McDonald’s is launching its first-ever vegetarian Happy Meal option

The veggie option is a red pesto goujon wrap, with tomato ketchup and lettuce

McDonald's has announced it is adding a vegetarian option to its Happy Meal menu, for the first time ever. Alongside the more traditional cheeseburger or McNuggets, youngsters can now get a get a 'Happy Meal Vegetarian Wrap', filled with a goujon made from yellow split peas, tomato, arborio rice, and sundried tomato pesto, along with tomato ketchup and shredded lettuce. The wrap is a kid-sized version of the  Spicy Veggie Wrap, available on the regular menu, and has been accredited by the Vegetarian Society. It comes along with a drink and a choice of side (fries, carrots, or pineapple), for the usual price of £2.49. And best of all, right now it comes with a Pokemon toy. "It is especially important for young veggies to be able to choose something to eat when they are out with their friends," said Vegetarian Society chief executive Lynne Elliot. "With the new Spicy Veggie Wrap and Veggie Happy Meal carrying our trademark, diners can trust their meal is one hundred percent vegetarian." "Our commitment is to offer great food, great choice and a great experience to our customers and we are constantly asking them how we can evolve and improve," added Duncan Cruttenden, menu director at McDonald’s UK and Ireland. This is the first time in the 40 year history of the Happy Meal that it has included a vegetarian option. First introduced in 1979, the McDonald's kids meal comes in the iconic cardboard box and usually includes a toy of some description - though the toy has been discontinued in some markets, in the belief that it encourages children to eat unhealthy food. The Spicy Veggie Wrap and Veggie Happy Meal go on sale January 3rd. It follows the news that Greggs has introduced a vegan sausage roll.