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Foodies, health-conscious people and professional or at-home chefs would probably choose to eat anywhere else before 7-Eleven, right? However, this week’s news has surprised many and has certainly boosted the convenient store chain’s reputation.
In a recent article by Fortune online, 7-Eleven seems to be more progressive than it may have previously seemed. The author explains that ALL 7-Eleven stores will make the switch from preparing foods with conventional egg-based mayonnaise to a vegan alternative by Hampton Creek called Just Mayo. The mayo is made from pea protein, contains zero cholesterol, and less sodium and saturated fat than its animal-based counterpart. Hampton Creek CEO and founder, Josh Tetrick claims that the company has a mission, and that is to change the food industry and make it kinder and gentler, for people, the environment and the animals. From a business perspective, the way to implement these changes is to make prices competitive enough for companies like 7-Eleven to make the switch. While this is both shocking and exciting for environmentalists, vegans and animal-activists, as 7-Eleven has not been the most progressive company in the past, it is also a win-win for companies looking to increase their profit margin and perhaps lower their carbon footprint in doing so. It shows that change is not only possible, but beneficial.
While 7-Eleven will continue to serve many animal-based products, and will even be using Just Mayo as a condiment when preparing foods with animal products, this is a small step that could have a huge impact (see infographic). Imagine if other large chains followed suit! The food industry is all about change, and it’s exciting to see some changes that benefit everyone.