this one as it’s based out of one restaurant in Tampere, Finland, but— fingers crossed!

Dominoes is another popular pizza joint seizing the opportunity to jump on the vegan pizza train. They made the move in several Israeli locations this past summer and recently hinted at plans to do the same in Australia in the new year.

And how about Pizza Pizza in Canada? They actually use the same brand of cheese Pizza Hut is using and they’ve been doing it since March! So, there are options and they’re getting closer!

The Rise of Veganism

The launch of vegan pizza at Pizza Hut, along with the others mentioned above, comes as no surprise as an interest in veganism has been on a steady rise. This Google Trends report shows global activity over the past 5 years:

This once-upon-a-trend turned movement is becoming a deeply embraced lifestyle for many. More and more companies, selling anything from alcohol to ice cream, are realizing this and are starting to understand that these consumption “habits” are here to stay.

We may think that our favourite joints are taking their time with serving us animal-free burgers and tacos, but sometimes it’s okay to be second or third. Those who know how the play the game will be keeping close eye on Dominos and Pizza Hut before they strike. They will learn from their competition and pounce with something more and something potentially a lot better. For example, did you know that Microsoft launched a tablet looong before Apple blew the market away with their first-generation iPad? I sure didn’t!

Stay tuned as I have a sneaking suspicion that, for vegan options, 2018 may be the best year yet!

For now, if you’re looking for something to satisfy that pizza craving, give these vegan approved recipes a go!

Which fast-food location do you wish had a vegan menu item? What would it be? Leave your comments below!