In a fast-food world dominated by meaty burgers and chicken nuggets, vegetarians often face a daunting task when trying to find quick and affordable meals. However, you’ll be pleased to know that major fast-food chains have been expanding their meat-free offerings, providing a variety of options for those seeking a vegetarian or plant-based meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the best vegetarian meals to try at these popular fast-food chains.
Note: While these selections are vegetarian-friendly, please be aware that cross-contamination may occur due to shared cooking equipment. If you have strict dietary requirements or concerns about cross-contamination, it’s advisable to check with the restaurant staff before ordering.
Arby’s
Best Order: Mozzarella sticks and curly fries
Arby’s, known for its meat-centric menu, may not seem like a vegetarian-friendly destination. However, vegetarians can still enjoy some delectable options by focusing on the sides. The mozzarella sticks and curly fries are crispy, golden, and satisfying. Dip them in zesty Horsey sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Bojangles’
Best Order: Cheddar Bo, mac & cheese, seasoned fries, legendary iced tea (sweet)
Bojangles’ primarily offers chicken-based dishes, but you can still enjoy a satisfying meal as a vegetarian. Opt for the Cheddar Bo, a delightful combination of cheese and biscuit. The mac & cheese is creamy and delicious, and the seasoned fries are generously spiced with Cajun seasoning. Wash it all down with their legendary sweet iced tea.
Chick-fil-A
Best Order: Waffle fries with Chick-fil-A sauce, Superfood Side, and lemonade
While Chick-fil-A specializes in chicken, there are still vegetarian options for those dining with chicken-loving friends. The waffle fries are a standout, especially when paired with Chick-fil-A sauce. Add some greens to your meal with the Superfood Side, which includes broccolini, kale, dried cherries, and nuts. Complete your meal with a refreshing lemonade.
Burger King
Best Order: Impossible Whopper, fries, and a fountain soda
Burger King’s Impossible Whopper offers a meatless alternative that rivals its traditional burger. With a charbroiled patty and classic toppings, it’s a hearty choice for vegetarians. Pair it with their fries, which are free of beef flavoring, and enjoy the classic burger-and-fries meal with a fountain soda.
Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s
Best Order (Carl’s): Beyond Famous Star with fried zucchini and CrissCut fries
Best Order (Hardee’s): Beyond Thickburger and crispy curls
Both Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s offer Beyond Meat patties as a substitute for traditional beef burgers. At Carl’s, try the Beyond Famous Star with its classic toppings and enjoy some crispy fried zucchini on the side. Hardee’s offers the Beyond Thickburger and curly fries as an option. Choose the one that appeals to your taste buds.
Del Taco
Best Order: Epic Beyond Fresh Guacamole Burrito and a mini cheddar quesadilla
Mexican fast-food chains tend to offer excellent vegetarian options, and Del Taco is no exception. Their Beyond Meat tacos and burritos, introduced in 2019, provide a satisfying meatless alternative. The Epic Beyond Fresh Guacamole Burrito is loaded with rice, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and Beyond Meat crumbles. It’s not only vegetarian but also certified vegan and protein-rich. Pair it with a mini cheddar quesadilla for a complete meal.
Popeyes
Best Order: Cajun fries, mac & cheese, two biscuits
Popeyes, a Southern-style chicken chain, has an array of side dishes that are perfect for vegetarians. While their main focus is fried chicken (though pescatarians can opt for popcorn shrimp), their sides are where you’ll find meatless satisfaction. Don’t miss out on their buttery biscuits, which are a must-try for any biscuit enthusiast. Pair them with Cajun fries, known for their crispy texture and special spice blend. For some extra indulgence, try their cheesy mac & cheese.
Taco Bell
Best Order: Customize with your favorite vegetarian options and add approximately 10 packets of Fire Sauce
Taco Bell is a haven for vegetarians, offering a plethora of customizable options. You can substitute meat with potatoes, beans, or rice in most items, creating a personalized feast. Whether you prefer the Cheesy Gordita Crunch, the classic Crunchwrap Supreme, or any other item, make sure to add Fire Sauce for that extra kick of flavor. The options are vast, so feel free to experiment and create your ideal vegetarian meal.
Wendy’s
Best Order: Large fries, a chocolate Frosty, and sour cream and chives baked potato
Wendy’s, known for its signature square burgers, also has vegetarian-friendly choices. Start with their iconic hand-cut, skin-on fries, which are a perfect companion to their creamy chocolate Frosty. The combination of salty fries and sweet Frosty is a match made in fast-food heaven. To round out your meal, try their baked potato topped with fluffy sour cream and chives. It’s a satisfying and hearty choice for vegetarians.
KFC
Best Order: Beyond Fried Chicken Nuggets, mac & cheese, and a biscuit
KFC, the king of fried chicken, has joined forces with Beyond Meat to create vegetarian-friendly Beyond Fried Chicken Nuggets. After years of development and testing, these nuggets have finally made their way to KFC locations nationwide. Crafted to satisfy your craving for chicken without the meat, they’re a tasty and satisfying choice for vegetarians. Pair them with creamy mac & cheese and a fluffy biscuit for a complete and hearty meal.
McDonald’s
Best Order: Egg and cheese McMuffin, hash browns, Oreo McFlurry
McDonald’s, known for its iconic fries (which are made with beef flavoring), has expanded its menu to cater to vegetarians. Thanks to the introduction of all-day breakfast, vegetarians can enjoy the Egg and Cheese McMuffin. This fluffy breakfast sandwich, with a generous squeeze of ketchup, offers a satisfying start to your meal. Complement it with a crispy hash brown patty for that perfect crunch. To finish your McDonald’s experience on a sweet note, indulge in the creamy and crunchy Oreo McFlurry. While McDonald’s offers various vegetarian burger options globally, we hope to see them available in the U.S. in the future.