Top Vegan Options For All Your Favorite Fast Food and Chain Restaurants
Introduction
Eating vegan at fast-food and chain restaurants is easier than ever. With plant-based demand skyrocketing, even the biggest names in fast food now offer vegan-friendly options—if you know what to order.
This comprehensive guide covers all the top chains, with multiple meal choices at each, plus pro tips for customizing orders.
(Note: Always confirm ingredients with staff, as recipes vary by location.)
1. McDonald’s
Best Options:
- Apple Slices (Side)
- Hash Browns (UK & Australia only; US version contains milk)
- Oatmeal (Order without cream, US)
- McPlant Burger (Select locations; vegan patty but non-vegan bun and sauce)
Pro Tip:
In India, try the Veg Maharaja Mac (no mayo) or Aloo Tikki Burger.
2. Burger King
Best Options:
- Impossible Whopper (No mayo, US)
- Vegan Royale (UK, with vegan mayo)
- French Fries (Vegan in most countries)
- Garden Side Salad (No cheese, with balsamic dressing)
Warning:
BK’s fries contain milk powder in the US but are vegan in the UK/EU.
3. Subway
Best Options:
- Veggie Delite Sandwich (9-grain bread, no cheese, all veggies + mustard or oil)
- Black Bean Soup (Select US locations)
- Avocado Wrap (UK, with vegan garlic aioli)
Pro Tip:
In Europe, ask for the T.L.C. (Tastes Like Chicken) vegan patty.
4. Taco Bell
Vegan Goldmine!
- Bean Burrito (Fresco style: no cheese, add potatoes)
- Crunchwrap Supreme (Sub beef for beans, no cheese/sour cream)
- Cinnamon Twists (Dessert)
Secret Hack:
The black beans and refried beans are both vegan.
5. Starbucks
Best Options:
- Oatmeal (No cream, add nuts)
- Impossible Breakfast Sandwich (No egg/cheese, US)
- Avocado Spread (On bagels)
Drinks:
All syrups are vegan; opt for soy/coconut/almond milk.
6. Chipotle
Build Your Own:
- Sofritas (Tofu-based protein)
- Veggie Bowl (Rice, beans, fajita veggies, guac)
- Tortilla Chips & Salsa
Warning:
The white rice contains lime juice (vegan), but the queso is dairy-based.
7. Domino’s (Varies by Country)
Best Options:
- Vegan Margherita Pizza (UK, with vegan cheese)
- Thin Crust Veggie Pizza (No cheese, US)
- Garlic Bread (No cheese, UK)
Pro Tip:
In Australia, try the Vegan Avocado Veg pizza.
8. KFC
Limited But Growing:
- Beyond Fried Chicken (Select US locations)
- Vegan Burger (UK/Germany)
- Green Beans (US side)
Fun Fact:
KFC Canada tested a vegan chicken sandwich in 2023.
9. Pizza Hut
Customize Wisely:
- Thin ‘N Crispy Veggie Pizza (No cheese, US)
- Vegan Pepperoni Pizza (UK)
- Breadsticks (No cheese, with marinara)
Warning:
The pan pizza crust contains dairy in the US.
10. Wendy’s
Best Options:
- Plain Baked Potato (Top with salsa/ketchup)
- Apple Bites
- Garden Side Salad (No cheese, no croutons)
Pro Tip:
In Canada, try the Spicy Black Bean Burger (no mayo).
11. Panera Bread
Vegan-Friendly Picks:
- Ten Vegetable Soup
- Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich (No feta, on sourdough)
- Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (No chicken/cheese)
Secret Menu:
Ask for the “Power Breakfast” (steel-cut oats with almond milk).
12. Dunkin’ Donuts
Best Options:
- Avocado Toast (No cream cheese)
- Bagel with Peanut Butter
- Hash Browns (US)
Drinks:
All flavor swirls are vegan (caramel, mocha, etc.).
13. Chick-fil-A
Very Limited:
- Waffle Potato Fries
- Fruit Cup
- Market Salad (No chicken/cheese)
Warning:
The buns contain honey, and the fries are cooked in shared oil.
14. Panda Express
Best Options:
- Steamed Rice
- Chow Mein (No egg, US)
- Eggplant Tofu (Select locations)
Pro Tip:
The vegetable spring rolls are vegan in some regions.
15. IHOP
Breakfast Picks:
- Vegan Pancakes (Ask for no butter, use syrup)
- Avocado Toast
- Fresh Fruit Bowl
Warning:
The hash browns contain dairy.
Bonus: Regional Chains
- Shake Shack: ‘Shroom Burger (no cheese/mayo)
- In-N-Out: Veggie Burger (no spread, protein-style)
- White Castle: Impossible Slider (no cheese)
Pro Tips for Ordering Vegan Fast Food
- Say “no butter” for toast/buns (many chains butter them by default).
- Check fryer oil—some chains cook fries in beef fat (e.g., McDonald’s US).
- Download apps like HappyCow or Vanilla Bean for real-time updates.
Final Thoughts
While fast food isn’t health food, these options make vegan eating convenient when you’re on the go. As demand grows, expect even more plant-based choices!
Sources:
- PETA’s Fast Food Guide (2023)
- Chain restaurant allergen menus
- HappyCow user report
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