By Mike Kinnerk ‘20

My friend Jessie became vegan a little over two years ago. After years of not eating meat, she decided to make the switch to eliminate dairy from her diet. She believes that it helps protect the environment and she discourages the inhumane treatment of farm animals on dairy farms. When Burger King released the new Impossible Whopper, Jessie and I knew we had to try it.

In the beginning, I thought that I just ate a bite of a real Whopper. The taste is so similar to any other burger. The main difference is the texture. The texture differs from bite to bite. Sometimes the impossible whopper tastes identical to the average Whopper, but other times it begins to taste like cardboard.

When I finished eating the Impossible Whopper, I felt unsatisfied. It left me still feeling hungry and it left a peculiar taste in my mouth. While it still tasted like the real thing, I did not enjoy it as much as I expected. Maybe if I tried an impossible burger from a different restaurant, preferably one without a drive-thru, my ideas would be different. I would not rush back to Burger King to eat this Whopper again.

Jessie, on the other hand, loved the Impossible Whopper.

After not craving meat for six years, Jessie began to dream of a greasy, fattening hamburger. She thought the Impossible Whopper perfectly encapsulates the taste and texture of a burger. She said, “I think the Impossible Whopper is very tasty and a great alternative for people out there who do not eat meat. I would definitely go back to get another one!”

From this, it is very evident that the opinion on the Impossible Whopper varies from person to person. It very well may be that Jessie likes the Impossible Whopper because her taste buds are accustomed to the over-processed, yet somehow organic foods that vegans and vegetarians eat. I do not have any dietary restrictions so I am not used to this style of cuisine. I am used to the “normal” food that the average American eats on a daily basis.

Overall, I would not recommend the Impossible Whopper to someone who eats meat, but I think that people who choose to be vegetarian or vegan should definitely give it a try.