IHOP, or the International House of Pancakes, is famous for its breakfast menu, but if you’re vegan, you might assume there’s nothing for you to eat.
Since IHOP’s signature pancakes contain milk and eggs, it’s easy to think the entire menu is off-limits.
Fortunately, that’s not the case. While there’s no dedicated vegan menu, IHOP does offer a handful of plant-based options that can make a meal.
Whether you’re dining with family or stopping in for a quick bite, here are 11 vegan-friendly choices you can order.
1. Plant-Based Sausage Patties
One of the few purposefully vegan items at IHOP, these sausage patties are a great protein option.
They’re typically served as part of vegetarian dishes that also include eggs, but you can order them on their own.
For a more balanced meal, order the Plant-Based Sausage Power Combo without eggs. It includes:
- Two plant-based sausage patties
- Multigrain toast (no butter)
- Seasonal fresh fruit
2. Hash Browns
IHOP’s hash browns are completely vegan and one of the most popular breakfast options. You can customize them by adding toppings like:
- Salsa
- Avocado
3. Crispy Breakfast Potatoes
Similar to hash browns, these breakfast potatoes are made from the same ingredients but have a crispier texture. They’re another great side to pair with other vegan-friendly options.
4. Grits
Grits are a Southern breakfast staple, and at IHOP, they’re made without butter or milk, making them completely vegan.
Some restaurants add butter before serving, so let your server know you want yours plain.
5. Toast (No Butter)
IHOP’s multigrain toast is vegan, but you’ll need to order it without butter. Instead of eating it dry, try topping it with:
- Avocado
- Fresh fruit
6. Sautéed Vegetables
This option isn’t listed on the menu, but you can order it by modifying an omelet.
Ask for a vegetarian omelet without eggs and cheese, and you’ll get a delicious plate of sautéed vegetables.
The vegetables you receive will depend on the omelet you choose. Some options include:
- Spinach and mushrooms
- Bell peppers and onions
- Garden vegetable mix
Pair your veggies with a flour or corn tortilla, salsa, or avocado for extra flavor.
7. Side Salad
IHOP’s house salad is a simple vegan option made with fresh greens, tomatoes, and onions.
Not all salad dressings at IHOP are vegan, so ask your server which options are safe.
8. Rice Medley
IHOP has added burritos and bowls to their menu, and while most of them aren’t vegan, the rice medley is.
Made with wild rice and vegetables, this dish is completely plant-based. It works as a side or can be paired with sautéed vegetables for a more filling meal.
9. Seasoned French Fries (No Seasoning Salt)
IHOP’s French fries are vegan, as they aren’t cooked in animal fat. However, the seasoning salt may contain animal-derived ingredients, so request them without seasoning just to be safe.
10. Fresh Fruit
IHOP’s fresh fruit side is one of the healthiest vegan options on the menu. It usually includes a mix of:
- Melon
- Grapes
- Pineapple
Since it’s just fresh-cut fruit, there’s no risk of animal products being added.
11. Steamed Fresh Broccoli (No Garlic Butter)
IHOP serves steamed broccoli, but it’s typically topped with garlic butter, which isn’t vegan. Ask for it plain to keep it plant-based.
Final Thoughts
While IHOP doesn’t have a fully vegan menu, there are still plenty of plant-based options to choose from.
You can enjoy a meal by combining items like plant-based sausage, hash browns, sautéed vegetables, and toast with avocado.
Before ordering, check with your server to confirm ingredients, as menu items may change. Also, keep in mind that IHOP’s kitchen uses shared equipment, so cross-contamination with non-vegan ingredients is possible.
Would you like to see more plant-based options at IHOP? Let them know—many restaurants are expanding their vegan offerings based on customer demand.
