Whether you’re vegan or just trying to make healthier choices, finding vegan fast food options that are both satisfying and good for you can be difficult.
Luckily, there are many vegan fast-food options out there if you know where to look! Check out this list of 10 vegan fast food options you should try the next time you find yourself on the go.
Best Vegan Fast Food Options
1. Chipotle
The burrito chain is veg-friendly, offering several meat-free options like a vegetarian fajita burrito filled with sautéed vegetables and corn salsa.
For a less traditional take on Mexican fast food, Chipotle offers a vegan sofritas option made from tofu (which they don’t use in any other dishes) that’s simmered in the chipotle sauce until tender before it’s added to your burrito or tacos.
Veggie eaters can also enjoy items like their grilled vegetables and beans, which are accompanied by brown rice, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
Other faux meats like seitan can be added too if you prefer more of a protein kick.
2. Taco Bell
At Taco Bell, you can order a bean burrito, 7-Layer Burrito, or even a vegan Crunch wrap Supreme. As long as you skip out on sour cream and cheese, you’re good to go. (However, it’s always best not to make frequent stops at fast-food restaurants.)
If your first choice is off-limits, check their website for other vegan options: Not all of them are labeled clearly. BEWARE: Taco Bell’s meat substitutes contain some GMO ingredients that aren’t super healthy.
3. Burger King
With a few vegan items and a couple of modifications, you can make just about anything at Burger King vegan-friendly.
Opt for a Garden Salad instead of fries, and swap out your burger bun for an onion wrap or tomato slices both are vegan options at Burger King.
If you’re in a pinch simply ask your server to hold any butter or cheese that comes with your meal; even their breakfast sandwich is easily modified.
Also, vegans will want to look out for our new BK Veggie burger it’s free of animal products! Just be sure to request no mayo if you order it. It’s currently available at select locations only.
The restaurant chain also has four completely vegan sandwiches: French Toast Sticks, French Toast Sandwich, Hash Browns, and Morningstar Veggie Burger (hold the egg).
Most McDonald’s menu items can be made vegetarian by omitting one or two ingredients but if you’re looking for something more substantial than fries and salad (or if you’re not into Mickey D’s food), here are some other fast-food joints that have several great options:
4. Starbucks
When you’re traveling, skipping fast food can be a challenge but it’s not impossible. Starbucks offers salads, fruit cups, and hearty sandwiches made with whole grains.
Protein-packed tofu and tempeh are available in some locations, too. Just remember that Starbucks doesn’t always have vegan food, so call ahead if you have your heart set on a specific sandwich or pastry.
In general, vegans do best when they go off-menu at coffee shops or restaurants that specialize in breakfast foods; there are usually options like oatmeal and bagels with jam or butter substitutes.
The menus at the delis also often offer choices like hummus and salad wraps. And there are almost always bananas for portable potassium!
5. Subway
A subway is a great place for vegans since you can order vegan bread and loads of veggies (including alfalfa sprouts) with your favorite veggies.
Add some sweet onion sauce or oil and vinegar, and you’re good to go! Be careful though many loaves of bread contain honey which is often not labeled.
If you need it vegan, opt for an everything bagel instead. It’s topped with just sesame seeds, which contain no honey!
And be sure to ask if your bread is vegan it should be, but it never hurts to double-check. Try avocado spread instead of mayo too! Subway also offers a variety of veggie patties so there’s something for everyone on their menu.
6. Panera
One of many reasons that we love Panera is because it goes out of its way to offer a wide range of vegan foods, especially for breakfast.
For example, everything from bagels to muffins can be made with dairy-free cream cheese, or without any cheese at all.
Even their soups and salads are often vegan; just double-check if you’re planning on taking your lunch with you!
7. Qdoba
Qdoba’s menu isn’t just for vegetarians and vegans, but many of its options are also suitable for a vegan lifestyle.
That includes burritos, tacos, soups, and salads. Those items can be made into vegan-friendly meals with a few changes; ask your server what’s in each dish before ordering.
For example, you can ask your server to remove meat from any entree or order a burrito bowl instead of an entree (vegetarian and non-vegetarian bowls have similar ingredients).
Qdoba also has fajita veggies (carrots, peppers, and onions) as well as guacamole that can be added to any meal for extra flavor.
8. Culver’s
Culvers has a surprisingly large menu for being primarily known as a frozen custard restaurant. There are also locations throughout more than half of U.S. states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii.
It’s another fast-food chain with options for vegans: The French toast sticks and hashes brown potatoes are dairy-free, but so is just about anything you order from their frozen food section (the latter can easily be modified with fresh fruit).
What makes Culver’s stand out in terms of vegan options is its milkshakes: The Banana Royale milkshakes combine vanilla soft serve with banana slices no ice cream necessary.
9. Dunkin
From bagels, muffins, and doughnuts to sandwiches, coffee, and frozen drinks, Dunkin’ has something for everyone.
It’s most vegans’ favorite fast-food spot and for good reason. All of Dunkin’s food can be made vegan upon request (just leave off the butter), but you don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy some delicious eats from America’s all-time favorite coffee and donut chain.
Many of their baked goods are also egg-free.
10. Del Taco
Del Taco takes a different approach from other fast-food restaurants, with most of its menu items being made fresh.
This is especially true for its burritos, which are served in their tortillas and contain customizable ingredients.
Del Taco is also one of the very few fast-food chains that offer non-vegan options like quesadillas and enchiladas.
While Del Taco may not have as many vegan options as similar restaurants like Chipotle or Subway, it does offer more than enough choices for vegans on the go.
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