McDonald’s French Fries are one of the most iconic fast-food items in the world—crispy, golden, and impossible to resist. But are they vegan? The answer may surprise you.
While you might assume fries are simply potatoes, oil, and salt, the truth is more complicated.
In some countries, McDonald’s fries are fully vegan. But in others—including the United States—they contain hidden ingredients that make them off-limits for vegans.
So, what’s really in McDonald’s fries, and where can you enjoy a vegan-friendly version? Let’s break it down.
Why McDonald’s Fries Aren’t Vegan in the United States
Despite being made primarily from potatoes, McDonald’s French Fries in the U.S. are not vegan. This is because they are flavored with natural beef flavoring, which also contains dairy ingredients.
The History Behind U.S. McDonald’s Fries
- Before the 1990s: McDonald’s cooked their fries in beef tallow (rendered beef fat) for a rich flavor.
- In the 1990s: The company switched to a vegetable oil blend but added natural beef flavoring to maintain the taste.
- This decision made the fries unsuitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Ingredients in U.S. McDonald’s French Fries
The current recipe for McDonald’s French Fries in the United States includes:
- Potatoes
- Vegetable oil (Canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil)
- Natural beef flavor (includes milk derivatives)
- Dextrose (to maintain color)
- Salt
- Sodium acid pyrophosphate (to prevent discoloration)
- Hydrolyzed milk and hydrolyzed wheat (part of the flavoring)
As you can see, the natural beef flavor and milk derivatives make U.S. McDonald’s fries not vegan.
Are McDonald’s French Fries Vegan in Other Countries?
Yes, some countries serve fully vegan McDonald’s French Fries. Here’s how they compare:
Vegan McDonald’s Fries in the United Kingdom
McDonald’s fries in the U.K. are 100% vegan and even carry a ‘Vegan Approved’ seal from the Vegetarian Society.
U.K. McDonald’s Fries Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Non-hydrogenated vegetable oils (rapeseed oil and sunflower oil)
- Salt
- Dextrose (for color)
The U.K. recipe is simple, with no animal-derived ingredients or cross-contamination issues, making the fries fully vegan.
Where Else Are McDonald’s Fries Vegan?
- India: McDonald’s fries are vegan-friendly due to strict vegetarian practices and separate cooking processes.
- Australia: Most locations serve vegan fries, but some may use shared fryers—so it’s best to check.
Countries Where McDonald’s Fries Are Not Vegan
- United States: Contains beef flavoring and milk derivatives.
- Canada: Fries may contain milk derivatives or be cooked with animal products.
- Most of Europe: Fries often contain milk-based flavoring similar to the U.S. recipe.
- South America: McDonald’s fries typically follow the U.S. recipe with beef flavoring.
Why Isn’t the U.S. Recipe Vegan?
The U.S. recipe has remained non-vegan despite growing demand for plant-based options. Although the U.K. and India have shown it’s possible to make vegan fries, McDonald’s U.S. has not changed its formula.
Many vegans find this frustrating, especially since McDonald’s has already created a vegan-friendly version for other countries.
What Can Vegans Eat at McDonald’s in the U.S.?
Unfortunately, vegan options at U.S. McDonald’s are limited. However, here are a few choices:
- Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (without cream): A simple, plant-based breakfast option.
- Apple Slices: A quick, vegan-friendly snack.
- Side Salad (without dressing or cheese): A plain, plant-based option.
- Beverages: Black coffee, soft drinks, and some slushie flavors.
What About the McPlant Burger?
In 2021, McDonald’s introduced the McPlant Burger, made with a Beyond Meat patty, but it was only available at select locations. As of now, it’s not a nationwide option.
The McDonald’s French Fries Lawsuit (2001)
In 2001, McDonald’s faced a lawsuit from vegetarians and Hindus for failing to disclose the use of beef flavoring in their fries.
- McDonald’s initially claimed their fries were vegetarian-friendly, but it was discovered that they used beef extract for flavoring.
- The lawsuit resulted in a $10 million settlement, with donations made to vegetarian and Hindu organizations.
This lawsuit made headlines and brought more attention to the ingredients used in McDonald’s fries.
Final Thoughts
Currently, McDonald’s French Fries are not vegan in the United States, but they are vegan in places like the United Kingdom and India. This is due to differences in recipes and ingredient sourcing.
Unfortunately, vegan options at U.S. McDonald’s remain limited, but there is hope that growing demand for plant-based choices will lead to more vegan-friendly menu items in the future.
