As consumers become increasingly aware of the dangers posed by farting cows and chlorinated chicken, fake meat is proving more popular than ever. No longer is seitan something you’d only encounter in a DVD of The Exorcist - it can now be devilishly yummy. Small wonder that plant-based diets are all the rage. But, while going meat-free is an increasingly viable option, one British pub chain has apparently decided that some people aren’t ready to go the whole hog just yet.

Scotland-based craft beer specialists BrewDog have caused consternation after releasing a new burger that contains both a beef and “Beyond Meat” plant-based alternative patty. Also made with “Melted vegan gouda cheese”, “Crispy onion straws”, “Potato rosti”, and “Matcha Tea buns,” the chain have described their “Hybrid Burger” as being “50% meat, 100% delicious.” The internet doesn’t agree.

As soon as the news of the 50/50 sandwich broke, people began wondering what, exactly, is the point. As Twitterer @DJS2k8 wrote, “As someone who enjoys meat, this burger is dumb. I do enjoy the idea of eating a Beyond Burger to see how it actually compares to real meat, but when its 50/50, what's the point??? All or nothing.” He was not alone. Other critics went on to describe the Hybrid as “a thing no one wants,” while one suggested that it should come with “a drink...Maybe half Coke/half Diet Coke?”

However, despite general incredulity, there were a few people who are in support of the combination. Twitter user @BenTN wrote: “You saw the vegan patty on it too right? It seems like they’re doing a hybrid burger, getting the best of both worlds, like a food bridge between them, that only one side will eat, maybe learning a little more about the other,” suggesting that the concept may ultimately be more about diplomacy than deliciousness.

Even after the hostility from some quarters, BrewDog themselves have been quick to defend their burger. As they put it in a recent tweet, “We’ve seen a growing demand for alternative proteins, and we already stock vegan friendly options in all of our bars, but we wanted to do something for flexitarians - people looking to cut down but not totally stop eating meat.” Whether or not this makes sense is up for debate. But, for now at least, it looks like the Hybrid is here to stay.

As consumers become increasingly aware of the dangers posed by farting cows and chlorinated chicken, fake meat is proving more popular than ever. No longer is seitan something you’d only encounter in a DVD of The Exorcist - it can now be devilishly yummy. Small wonder that plant-based diets are all the rage. But, while going meat-free is an increasingly viable option, one British pub chain has apparently decided that some people aren’t ready to go the whole hog just yet.

Scotland-based craft beer specialists BrewDog have caused consternation after releasing a new burger that contains both a beef and “Beyond Meat” plant-based alternative patty. Also made with “Melted vegan gouda cheese”, “Crispy onion straws”, “Potato rosti”, and “Matcha Tea buns,” the chain have described their “Hybrid Burger” as being “50% meat, 100% delicious.” The internet doesn’t agree.

As soon as the news of the 50/50 sandwich broke, people began wondering what, exactly, is the point. As Twitterer @DJS2k8 wrote, “As someone who enjoys meat, this burger is dumb. I do enjoy the idea of eating a Beyond Burger to see how it actually compares to real meat, but when its 50/50, what's the point??? All or nothing.” He was not alone. Other critics went on to describe the Hybrid as “a thing no one wants,” while one suggested that it should come with “a drink...Maybe half Coke/half Diet Coke?”

However, despite general incredulity, there were a few people who are in support of the combination. Twitter user @BenTN wrote: “You saw the vegan patty on it too right? It seems like they’re doing a hybrid burger, getting the best of both worlds, like a food bridge between them, that only one side will eat, maybe learning a little more about the other,” suggesting that the concept may ultimately be more about diplomacy than deliciousness.

Even after the hostility from some quarters, BrewDog themselves have been quick to defend their burger. As they put it in a recent tweet, “We’ve seen a growing demand for alternative proteins, and we already stock vegan friendly options in all of our bars, but we wanted to do something for flexitarians - people looking to cut down but not totally stop eating meat.” Whether or not this makes sense is up for debate. But, for now at least, it looks like the Hybrid is here to stay.