IT looks like a burger, smells like a burger — and its creators say it even tastes like a burger.

But this extraordinary sandwich from the team at Blendlove in Southport contains none of the nutritional nasties normally found in fast food.

In fact, it doesn’t even contain meat.

“Basically it’s dairy free, gluten free, refined sugar free, completely vegan and has no preservatives or artificial colours,” co-owner Riki-Lee Gilbert said.

media_camera Aner Penava with a Blendlove gluten-free, dairy-free vegan burger. Picture: Richard Gosling

Ms Gilbert, her business partner Sharlene Fletcher and head chef Christina Gore have used a number of clever combinations to emulate the look and taste of a real quarter-pounder meal.

“It has smoky ranch aioli and mustard chutney for the sauce, a kale and bean patty for the meat, avocado, tomato and rocket all on a quinoa based, gluten-free bun,” Ms Gilbert said.

“The barbecue element comes from the paprika in the vegan aioli — it gives it a real smoky ranch flavour.”

With a veggie burger already on the menu, the team — who are also working on a naughty-but-nice vegan French toast — said they set their sights on converting vegan-resistant males.

“Our aim was to create a burger that really appealed to men and often we don’t actually tell them what’s on it — or not on it — until after they’ve eaten it,” Ms Gilbert said. “They always love it — they’re shocked but they always love it.”