Over the past decade, plant-based meat alternatives have exploded onto the popular culinary scene.Now, McDonald's has finally announced plans to enter the plant-based burger battle.But the burger giant is entering the fray alone with their forthcoming McPlant.Other chains have partnered with companies to roll out meatless options, but McDonalds is keeping it in-house.McPlant is crafted exclusively for McDonald's, by McDonald's. In the future, McPlant could extend across a line of plant-based products including burgers, chicken-substitutes and breakfast sandwiches, Ian Borden, McDonald's International President.McDonald's was short on specifics, but did say you can expect to see the new item sometime next year