The vegan motion has reached a essential tipping level. Working example: the abundance of vegan choices in fast-food eating places. That field has been checked. However now, we’re ushering within the period of all-vegan fast-food chains. It’s not simply Veggie Grill anymore. Plant-based drive-thrus and fast-casual eateries slinging vegan beefy burgers and fries are cropping up throughout the nation, and we’re right here for it. Actually, we’re so excited, we’ve gathered all our favorites under. However first, what do vegans even eat for quick meals, precisely?
What do vegans eat for quick meals?
Quick-food menu staples like fries (except they’re cooked in beef fats, side-eye McDonald’s), soda, hash browns (once more, verify for beef fats), and burger buns are sometimes vegan by default. Because of this, for years, vegans have been heading to fast-food chains and getting artistic with the menu. (Order a beef burger with out the meat, and cargo it up with salad, sauce, and fries, you get the thought.)
However now, as fast-food chains have began embracing plant-based meat choices, it’s getting simpler than ever to get pleasure from quick meals with out the animals. There’s the simply veganized Unattainable Whopper at Burger King, for instance, in addition to the Past Well-known Star at Carl’s Jr.
Does McDonald’s do something vegan?
Whereas locations just like the UK and the Netherlands have the McPlant burger, McDonald’s remains to be severely lagging behind on vegan choices within the US (for now, anyway). However that mentioned, it’s nonetheless potential to order vegan meals from the nation’s hottest fast-food joint. If you happen to’re hungry and haven’t any different choices obtainable, we’ve put collectively this information to consuming vegan at McDonald’s.
McDonald’s UK
However in the event you’re near any of those vegan fast-food chains under (notably plant-based McDonald’s copycat Mr.Charlie’s), the reality is, you gained’t want the golden arches. Actually, earlier than you cruise by way of any drive-thru of your nearest mainstream chain, verify to see if considered one of these vegan fast-food places is close by. You gained’t be disillusioned.
The very best vegan fast-food chains within the US
Cate Furman
1Veggie Grill by Subsequent Degree
Based in 2006 in Irvine, CA, this nationwide vegan chain was frying up plant-based rooster wings method earlier than it was a factor. Actually, Veggie Grill predates the buffalo cauliflower development.
In 2023, followers of the chain seen a number of places had mysteriously shuttered. From 30 places throughout the nation to only over 15, clients feared the top of Veggie Grill was close to. Enter: Subsequent Degree Burger. In January 2024, Subsequent Degree Burger introduced it had acquired its competitor, renaming the chain Veggie Grill by Subsequent Degree.
At this time, followers can nonetheless get pleasure from Veggie Grill’s beloved menu, with discontinued menu classics anticipated to return, based on Subsequent Degree Burger CEO Matthew de Gruyter. So benefit from the mac and cheese, Sante Fe Hen Sandwich, and candy potato fries, Veggie Grill isn’t going wherever anytime quickly.
Subsequent Degree Burger
2
Subsequent Degree Burger
After Subsequent Degree Burger acquired Veggie Grill earlier this 12 months, collectively, the 2 chains comprise one of many largest vegan fast-food companies on this planet. On the time of writing, the 2 chains exist independently of each other; in different phrases, there are not any plans for the 2 chains to merge into one for now.
Followers of Subsequent Degree Burger can nonetheless stroll into any location and discover, nicely, next-level vegan burgers. Get a burger, maybe even a rooster sandwich and crinkle-cut fries, however the Subsequent Degree Shakes are … nicely, you perceive.
Discover it right here
Native Meals
3 Native Meals
This fast-casual chain initially leaned extra towards wholesome bowls, salads, and sandwiches, however since its founder chef Tanya Petrovna bought the restaurant in 2012, the menu has steadily swapped out a lot of the greens, grains, and beans for stacked burgers and one-off fast-food specialty objects. Patrons can nonetheless discover a few of Petrovna’s unique creations within the type of the Taco Salad or Tornado Wrap, however these in search of a extra savory spin can go for candy potato fries, buffalo rooster tenders, and a BBQ Brisket Burger. In recent times, Native Meals has shuttered a number of outposts throughout the nation, however at the moment, residents of Palm Springs, CA; Glendale, CO; and Chicago, IL can nonetheless get pleasure from this vegan. Native tip: get dessert. The oatmeal creme pie and peanut butter parfait have outlasted the sweeping menu revisions and are the cherry on high of your vegan meal.
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Slutty Vegan
4 Slutty Vegan
Founder Pinky Cole Hayes has established an empire within the higher Atlanta space together with her Slutty Vegan idea. The menu of burgers, fries, and rooster sandwiches is certain to boost an eyebrow—each for the names and the over-the-top nature of every merchandise. The absolutely loaded Tremendous Slut and Philly cheesesteak-inspired Hollywood Hooker are simply two examples of what you’ll discover right here. Anticipate juices to be operating down your forearm and the corners of your mouth to be dotted with Slut Sauce by the top of your meal.
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Mr.Charlie’s
5 Mr.Charlie’s
Mr. Charlie’s is the vegan McDonald’s-lovers dream. With places in Los Angeles, Venice, San Francisco, and Sydney, Australia, it gives its personal variations of most of the fast-food big’s classics, solely this time, they’re made sans animal merchandise. That includes the Unattainable Burger, attempt the Massive Chuck, which comes with two vegan patties, three burger buns, cheese, pickles, onions, and particular sauce. Or if Completely satisfied Meals was once your factor, attempt the chain’s “Frowny Meals.” However not like the identify suggests, they’ll really depart you feeling content material and happy.
Discover it right here
Hart Home
6 Hart Home
Hart Home (comic Kevin Hart’s personal vegan fast-food chain) launched in Los Angeles in the summertime of 2022. Like most of the choices on this checklist, its menu boasts plant-based takes on fast-food classics, like double cheeseburgers, rooster sandwiches, nuggets, and crispy tots. Proper now, there are 4 places of the chain within the Los Angeles space, however Hart has massive goals for the model. “The aim is to see Hart Homes proper smack dab in the midst of the place you’d see a McDonald’s, a Burger King, a Chick-fil-A, [and] a Wendy’s [so] individuals can have the choice for a plant-based style, as nicely,” he advised James Corden on The Late Late Present.
Monty’s Good Burger
7 Monty’s Good Burger
Joaquin Phoenix followers, hold your eyes off your cellphone whereas ready in line at Monty’s—the vegan Academy Award winner has repeatedly been seen on the Koreatown location with accomplice and actress Rooney Mara. Positioned because the vegan In-N-Out, Monty’s menu gives a streamlined collection of single and double Unattainable burgers, rooster sandwiches, fries, tots, milkshakes, and a kale Caesar salad.
Discover it right here
Plant Energy Quick Meals
8 Plant Energy Quick Meals
Generally known as “Plant Energy” by locals, this burger chain launched in San Diego and made its method north. It now has 11 places stretching from San Diego to Sacramento, some overtaking former non-vegan drive-thrus, and even Las Vegas. Anticipate a streamlined menu of vegan burgers, fried rooster sandwiches, nuggets, fries, and some entrée salads and wraps for these looking for contemporary choices on the go.
Discover it right here
HipCityVeg
9 HipCityVeg
Get your vegan fast-food repair from morning to nighttime at this East Coast vegan chain. The menu gives varied classics resembling handholds, fries, and shakes. Protein choices vary from Past Burgers to tempeh and maitake mushrooms, so there’s one thing for everybody. When searching the menu, give the chick’n sandwich part some thought—this place does vegan rooster proper.
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@ifyourhangry/Instagram
10 PLNT Burger
In search of Prime Chef high quality meals at a fast-casual value? Take a look at PLNT Burger subsequent time you’re on the East Coast. The vegan fast-food chain was based by chef Spike Mendelsohn—an alum of the Bravo hit culinary competitors present, Prime Chef. Anticipate vegan patties gussied up with dairy-free feta, savory mushroom bacon, caramelized onions, and different flavor-bomb toppings. Praise your handhold with thick candy potato fries, a PLNT chili bowl, and a tall cup of dairy-free comfortable serve.
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Meta Burger
11 Meta Burger
Small however mighty, this Colorado chain serves an award-winning burger. Ranked because the Greatest Vegan Burger by HappyCow and voted Greatest Plant-Based mostly Burger on the SEED Meals and Wine Pageant, the nation wants extra Meta places. The housemade patty is only one a part of the scrumptious complete—the considerate toppings actually put this chain into the winners’ circle. For instance, the favored Flatiron Burger includes a do-it-yourself patty, grilled Brussels sprouts, grilled mushrooms, vegan cheese, and home steak sauce. Add a aspect of fries and further sauce, and also you’re in for a unbelievable fast-food meal.
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Mas Veggies Taqueria
12Mas Veggies Taqueria
An offshoot of Veggie Grill, this fast idea emerged as a carryout and delivery-only chain in 2020. The chain gives veganized variations of Mexican-inspired fast-food favorites together with burritos, bowls, nachos, and tacos. You select your protein (mushroom asada, chickin’ tinga, and so forth.), and the remainder is loaded up with guacamole, pickled purple onions, dairy-free bitter cream, beans, and different accouterments.
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For extra vegan quick meals, learn:
Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews in addition to a author and runner residing in Orange County, CA.
