Let’s be clear: I wanted to love these plant-based fast food options. But somewhere between good intentions and the drive-thru window, these abominations lost their way.
Here’s my brutally honest take on the veggie disasters that made me question everything—including humanity’s grasp on flavor.
1. McDonald’s McVeggie Burger
A well-intentioned but underwhelming attempt. The patty was dry, leaning too hard on bland veggies without enough seasoning or texture.
It wasn’t bad—just forgettable, which might explain why it quietly disappeared from menus.
2. Burger King’s Veggie Burger (Pre-Impossible)
Before the Impossible Whopper, BK’s veggie patty was… fine. The texture was a little rubbery, and it lacked the smoky char of its meaty counterparts.
It did the job in a pinch, but no one was rushing back for seconds.
3. KFC’s Beyond Chicken Nuggets
A bold experiment that didn’t quite stick the landing. The texture was closer to a soft falafel than crispy chicken, and the seasoning needed more punch.
Still, props to KFC for trying—maybe next time with better execution.
4. Subway’s Veggie Patty
A mystery wrapped in bread. It wasn’t offensive, but the faint sweetness and spongy texture made it feel more like a protein bar than a burger.
With so many fresh veggies available, why not just load up on those instead?
5. Dunkin’s Beyond Sausage Sandwich
A noble effort, but breakfast sausage is a tough act to replicate. The Beyond patty had a strong herbal taste that clashed with the egg and cheese, making the whole thing feel unbalanced.
Not terrible, just… not quite breakfast.
6. Taco Bell’s Fresco Menu
The idea was simple: swap dairy for pico de gallo. The reality? A lot of dry, lettuce-heavy tacos that made you miss the cheese.
Maybe, a good concept for calorie counters, but not exactly satisfying.
7. Wendy’s Garden Side Salad
Iceberg, two grape tomatoes, and disappointment. This wasn’t a salad—it was a garnish pretending to be a meal.
Fine as a side, but calling it a “garden salad” feels generous.
8. Chick-fil-A’s Cool Wrap (No Chicken)
Without the chicken, this wrap was basically just lettuce, cheese, and tortilla. All wrap, no flavor.
It wasn’t awful, but it lacked the protein and flavor to make it a real meal.
9. Jack In The Box Side Salad
Mostly shredded cabbage with a sprinkle of carrots. It existed, but it didn’t exactly excite.
More of a token veggie option than something anyone actually craved.
10. Arby’s “Just Fries” Approach
Arby’s “Just Fries” approach was technically vegetarian but emotionally devastating. When the only option is a side of fries, it speaks volumes about missed opportunities.
For a chain known for meat, offering just fries as a veggie option felt like a culinary cop-out.
11. Carl’s Jr. Beyond Famous Star
The Beyond patty itself was decent, but drowning it in sauce and stacking it with too many toppings made the whole thing messy and overwhelming. Less would have been more here.
12. White Castle Impossible Sliders
The tiny buns turned soggy fast, and the Impossible patty didn’t get the same crispy edges as the original.
A cute idea, but the execution needed tweaking.
13. Pizza Hut Beyond Meat Pizza
The Beyond crumbles were underseasoned and got lost under the cheese. For those hoping for a delicious slice, this pizza left much to be desired.
A little more spice (and maybe a crispier crust) could have saved it.
14. Del Taco Beyond Tacos
The concept was solid, but the filling needed more taco seasoning and texture. As-is, it was a bit too mushy to compete with their classic meat options.
It was a reminder that bold flavors are needed to carry plant-based dishes, especially in the competitive taco arena.
15. Starbucks Protein Box with Hummus
The hummus was fine, but the rest of the box (dry pita, basic veggies) felt like an airport snack rather than a satisfying meal.
Aimed at providing a healthy option, it missed the mark in execution.
16. Panera’s Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
Too much bread, not enough oomph. The veggies were fresh, but the ratio was off—like chewing through a loaf to find a single olive.
17. Dairy Queen’s Veggie Sandwich
Iceberg lettuce between buns. That’s it. No sauce, no seasoning, just crunchy water pretending to be a meal. Just bafflingly simple in an era of better veggie burgers.
18. Hardee’s Beyond Sausage Burrito
Greasy, limp, and sad at sunrise. The sausage had the texture of overcooked tofu, and the eggs? They’d clearly given up on life. A decent try, but not quite breakfast burrito material.
19. A&W Canada’s Beyond Burger
Surprisingly dry for a chain that prides itself on plant-based options. A little more juiciness would have gone a long way.
The lackluster toppings didn’t help, making each bite a reminder of what could have been.
20. Sonic’s Veggie Burger (RIP)
A basic frozen patty on a cheap bun. Dry patty, cheap bun, flavorless mess. It was like someone took a frozen garden burger and forgot to add salt. Or love.
21. El Pollo Loco’s Vegan Chicken Tacos
These tacos tasted more like disappointment than chicken. The texture was closer to wet breadcrumbs than anything resembling poultry. The bland vegan chicken and uninspired toppings made it a forgettable meal.
22. McDonald’s McPlant
McDonald’s McPlant was not horrible, just aggressively average. It failed to excite, leaving diners with a sense of ‘meh.’
This one’s a reminder that more is expected from a giant like McDonald’s, it was a burger that came and went without much fanfare.