The Ultimate Guide to Fast Food for Vegans: Top Chains and Menu Hacks for 2024

1. Burger King

Vegan Menu Items:

• Impossible Whopper: Order without cheese and creamy mayo.

• Garden Salad: Skip the cheese and choose a non-dairy dressing.

• French Fries & Hash browns: Both are vegan-friendly.

• Apple Pie: A sweet vegan treat.

Pro Tip: Request the Impossible Whopper to be made in a separate area to avoid cross-contamination. Check for updates on new vegan options like the Original Chik’n Sandwich.

Rating: 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

2. McDonald's

Vegan Menu Items:

• McPlant Burger: Currently in testing phases in select locations.

• Garden Salad: Ensure it’s served without cheese.

Pro Tip: McDonald’s fries contain natural beef flavoring, so they’re not vegan. Opt for a meat-free salad or a customized McPlant burger if available.

Rating: 🌱🌱🌱

3. Starbucks

Vegan Menu Items:

• Impossible Breakfast Sandwich: Request without cheese.

• Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box: A protein-packed snack.

• Hearty Blueberry Oatmeal: A hearty breakfast choice.

• Coffee & Teas: Many options with non-dairy milk.

Pro Tip: Starbucks recently removed the upcharge for plant-based milk in the UK. Keep an eye out for similar updates in the US!

Rating: 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

4. Taco Bell

Vegan Menu Items:

• Cinnamon Twists & Hash Browns: Both are vegan.

• Customizable Tacos & Burritos: Use black beans, rice, and guacamole.

Pro Tip: Most Taco Bell items can be made vegan with a few tweaks. Make sure to ask for modifications like removing cheese and sour cream.

Rating: 🌱🌱🌱🌱

5. Chipotle

Vegan Menu Items:

• Plant-Powered Bowl: Includes plant-based chorizo.

• Sofritas: A flavorful tofu option.

• Veggie Bowl: Fully customizable with beans and rice.

Pro Tip: Chipotle’s vegan options are highly customizable. Mix and match ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Rating: 🌱🌱🌱

6. Panda Express

Vegan Menu Items:

• Beyond The Original Orange Chicken: A sweet and spicy vegan option.

• Chow Mein & Eggplant Tofu: Tasty sides and entrees.

Pro Tip: All Panda Express items are cooked in shared facilities, so be cautious if you have strict dietary restrictions.

Rating: 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

7. Dunkin'

Vegan Menu Items:

• Beyond Sausage Breakfast Sandwich: Order without cheese and egg.

• Bagels & Oatmeal: Enjoy a simple breakfast.

Pro Tip: Dunkin' has introduced coconut milk nationwide, making it easier to enjoy dairy-free drinks.

Rating: 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

8. Mellow Mushroom

Vegan Menu Items:

• Vegan Veg Out Pizza: Delicious with Follow Your Heart cheese.

• Vegan Greek Salad: Fresh and hearty.

Pro Tip: Mellow Mushroom has a variety of vegan options, including new additions for 2024. Explore their menu for the latest offerings.

Rating: 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

9. QDOBA

Vegan Menu Items:

• Impossible Taco Salad: Packed with plant-based goodness.

• Loaded Tortilla Soup: A comforting option.

Pro Tip: QDOBA offers a variety of vegan-friendly ingredients, making it easy to build your own customized bowl or burrito.

Rating: 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

10. Peet’s Coffee

Navigating vegan fast food options can be tricky, especially with varying menu offerings and cross-contamination concerns. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make informed choices and enjoy fast food without compromising your vegan lifestyle:

1. Research Menu Options Before You Go

Many fast food chains now list their menu options and nutritional information online. Before heading to a restaurant, take a few minutes to check their website or app for vegan choices. This can save you time and help you avoid surprises. Look for sections specifically labeled as “vegan” or “plant-based.”

2. Customize Your Order

Fast food menus are often more flexible than they appear. You can customize many items to fit your vegan diet:

• Burgers: Request a plant-based patty and ask for no cheese or mayo. Some places offer separate cooking methods to avoid cross-contamination.

• Salads: Opt for salads without cheese and dressings made from animal products. Many restaurants offer non-dairy dressings upon request.

• Sides: Choose from fries, hashbrowns, and other sides that are cooked without animal products. Check if they use shared fryers or preparation equipment.

3. Check for Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination can be a concern, especially if you have strict dietary needs. Some fast food chains prepare vegan items using equipment shared with animal products. It’s helpful to ask:

• Preparation Methods: Inquire if the vegan item is cooked separately or if special precautions are taken.

• Ingredients: Confirm that all ingredients, including sauces and seasonings, are free from animal products.

4. Use Apps and Online Resources

There are several apps and websites dedicated to helping vegans find suitable fast food options:

• HappyCow: Provides a list of vegan-friendly restaurants and fast food chains.

• Abillion: Offers reviews and ratings of vegan dishes at various eateries.

• Vegman: A comprehensive guide to vegan options at fast food chains worldwide.

5. Ask for Recommendations

Don’t hesitate to ask restaurant staff for help. They can often provide insights into the best vegan choices and any recent menu updates. Additionally, joining online vegan communities and forums can offer valuable tips and recommendations from fellow vegans who have tried different fast food spots.

6. Stay Informed About New Options

The fast food industry is evolving, with new vegan options and limited-time offers frequently introduced. Stay updated by following your favorite chains on social media or subscribing to their newsletters. This way, you can be among the first to try new plant-based products as they become available.

7. Be Prepared to Adapt

Sometimes, you may need to get creative. If your desired fast food spot doesn’t have many vegan options, consider creating your own meal:

• Build Your Own: Combine ingredients like rice, beans, and vegetables to create a satisfying bowl or wrap.

• Substitute: Replace non-vegan ingredients with plant-based alternatives in menu items where possible.

1. What fast food can you eat as a vegan?

Many fast food chains now offer vegan options. Popular choices include:

• Burger King: Impossible Whopper (without cheese and mayo), Garden Salad, French Fries.

• McDonald's: McPlant Burger (available in select locations).

• Starbucks: Impossible Breakfast Sandwich (without cheese), Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box.

• Taco Bell: Customizable tacos and burritos using beans and guacamole.

• Chipotle: Plant-Powered Bowl with plant-based chorizo, Sofritas.

Always check with the restaurant for the latest vegan options and customization tips.

2. Can McDonald's be vegan?

Yes, McDonald's offers some vegan options, although they vary by location. Currently, the McPlant Burger is available in select cities. Note that McDonald's fries are not vegan due to their natural beef flavoring. You can also enjoy a Garden Salad, but make sure to request no cheese.

3. What do vegans eat in junk food?

Vegans can enjoy a variety of junk food that aligns with their dietary choices. This includes:

• Vegan Burgers: Made from plant-based patties such as those offered by Impossible Foods or Beyond Meat.

• Fries and Sides: Many fast food chains offer vegan-friendly fries and hashbrowns.

• Vegan Pizza: Pizzas made with plant-based cheese and veggie toppings.

• Smoothies and Drinks: Vegan smoothies and beverages made with plant-based milk.