If you’re a vegan craving fast food, you might be wondering if Wendy’s has anything plant-based to offer.
While Wendy’s is known for its burgers and fries, you’ll be happy to know there are still some vegan-friendly options—although many require a little customization.
From DIY sandwiches to baked potatoes and salads, you can enjoy a quick bite without compromising your plant-based lifestyle.
Let’s break down everything you can order as a vegan at Wendy’s.
What Vegan Options Are Available at Wendy’s?
Although fast-food restaurants are often associated with meat-heavy menus, Wendy’s has a few options that vegans can enjoy. Here’s a closer look at what you can order:
Wendy’s Sides and French Fries
The simplest vegan choices on Wendy’s menu are their sides, but there are a few important details to note.
- French Fries: Wendy’s natural-cut fries are made without animal ingredients. However, they are cooked in shared fryers with items containing fish, milk, and wheat. This means there is a risk of cross-contamination, so it’s up to you to decide if you’re comfortable with that.
- Apple Bites: Fresh, simple apple slices with no added ingredients—fully vegan and a great snack option.
- Plain Baked Potato (or with Chives): You can order the baked potato plain or with chives. Be sure to skip the butter, sour cream, or cheese. For extra flavor, you can add:
- Hot chili sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Avocado (if available)
- Salsa (if available)
Wendy’s DIY Vegan Sandwich Option
If you’re in the mood for something that feels like a sandwich, try this fun DIY option:
- DIY French Fry Sandwich: Order a Jr. Cheeseburger Deluxe and ask for no mayo, no cheese, and no meat. Add a portion of French fries inside the bun, and you’ve got a crispy, carb-loaded sandwich that’s surprisingly satisfying!
Vegan Salad Options at Wendy’s
Wendy’s offers several salads, but most require modifications to be vegan-friendly. Here’s how to customize them:
- Side Salad: Order without croutons or cheese. For dressing, choose either:
- Pomegranate Vinaigrette (vegan)
- Salsa (vegan)
- Apple Pecan Salad: Request no pecans, chicken, or blue cheese. What’s left:
- Spring and romaine lettuce
- Dried cranberries
- Fresh apple slices
- Pomegranate vinaigrette dressing (vegan)
- Taco Salad: Order without sour cream, chili, or cheese. Substitute with avocado (if available). The salad will include:
- Romaine lettuce
- Salsa
- Taco chips
- Diced tomatoes
- Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad: Request no bacon, chicken, or cheese. Substitute the dressing with salsa (vegan). You’ll get:
- Romaine lettuce and spring mix
- Avocado slices
- Tomatoes
Vegan Salad Dressings at Wendy’s
Wendy’s doesn’t offer many vegan dressings, but there are two safe choices:
- Salsa (vegan)
- Pomegranate Vinaigrette (vegan)
Wendy’s Vegan Breakfast Option
Wendy’s breakfast menu offers just one vegan option:
- Seasoned Potatoes: These crispy breakfast potatoes are vegan on their own. However, like the fries, they are cooked in shared fryers, which could result in cross-contamination.
Does Wendy’s Have the Veggie Stack Burger?
The Veggie Stack burger is a plant-based option—but only in Wendy’s UK locations. It is not available in the United States.
The UK Veggie Stack includes:
- Black bean and vegetable patty
- Lettuce and tomatoes
- Garlic mayonnaise
- Emmental cheese
While the Veggie Stack is vegetarian, it’s not vegan-friendly unless you request it without cheese and mayonnaise.
There’s no word on whether Wendy’s plans to bring a similar vegan-friendly burger to the U.S., but we can hope they do soon!
Can Fully Plant-Based Vegans Eat at Wendy’s?
Yes, but with limited choices. Fully plant-based vegans can still enjoy Wendy’s by opting for:
- Plain Baked Potato (with chives, salsa, or avocado if available)
- Side Salad (with pomegranate vinaigrette or salsa dressing)
- Apple Bites
- Seasoned Potatoes (breakfast only)
- DIY French Fry Sandwich
Since these options are not fried with animal products, there’s less concern about cross-contamination compared to fried items.
Final Thoughts
While Wendy’s doesn’t offer a fully vegan burger in the U.S., you can still enjoy a meal with a few creative modifications.
From baked potatoes and side salads to seasoned potatoes and apple bites, you can make a satisfying plant-based meal with what’s available.
Although the vegan options are limited, Wendy’s can still be a suitable choice when you’re on the go.
Hopefully, in the future, Wendy’s will introduce more plant-based offerings, like their Veggie Stack from the UK. Until then, enjoy your DIY creations and plant-based favorites from the current menu!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Vegan Eat Wendy’s Fresh Oatmeal Bar?
No. The Fresh Oatmeal Bar is not vegan because it contains both honey and eggs. Honey is a debated ingredient within the vegan community, but since this item also contains eggs, it’s off the table for vegans.
Can a Vegan Eat Wendy’s French Fries?
The fries themselves are vegan and contain no animal products. However, they are cooked in shared fryers with meat and dairy products. Whether you are comfortable with this is a personal decision. Some vegans are okay with cross-contamination, while others avoid it.
Can a Vegan Eat Wendy’s Grits?
No. Wendy’s grits contain milk and eggs, making them unsuitable for vegans.
Can Vegans Eat Wendy’s Hash Browns?
Yes! Wendy’s hash browns are vegan and contain no animal products. However, they are fried in the same oil as non-vegan items, which may cause cross-contamination. Whether you’re comfortable with that is up to you.
Are Waffles at Wendy’s Vegan?
No. Wendy’s waffles contain eggs and milk, making them unsuitable for vegans.
