Eating vegan on the go has never been easier, but not all fast food chains are created equal. Some restaurants have embraced plant-based options with open arms, while others still lag behind.
Whether you’re a committed vegan or just trying to eat more plants, knowing which drive-thrus to visit can make your life much simpler.
1. Burger King’s Plant-Based Revolution
The Impossible Whopper changed the game for vegans craving flame-grilled flavor. Just request no mayo for a fully plant-based burger.
Burger King also offers vegan french fries and hash browns cooked in vegetable oil. Their commitment to plant-based options continues to expand with new menu items regularly.
2. Taco Bell’s Bean-Based Bonanza
Vegan hacks abound at this Mexican-inspired chain! Simply replace meat with beans and skip the cheese and sour cream.
Their fresco style automatically swaps dairy for pico de gallo. The black bean Crunchwrap Supreme and bean burrito modifications create satisfying plant-based meals.
3. Chipotle’s Sofritas Success Story
Chipotle knocked it out of the park with sofritas – spiced, shredded tofu that rivals any meat option. Their build-your-own format makes vegan ordering straightforward.
Rice, beans, guacamole, and all their salsas are plant-based too. The clear labeling on their website and app helps vegans navigate choices without twenty questions at the counter.
4. Subway’s Veggie Delite Versatility
Fresh veggies piled high on Italian bread creates a quick vegan lunch option. Their new plant-based meatballs add protein in select locations.
Avocado spread gives creamy richness without dairy. Subway shines by allowing complete customization.
5. Panera’s Plant-Based Prowess
Mediterranean veggie sandwiches without feta make for a hearty lunch. Their ten vegetable soup contains no animal products and delivers warm comfort.
Steel-cut oatmeal topped with fruit offers vegan breakfast options. Panera clearly marks vegan items online, though in-store menus could improve labeling for plant-based guests.
6. Del Taco’s Beyond Meat Magic
Beyond Meat tacos and burritos revolutionized Del Taco’s vegan game. Just request no cheese or sour cream for plant-based perfection.
Their beans contain no lard – a rarity in fast Mexican food. Hash brown sticks and crinkle-cut fries round out the vegan offerings, making Del Taco a solid choice for plant-based fast food fans.
7. Starbucks’ Plant Milk Paradise
Four different plant milks make customizing drinks a breeze. Their Impossible breakfast sandwich (minus egg and cheese) provides a protein-rich start.
Fruit cups, oatmeal, and many packaged snacks are vegan-friendly. Starbucks regularly adds seasonal plant-based options.
8. Panda Express’s Plant-Based Pivot
Beyond Orange Chicken marks Panda’s first major vegan protein option. Their chow mein, eggplant tofu, and vegetable spring rolls contain no animal products.
Super greens and steamed rice create a complete vegan meal base. After years of limited options, Panda Express finally embraced plant-based eating with these welcome additions to their menu.
9. Qdoba’s Impossible Meat Innovation
Impossible meat at no extra charge sets Qdoba apart from competitors. Their grilled veggies, beans, and guacamole create satisfying bowls without animal products.
Corn tortilla chips and all salsas are vegan-friendly. Staff generally understand vegan needs without extensive explanation.
10. White Castle’s Impossible Slider Success
Small but mighty, White Castle embraced plant-based early with Impossible Sliders. Order without cheese for a fully vegan burger experience.
Their french fries and onion chips contain no animal ingredients. While the menu remains limited overall, White Castle deserves credit for being among the first fast food chains to offer branded plant-based meat alternatives.
11. McDonald’s Plant-Based Problems
Despite global plant-based options, U.S. McDonald’s lags behind. Their fries contain beef flavoring – a shocking surprise for many vegans.
The McPlant burger appeared briefly but disappeared from most locations. Currently, apple slices and side salads (no dressing) make up the vegan menu.
12. KFC’s Plant Confusion
Beyond Fried Chicken launched with fanfare but wasn’t actually vegan. It’s prepared in the same fryers as regular chicken, causing cross-contamination issues.
Green beans contain bacon, and sides are limited. While KFC has experimented with plant-based options, they’ve failed to create truly vegan-friendly menu items that match their signature flavors.
13. Wendy’s Weak Vegan Offerings
Plain baked potatoes and garden salads (no dressing) make up Wendy’s vegan menu. Their fries are vegan-friendly but offer little substance for a meal.
While competitors embrace plant-based burgers, Wendy’s has made no significant moves. Their brief plant-based burger test in limited markets disappeared without expanding nationwide.
14. Arby’s Anti-Vegan Attitude
“We have the meats” isn’t just a slogan – it’s their business model. Arby’s famously created a “carrot” made of meat to mock plant-based trends.
Side salads without dressing and apple slices make up their entire vegan menu. Their public stance against plant-based options makes Arby’s perhaps the least vegan-friendly major fast food chain in America.
15. Chick-Fil-A’s Vegan Void
Waffle fries and fruit cups constitute the entire vegan menu here. Their salads all contain meat by default, with no plant-based protein substitutes.
Even their “vegetable” soup contains chicken stock. Chick-fil-A has shown no interest in developing vegan alternatives to their signature chicken sandwiches.