Whataburger is a well-loved fast-food chain known for its burgers, but it might not seem like the best choice for vegans. Unlike some competitors, Whataburger doesn’t offer a plant-based burger or meat alternative.
However, if you find yourself at Whataburger, you won’t have to leave hungry. There are several plant-based options available, and with a few customizations, you can put together a satisfying vegan meal.
This guide covers every vegan-friendly item on the Whataburger menu, including side dishes, condiments, toppings, drinks, and how to customize your meal.
1. French Fries
Whataburger’s French fries are completely plant-based, made from potatoes and fried in soybean oil.
How to Customize Your Fries
Order them without seasoning salt, as it may contain animal-derived ingredients. Pair them with vegan-friendly condiments like fancy ketchup, spicy ketchup, or mustard.
Cross-Contamination Warning
Although the fries themselves contain no animal products, they are cooked in shared fryers that may be used for meat-based items. If this is a concern, you may want to skip the fries.
2. Hash Browns
If you’re stopping by Whataburger for breakfast, which is served from 11 PM to 11 AM, you can order hash browns, which are also cooked in soybean oil and free from animal products.
How to Make It a Meal
Pair hash browns with a side of avocado or fresh jalapeños for added texture and flavor. Order them with black coffee or Simply Orange Juice for a complete breakfast.
Like the fries, the hash browns may be cooked in shared fryers, so keep that in mind if cross-contamination is a concern.
3. Garden Salad (No Cheese or Chicken)
Salads may not be the most exciting choice, but they’re often a safe and filling option for vegans at fast-food restaurants.
How to Order It Vegan
Remove cheese and chicken. Add extra toppings like fire-roasted mushrooms, avocado, jalapeños, grilled peppers, and grilled onions to make it more flavorful and satisfying.
Vegan Salad Dressing Options
Whataburger’s balsamic vinaigrette and herb vinaigrette are likely vegan, but always check with your server to confirm the ingredients. A great way to enhance your salad is by adding avocado slices or grilled onions for extra taste and texture.
4. Apple Slices
For a light, healthy snack, Whataburger offers pre-packaged apple slices, which contain no added ingredients or preservatives.
Ways to Enjoy Apple Slices
Pair them with a side of toast for a light breakfast or add them to your salad for extra sweetness. While they aren’t a full meal on their own, they’re a great addition to round out your order.
5. Build Your Own Vegan Sandwich
One of the best ways to eat a filling and customized vegan meal at Whataburger is by building your own sandwich.
How to Order a Vegan Sandwich
Step 1: Choose Your Bread
Flour tortilla, Texas toast (no butter), or the standard bun (untoasted or toasted with vegan-friendly oil).
Step 2: Pick Your Toppings
Lettuce, tomato, pickles, avocado, fire-roasted mushrooms, grilled onions, grilled peppers, and fresh jalapeños.
Step 3: Select a Vegan Condiment
Mustard, fancy ketchup, spicy ketchup, or balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy twist.
Extra Tips for a Better Vegan Sandwich
If you want a wrap instead, order a flour tortilla instead of a bun. Adding extra avocado makes it creamier, while grilled onions and peppers add a nice crunch. Since Whataburger doesn’t list this as a standard menu item, be patient with the staff when placing your order.
6. Vegan-Friendly Sauces and Condiments
A good sauce can make all the difference, and luckily, Whataburger has several vegan-friendly condiments to enhance your meal.
Vegan Sauces and Dips at Whataburger
Fancy ketchup, spicy ketchup, mustard, and balsamic vinaigrette (for salads or sandwiches).
These condiments can be used for dipping fries, adding flavor to sandwiches, or mixing into a salad.
7. Extra Vegan Toppings to Customize Your Meal
If you want to upgrade your sandwich, fries, or salad, you can add these vegan-friendly toppings: fire-roasted mushrooms for a smoky, savory flavor, grilled onions for caramelized depth, grilled peppers for a slightly sweet and smoky taste, and fresh jalapeños for spice.
Adding fire-roasted mushrooms and grilled onions to a salad can enhance the flavor. Topping fries with jalapeños gives them a spicy kick, and piling grilled peppers and avocado onto a sandwich makes it a more satisfying meal.
8. Vegan-Friendly Drinks at Whataburger
If you’re just stopping in for a drink, there are plenty of plant-based beverages to choose from.
Vegan Drinks at Whataburger
Simply Orange Juice (available during breakfast hours), Coca-Cola and Coke Zero, Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper, Sprite, sweet tea and unsweetened tea, and black coffee (order without milk or cream).
Whataburger doesn’t currently offer plant-based milk alternatives, so be sure to order your coffee black.
Final Thoughts
Whataburger doesn’t have a dedicated vegan menu, but with a little creativity, you can still find plenty of plant-based options.
Whether you’re in the mood for fries, hash browns, a salad, or a build-your-own sandwich, there are ways to enjoy a vegan meal at this popular fast-food chain.
For a quick snack, French fries with fancy ketchup or apple slices are easy choices. Hash browns with Simply Orange Juice or black coffee make a decent breakfast option.
If you want a more filling meal, a customized sandwich with avocado, grilled onions, jalapeños, and fire-roasted mushrooms is a great choice. Those looking for something lighter can opt for a garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette and extra toppings.
While Whataburger doesn’t currently offer a plant-based patty, there is hope that they will expand their vegan menu in the future.
Many restaurants update their menus based on customer demand, so if you’d like to see more vegan options at Whataburger, let them know.
