Arby’s is famous for its meats, with its long-standing slogan, “We Have the Meats,” making it clear where the brand’s focus lies. As a result, finding vegan-friendly options at Arby’s can be challenging.
However, if you find yourself at an Arby’s while following a plant-based diet, you may still be able to order a satisfying meal with a few simple modifications.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the vegan options at Arby’s, what ingredients to avoid, and how to customize your order for a plant-based meal.
Does Arby’s Have Vegan Options?
Arby’s does not offer any vegan sandwiches or plant-based proteins like Impossible™ or Beyond Meat®. However, there are still a few vegan-friendly sides and customizable menu items to choose from.
While cross-contact with animal products may occur in shared fryers or prep areas, these options are typically vegan by ingredient.
Always check with your server if you need more information about preparation methods.
Vegan-Friendly Menu Items at Arby’s
Although the vegan selection is limited, Arby’s does offer a few sides, sauces, and salad options.
1. Vegan-Friendly Sides
Arby’s sides provide the easiest vegan-friendly choices on the menu. While all fried sides are prepared in shared fryers, the following items are typically made without animal products:
- Curly Fries (fried in shared oil)
- Crinkle-Cut Fries (fried in shared oil)
- Side Salad (Modified) – Order without cheese and croutons
- Apple Turnover (may vary by location; some contain dairy-based glaze)
Note: Cross-contact with animal ingredients is possible since the fries are cooked in shared fryers.
2. Vegan-Friendly Bread Options
While Arby’s doesn’t offer a vegan sandwich, several bread options are free from dairy and eggs. You can use these as a base for a custom veggie sandwich.
- Harvest Wheat Bun
- Marble Rye Bread (used for Reubens)
- Sourdough Bread
Important: Confirm availability and check ingredients locally, as recipes and suppliers can vary.
3. Vegan-Friendly Toppings and Add-Ons
If you’re customizing a sandwich or salad, stick with these vegan-friendly ingredients:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
- Avocado Spread (availability varies)
- Pickles
- Jalapeños
Customization Tip: Ask for extra veggies or avocado to make your sandwich more filling.
4. Vegan-Friendly Sauces and Condiments
Many of Arby’s signature sauces contain dairy or eggs, but these options are typically vegan-friendly:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Bronco Berry Sauce (sweet, fruity, and vegan)
- Marinara Sauce
Non-Vegan Sauce Warning:
- Arby’s Sauce and Horsey Sauce contain dairy and are not vegan.
How to Order Vegan at Arby’s
Ordering vegan at Arby’s requires a few specific instructions. Here’s how to get it right:
Option 1: Vegan Sandwich (Custom Order)
- Ask for a Harvest Wheat Bun or Sourdough Bread.
- Add lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and avocado spread (if available).
- Skip cheese, mayonnaise, and any meat fillings.
- Choose ketchup, mustard, or Bronco Berry Sauce for flavor.
Option 2: Vegan Salad (Modified)
- Order the Side Salad with no cheese and no croutons.
- Add extra veggies like tomatoes, onions, and avocado if available.
- Use balsamic vinegar or olive oil as a dressing if available.
Option 3: Vegan Snack
- Order a side of Curly Fries or Crinkle-Cut Fries (prepared in shared oil).
- Add a packet of ketchup or Bronco Berry Sauce for dipping.
- If available, try the Apple Turnover (check ingredients at your location).
Pro Tip: Customizations may vary by location, so always double-check with your server when placing your order.
What Items Should You Avoid at Arby’s?
Arby’s is not known for vegan-friendly options, and many seemingly safe items contain animal products.
Here are some items you might expect to be vegan but actually are not:
- Arby’s Sauce (contains dairy)
- Horsey Sauce (contains eggs)
- Jalapeño Bites (contain milk in the breading)
- Mozzarella Sticks (contain dairy and egg)
- Breakfast Bread Options (typically contain milk and eggs)
Note on Potato Cakes
- Potato Cakes were once a popular vegan-friendly option, but they’ve been discontinued at most locations across the U.S.
Will Arby’s Introduce More Vegan Options?
Although Arby’s has not announced any plans to offer vegan protein alternatives, the growing popularity of plant-based diets could influence future menu additions.
Other major fast-food chains—like Burger King (Impossible Whopper) and Carl’s Jr. (Beyond Famous Star)—have successfully introduced vegan-friendly burgers, which might encourage Arby’s to follow suit.
Until then, Arby’s remains a challenging spot for vegan diners, with limited—but not impossible—options.
Final Thoughts
While Arby’s isn’t a vegan-friendly fast-food chain, you can still build a simple plant-based meal with a few customizations.
Curly fries, side salads, and modified sandwiches are your best bet, along with a few vegan-friendly sauces to add flavor.
If you’re looking for more substantial vegan options, you may want to check out fast-food chains with more dedicated plant-based offerings.
However, if Arby’s is your only option, now you know how to navigate the menu to create a vegan-friendly meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arby’s Have a Vegan Sandwich?
No. Arby’s does not currently offer a vegan sandwich or plant-based protein option. However, you can build a simple sandwich using vegan bread, vegetables, and condiments.
Are Arby’s Fries Vegan?
Yes, the Curly Fries and Crinkle-Cut Fries are vegan by ingredients. However, they are cooked in shared fryers, which may be a concern for some individuals.
Is Arby’s Sauce Vegan?
No. Arby’s Sauce contains dairy, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. Stick with ketchup, mustard, or Bronco Berry Sauce instead.
Are Arby’s Potato Cakes Vegan?
They were vegan by ingredients but have since been discontinued at most locations.
Does Arby’s Have Vegan Desserts?
The Apple Turnover may be vegan depending on the recipe used at your local Arby’s. Always check for milk-based glazes before ordering.
