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After being released in 250 restaurants last year, McDonalds' new vegan burger — the McPlant — has been rolled out nationwide just in time for Veganuary.

McDonalds' latest vegan offering has come to Chichester.

The McPlant, which took the fast-food chain three years to develop, contains all the classic ingredients that gives a Big Mac its signature flavour. The burger is made up of a Beyond Meat patty, vegan cheese alternative, sesame bun, iceberg lettuce, tomato, onions, ketchup, sandwich sauce, mustard and, of course, pickles.

Does it have what it takes to rival the Big Mac, though? We got a vegan, a vegetarian and a meat-eater to test it out.

The Chichester Observer team try the new McPlant burger from McDonald's.

Here's what we thought:

Reporter and vegetarian Joe Stack said:

"As an occasional scoffer of the 'Vegetable Deluxe' at McDonald's — when I heard the McPlant burger was on its way to Chichester's golden arches I was chomping at the bit. Finally, a meat-free burger that has more than just breaded veg.

"Topped with tomato, iceberg lettuce, mustard and gherkins, it feels like the closest thing I have been to a Big Mac in my six years of vegetarianism.

"But it takes no more than one mouthful of the beefy likeness for one to realise that fast food still has big strides to take before vegan offerings can nudge their meatier counterparts off the top spot.

"It's good, but it is by no means great. The burger is dry and is slightly lacking in flavour and it's not huge either — a hungry reporter could easily gobble the fare in under five minutes.

"But what can I expect? It's McDonald's, and as far as a tepid meal for a fiver goes - it'll do.

"I don't doubt there will be late Saturday nights when the McPlant and I cross paths again but I certainly won't be rushing back.

"6.7/10."

Apprentice journalist and vegan Megan Baker said: "It had been a long time since I'd had a burger from McDonald's so I didn't really have anything to compare it to, but I do remember loving a Happy Meal as a kid.

"This desire for nostalgia, combined with the rave reviews I'd heard from vegans who tried the McPlant when it first rolled out, meant my expectations were high.

"Maybe that was my mistake.

McDonald's McPlant Burger arrives in Chichester: Here's what we thought