Traditionally, fast food has not been known for its organic fare, but one fast food joint is tiptoeing into the growing industry.
On Monday, Chick-fil-A will launch its first organic item, Honest Kids' Appley Ever After juice drink, nationwide after an earlier test in the Orlando area proved successful. People who choose the organic juice as the kids' meal drink option will not incur an extra charge.
"It really was a great opportunity for us. We're always looking at our kids' meal," said Matt Abercrombie, Chick-fil-A's senior consultant of menu development for beverages and breakfast.
The fast food industry has been slow to jump on the organic bandwagon even as organic items have gone mainstream in grocery stores and other segments of the restaurant industry. Competitor Wendy's also launched its first organic product, which is also made by Honest Tea, just last spring.
Chipotle’s New Plan: Give Away More Food
Abercrombie attributed part of this industry slowness to supply-chain challenges for fast-food giants who must secure large quantities of product that might not be readily available from organic producers.
A few large restaurant chains, such as Panera Bread and Chipotle, have been on the forefront of selling dishes with organic items on a mass scale.
Shake Shack Makes Big Move Into Chicken
For Chick-fil-A, this could just be the start.
"We're evaluating organic in other areas. It has to be the right thing for us. We're not heading for an all-organic menu but looking for other opportunities," Abercrombie told CNBC.