Vegan Options at Carl’s Jr: What’s on the Menu?

Finding vegan options at fast food restaurants has become easier in recent years, and Carl’s Jr has been part of this positive shift.

In 2019, the chain made waves by offering the Beyond Famous Star burger, a fully plant-based option that was a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike.

While it’s disappointing that the Beyond Famous Star is no longer on the menu, Carl’s Jr still has several vegan-friendly options that you can enjoy with a little customization.

From build-your-own burgers to crispy fries, there’s enough to satisfy your plant-based cravings.

In this guide, we’ll explore all the vegan items available at Carl’s Jr so you can order with confidence and enjoy a quick, plant-based meal.

What To Order As A Vegan at Carl’s Jr

Here are the plant-based items you can enjoy at Carl’s Jr with some modifications:

Build Your Own Vegan Burger

While Carl’s Jr no longer offers the Beyond Famous Star burger, you can still create a vegan-friendly burger using their customizable options.

How to Build It:

1. Start with the sesame seed bun, which is vegan-friendly.
2. Add toppings like:
   • Lettuce
   • Tomato
   • Sliced Onions
   • Dill Pickles
   • Jalapeños
3. Choose a sauce:
   • Tomato Ketchup
   • Mustard
   • Sweet & Bold BBQ Sauce
   • Guacamole
4. Skip the cheese, mayo, or any non-vegan toppings.
5. For a lighter option, ask for a lettuce wrap instead of the bun.

Vegan Sides

No burger is complete without some delicious sides. Luckily, Carl’s Jr has a few vegan-friendly options:

• Natural-Cut French Fries
• CrissCut Fries
• Hash Rounds (available during breakfast hours)

Note on Frying: These items are fried in shared fryers with non-vegan products, so there may be cross-contamination. If this is a concern, you may want to confirm preparation methods with the staff.

Vegan Salads

For a lighter option, Carl’s Jr offers a basic side salad that can be made vegan with a few modifications:

• Side Salad: Ask for no cheese or croutons, and choose the Low-Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.

Vegan Sauces and Dips

Carl’s Jr offers a variety of vegan-friendly sauces to enhance your meal:

• Tomato Ketchup
• Mustard
• Sweet & Bold BBQ Sauce
• Spicy Buffalo Dipping Sauce
• Low-Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette

Things to Keep in Mind At Carl’s Jr

As with many fast-food chains, there are some important considerations when ordering vegan at Carl’s Jr:

1. Cross-Contamination: Vegan items like fries and hash rounds are cooked in shared fryers with non-vegan products. If this is a concern, ask the staff about their preparation practices.
2. Customization is Key: Most vegan-friendly options require modifications. Be sure to specify no cheese, mayo, or non-vegan ingredients when ordering.
3. Check with Your Local Restaurant: Menu offerings can vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with your local Carl’s Jr to ensure your order is vegan.

Final Thoughts

While Carl’s Jr doesn’t have a dedicated vegan menu, there are still plenty of options for plant-based diners. The Build Your Own Vegan Burger is a standout choice, especially when paired with their crispy fries or hash rounds.

That said, many of us miss the Beyond Famous Star burger, which was a fantastic addition to the menu for vegans and vegetarians alike.

Its discontinuation is a disappointment, but hopefully, Carl’s Jr will bring back a plant-based burger or introduce new vegan options in the future.

As more fast-food chains embrace plant-based dining, it’s exciting to see Carl’s Jr continuing to offer vegan-friendly choices. Here’s hoping they expand their offerings soon!

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