Chick-fil-A reportedly exploring vegan menu options

Chick-fil-A on Track to Become Third Largest Fast Food Chain The chicken chain will claim the No. 3 spot in the U.S. in sales by the end of 2018. This is big jump from being the No. 7 spot in 2017. Analyst Mark Kalinowski initially predicted Chick-fil-A would take the No. 3 spot in 2020. He recently updated his forecast that it would be third by 2019. In 2017, Chick-fil-A sales grew by $1.1 billion. It is difficult to calculate exact sales because Chick-fil-A is a private company. The nearest competitor w

Burger King is testing out a plant-based Impossible Burger in select markets, McDonald's is experimenting with its own vegetarian substitute abroad and now Georgia-based Chick-fil-A may even be hopping on the vegan trend.

» RELATED: Going vegan: Here's where you can find meat-free fast-food options

That's according to a new report from Business Insider, which recently reported that the restaurant is considering adding vegan options and meat substitutes to its menu.

“We're definitely aware, and I would say we're always interested in, what's happening in food,” Chick-fil-A menu executive director Amanda Norris told Insider in an interview last week. “Specifically ... a vegetarian option or a vegan option is something we're looking at, we're thinking about, and have some [research and development].”

» RELATED: Here are a few items you will no longer find on the Chick-fil-A menu

According to Norris, the restaurant’s been conducting its research on vegan options and meat substitutes for a few years now. Ultimately, she told Insider, “I think it goes back to how far will our customers want us to go,” but it’s likely the chain will go beyond meatless salads and wraps, perhaps toward “some kind of alternative protein on a sandwich.”

As Fast Company points out, unlike other chains, Chick-fil-A doesn't serve a burger. So, what would a potential chicken substitute look (and taste) like? We'll have to wait and see.

For now, Chick-fil-A does offer its share of vegetarian-friendly options on its menu, such as the buttered biscuit, hash browns, waffle fries, fruit cup, chicken-less salads and more. You can find a veg-friendly guide to the menu at thechickenwire.chick-fil-a.com.