I Tried All the Plant-Based Fast Food so You Don’t Have to

With the increasing popularity of veganism, vegetarianism, pescetarianism, and more, I’m always surprised there aren’t more plant-based options already available.

Whether you’re a full time vegan or just a Meatless Monday kinda vibe, hang on because I tried the vegetarian/vegan options at the most popular fast food joints and ranked them for you. So next time you’re on the go (or just craving a burger) you know exactly where to stop and what to get.

Without further ado, worst to best, my ratings:

8. McDonalds, Wendy’s, Popeyes, Five Guys
Coming in at last place are McDonalds, Wendy’s, Popeyes, and Five Guys. While some fast food joints have risen to the veg friendly occasion, others are falling behind. Some of these places have plant-based options in pilot, but really, it’s 2022. You should be well past a pilot program by now.

7. Freddy’s – Veggie Burger
Freddy’s primary plant-based option is a black bean Veggie Burger with cheese, Thousand Island dressing (leave off the cheese and dressing for a vegan burger), onion, lettuce, and tomato. It wasn’t anything special – pretty standard as far as veggie burgers go. I will say, I love their grilled cheese for a vegetarian option though rumor has it they’re taking it off the menu.

6. Dunkin’ – Beyond Sausage Sandwich
Dunkin’s Beyond Sausage Sandwich premiered in 2019 and, as I figured out when I tried to order it for this post, apparently has been taken off the menu since then. If they ever do decide to bring it back, it was a nice, albeit slightly subpar, change from typical veggie options. If anyone’s had their avocado toast, I would love to know your opinion!

5. Starbucks – The Impossible Breakfast Sandwich
The Impossible Breakfast Sandwich is a sausage substitute egg sandwich served on a ciabatta roll. I’m a fan of everything except the price. In addition to the sandwich, Starbucks’ plant-based options include egg bites and the Spinach, Feta, and Egg White Wrap. Starbucks is definitely getting better with its variety of vegetarian/vegan options but, c’mon, who doesn’t serve a regular egg and cheese sandwich?

4. Shake Shack – ‘Shroom Burger
I’m more of a simple gal so this burger, which is fried, filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheeses and then topped with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce, is a little bit much for me. Nonetheless, if you’re an adventurous eater I would recommend this interesting burger; it’s definitely one of a kind.

3. Taco bell – Black Bean Crunchwrap
I really liked Taco Bell’s Veggie Mode menu. Basically, on their order kiosks you can switch to a vegetarian menu to make ordering plant-based easier. I ended up with a Black Bean Crunchwrap (which wasn’t the best thing I’ve ever eaten but is any fast food?). It comes with black beans, tomatoes, lettuce, nacho cheese sauce, and sour cream.

2. White Castle – Impossible Slider
White Castle offers an Impossible Slider and a Veggie Slider, and they’re both delicious (though I preferred the Impossible Slider). The sliders come with the standard pickles and grilled onions and can be ordered with or without smoked cheddar cheese.  The Impossible Slider is a little bit thicker than the traditional patties. Important to note is that these burgers are cooked on the same surface as real meat.

1. Burger King – The Impossible Whopper
Burger King gets bonus points in my book for adopting a plant-based option so early in the game and running with it. The Impossible Whopper was delicious and comes topped with tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, ketchup, pickles, and onions. The Impossible Whopper, similar to White Castle, is cooked on the same grill as everything else.

* I didn’t try KFC’s Beyond Fried Chicken since there’s no KFC near me but heads up that’s an option 😊

I ate a ridiculous amount of fast food in the past week. Having plant-based options at these places is important because they’re located at practically every rest stop across the country. No matter where you travel in the U.S., you can count on finding at least one of these options. It makes living a plant-based lifestyle more achievable.