What Are the Vegan Options at McDonald’s?

McDonald’s isn’t exactly a haven for plant-based eaters, but if you find yourself there, you do have a few vegan-friendly options. 

While the McPlant burger was tested in some locations, it was discontinued, and surprisingly, even the French fries aren’t vegan in the U.S.

So, what can you eat at McDonald’s if you’re vegan? Let’s break down your options.

Is Anything at McDonald’s Vegan?

The vegan menu at McDonald’s is extremely limited, but that doesn’t mean you have no choices. We’re not going to build your hopes up though – the options are disappointing.

Some items can be modified to fit a plant-based diet, though cross-contamination may be a concern since all food is prepared in shared kitchens.

Here’s what you can eat at McDonald’s as a vegan:

Vegan Breakfast at McDonald’s

The only real vegan breakfast option is the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal—but be sure to order it without cream, as the standard version contains dairy.

This oatmeal comes with diced apples, raisins, and cranberries, making it a simple yet satisfying option.

Vegan Burger Option

If you’re craving a burger, you’re in for some serious modifications. You can order a plain hamburger without the patty and instead add extra lettuce.

This leaves you with:

• A plain bun (check with your location to confirm it’s vegan)
• Lettuce
• Chopped onions
• Pickles
• Ketchup
• Mustard

It’s not much of a burger, but it’s technically something.

Vegan Sides at McDonald’s

Unfortunately, French fries are NOT vegan at McDonald’s in the U.S. because they contain natural beef flavoring with milk derivatives.

The only vegan-friendly side you can order is apple slices.

Vegan Sauces at McDonald’s

If you’re looking for a sauce to add flavor to your modified meal, here are the vegan options:

• BBQ Sauce
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Sweet and Sour Sauce

These can be used to add a little more taste to your bun and lettuce “burger” or as a dip for your apple slices.

What Happened to the McPlant Burger?

So, let’s address the elephant in the room.

McDonald’s tested the McPlant Burger—made with a Beyond Meat patty—in select U.S. locations in 2021. However, it was discontinued by mid-2022 due to low demand.

However, in the UK and some other countries, the McPlant is a permanent menu item. The UK even introduced a Double McPlant in 2023, featuring two Beyond Meat patties.

If you’re outside the U.S., check your local McDonald’s menu, as the McPlant may still be available.

Will McDonald’s Ever Offer More Vegan Options?

McDonald’s has expanded its plant-based menu in some other countries, so there’s always a chance new vegan-friendly items could appear in the U.S. However, for now, options remain extremely limited.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a vegan at McDonald’s, your choices are slim. Your best bets are Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (without cream), apple slices, and a modified bun with lettuce and condiments.

The lack of vegan fries and hash browns makes McDonald’s a tough spot for plant-based eaters, but hopefully, future menu updates will include more vegan-friendly items.

Looking for more vegan-friendly fast food? Check out our site for guides on what you can eat at other popular chains!

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