Fast-casual burger chain Smashburger has announced the addition of a new plant-based burger to its menu across all US locations.  

The burger, made from jackfruit, is a result of a collaboration with jack & annie's, a fellow Colorado-based company.  

The decision to make the plant-based burger a permanent offering follows a successful limited-time menu test and positive consumer feedback. 

The new menu item features American vegan cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, Smash Sauce and ketchup on a toasted bun.  

According to Smashburger, the jackfruit-based patty contains 47% less fat. Customers also have the option to substitute the plant-based patty into any of Smashburger's Signature Burgers. 

While jack & annie's products are already present in 5,000 stores nationwide, this partnership is the first time they have been made available in a fast-casual restaurant setting.  

Smashburger chief restaurant support officer Eric Marcoux stated: "Plant-based alternatives have continued to show up on menus throughout the industry, so making sure we offer more diverse and plant-forward options was the natural transition to expand our menu,"  

"Once we connected with jack & annie's, we knew it was the right fit with our mutual  Colorado ties and shared food philosophy rooted in offering delicious, crave-worthy food made with high-quality ingredients." 

In October 2023, Smashburger relaunched its mac and cheese burger, known as the S’mac & Cheese, and introduced a spicy version, the Scorchin’ Hot Mac & Cheese Burger, in the US.