Cracker Barrel has been serving Southern comfort food since 1969, offering meals at reasonable prices. However, for a long time, vegan options were nearly nonexistent.
That started to change in 2021 when Cracker Barrel introduced Impossible Sausage, signaling a shift toward more plant-based choices.
While the menu is still limited for vegans, there are ways to put together a satisfying meal with sides, salads, and modifications.
This guide covers all the vegan options at Cracker Barrel, from breakfast to dessert.
Vegan Breakfast Options at Cracker Barrel
A great thing about Cracker Barrel’s breakfast menu is that you can order items as individual sides, allowing you to mix and match for a filling meal.
Vegan-Friendly Breakfast Items
- Grits – Best topped with sugar-free, natural, or blueberry syrup.
- Seasonal Fruit – A simple and fresh option.
- Hatch Valley Green Chilies – Great as a topping for toast or grits.
- Fried Apples – Despite the name, these apples are baked, not fried, and cooked in vegan-friendly oil.
- Impossible Sausage Patties – Cracker Barrel’s only plant-based meat option, available nationwide.
Tip: Pair Impossible Sausage with toast, grits, or fruit for a complete meal.
Vegan Main Meal Options At Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel’s menu lacks dedicated vegan entrées, but you can build a meal using sides and salads.
The Country Vegetable Plate
This dish lets you choose four side items, making it a solid vegan option.
Vegan-friendly side choices include:
- Fried Apples
- Baby Carrots
- Tater Rounds
- Seasonal Fruit
- Steamed Broccoli
- Baked Potato (Request margarine instead of butter and remove sour cream. Add BBQ sauce or green onions for extra flavor.)
- Baked Sweet Potato (Also request margarine instead of butter. Sweeten with syrup and pecans.)
If you want extra protein, add a side of Impossible Sausage Patties.
Vegan Salad Options
For a lighter meal, Cracker Barrel offers a customizable house salad:
House Salad (With Modifications)
- Includes: Cucumbers, grape tomatoes, house-baked croutons, saltine crackers, and fresh greens.
- How to make it vegan: Remove cheese and bacon.
Another option is to order The Country Vegetable Plate and add a few extra veggie sides to create a heartier salad.
Vegan Drinks at Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel offers a range of vegan-friendly beverages, including both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Hot Tea
- Coffee (No dairy-free milk options available.)
- Tomato Juice
- Iced Tea (Available in Raspberry, Unsweetened, or Sweet.)
- Regular or Raspberry Lemonade
- Soda (Coca-Cola products)
- Orange Juice
- Apple Juice
Alcoholic Vegan Drinks
Not all alcoholic beverages are vegan, so always double-check before ordering. However, Cracker Barrel does offer vegan-friendly mimosas in the following flavors:
- Orange
- Peach
- Strawberry
What Can Kids Eat at Cracker Barrel?
If you’re ordering for a child, options are similar to the adult menu.
- The Veggie Plate can be made vegan (remove the buttermilk biscuits, which contain dairy).
- You can also order sides separately to create a kid-friendly meal.
- Plenty of vegan drink options are available, including juice, lemonade, and tea.
Vegan Dessert Options
At first glance, it may seem like there are no vegan desserts at Cracker Barrel, but there’s one option:
Peach & Blueberry Cobbler (With Modifications)
- Order it without ice cream to make it vegan.
Since menus change over time, always ask your server about additional dessert options.
Cross-Contamination at Cracker Barrel
Although Cracker Barrel offers some vegan options, it’s important to note that cross-contamination is possible.
- Most foods are cooked on shared surfaces with meat and dairy.
- Vegetables like pinto beans, lima beans, green beans, and cabbage are cooked with meat, making them not vegan-friendly.
- Cracker Barrel’s allergen guide confirms that cross-contamination can occur with all menu items.
Tip: If you’re strict about cross-contamination, speak with your server to ask how your food is prepared.
Final Thoughts
Cracker Barrel may not be the first place that comes to mind for plant-based dining, but there are ways to make it work if you’re vegan.
While there are no dedicated vegan entrées, you can build a meal using sides, salads, and Impossible Sausage patties.
The Country Vegetable Plate is one of the best options, allowing you to mix and match four vegan-friendly sides to create a filling meal.
Customization is key when ordering at Cracker Barrel. Simple swaps—like removing cheese and bacon from the House Salad or asking for margarine instead of butter on baked potatoes—can help you put together a satisfying meal.
However, because Cracker Barrel does not have separate cooking areas for vegan food, there is always a risk of cross-contamination. If this is a concern, it’s best to ask your server how your food is prepared.
Overall, while Cracker Barrel is far from a vegan paradise, it has made small strides in offering plant-based options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cracker Barrel Serve Plant-Based Meat?
Yes, Cracker Barrel introduced Impossible Sausage in June 2021 as a test item, and by 2022, it was rolled out nationwide. It remains the only plant-based meat option on the menu and is primarily available at breakfast.
Is Cracker Barrel’s Oatmeal Vegan?
No, the oatmeal at Cracker Barrel contains milk and is not suitable for a vegan diet.
Does Cracker Barrel Offer Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives?
At this time, Cracker Barrel does not provide any non-dairy milk options. If you order coffee or tea, it will be served without milk or cream, so you’ll need to drink it black or bring your own dairy-free alternative.
