Mcdonald’s Vegan Options: Best Plant-Based Options In 2024

As the demand for plant-based dining options continues to grow, McDonald’s Vegan Options have started to emerge, offering a surprising variety for those who prefer a meat-free lifestyle.

Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or just looking to cut back on animal products, this guide will navigate you through the menu, revealing delicious and satisfying choices that make dining at McDonald’s easier than ever.

What’s vegan at McDonald’s?

While Mcdonald’s Vegan Options are limited outside of the US, the fast-food giant has made significant strides. In the United Kingdom, a fully vegan McPlant (complete with plant-based mayonnaise and dairy-free cheese).

Is a permanent fixture on the menu alongside other vegan offerings such as chicken wraps, fried veggie dippers, French fries, mini carrots, and fruit sticks. The chain’s vegan offering can also be found in Australia and the Netherlands.

Related: Latest Mcdonald’s UK Prices: What’s New On The Menu?

Vegan fast-food items that have come and gone

America’s short-lived McPlant is not the only plant-based menu item we’ve seen cycle through a fast-food chain in the blink of an eye. Burger King kicked off the momentum in 2019 when it launched the Impossible Whopper. Like the McPlant, this sandwich could be modified by removing the mayonnaise.

This item has endured, but many plant-based alternatives that have come after it failed to stand up to the test. Most recently, Panda Express pulled its Beyond Orange Chicken.

The Asian-inspired chain launched the Beyond Meat-based item in a handful of locations during the summer of 2021, then expanded to 2,300 US restaurants in September 2022. As of this January, the limited-time offering has run its course and will not be restocked for the foreseeable future.

Mcdonald’s Vegan Options

McDonald’s offers a handful of vegan-friendly options that can be enjoyed with minimal modifications. The classic French fries and Hash Browns are vegan in most locations. For a lighter snack, opt for the apple slices or a side salad without cheese or dressing.

Veggie wraps or sandwiches can be customized by removing non-vegan ingredients. The Baked Apple Pie is also a sweet vegan treat to finish your meal. Remember to check ingredient lists and ask for specifics, as offerings can vary by region.

McCafé Bakery and sweet treats

Considering vegan pastries are a rare find at most fast-food chains, we’re fairly thrilled that the flaky, sugar-dusted Baked Apple Pie is completely free from animal ingredients. For now, it’s the only vegan option on either the bakery or sweet treat menus.

Breakfast

Don’t touch those hash browns. Unlike most fast-food spuds, McDonald’s hash browns contain animal derivatives. It’s a bit odd, as the offending ingredient is beef flavouring—which is made with milk and wheat, not beef. Avoid the oatmeal, too. It’s made with light cream. The one vegan option in the A.M. is a plain English muffin.

Beverages

Of course, there are soft drinks, but McDonald’s offers a few unique beverage options you may wish to consider.

All the frozen Fanta slushies are vegan (Blue Raspberry and Coca-Cola), as well as the Honest Kids Appley Ever After Organic Juice Drink and Minute Maid Premium Orange Juice.

Black coffee is safe as well, but be prepared to drink it straight or just with sugar—non-dairy milk is not (yet) available. Avoid the smoothies; they are made with dairy-based yoghurt.

Sides

Surprise! McDonald’s fries are not vegan (at least in the US). Like hash browns, they contain beef flavouring that is made from milk. A good rule of thumb is to stay away from potato products here.

However, Apple products seem to be clear. Just as the apple pie is vegan, the apple slices on the sides menu are good to go (and likely the healthiest option on the entire menu).

Burgers and sandwiches

At the moment, there are no vegan options in this category in the US … unless a condiment sandwich sounds appealing—the bun, ketchup, mustard, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles are vegan. We’d suggest seeking a sandwich elsewhere.

Sauces

Without French fries or sandwiches, we’re not quite sure what to put sauces on, but it’s always good to know what’s vegan. Along with the standard ketchup and mustard, the Tangy Barbeque and Sweet ‘N Sour dipping sauces are free from animals. Our tip to you: take these sauces home to dip your favourite vegan nuggets.

Mcdonald’s Vegan Options Burger

• Burger bun with lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, and a packet of ketchup and mustard
• Tortilla wrap with lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, and a packet of ketchup and mustard
• Artisan roll with the same customizable veggie fillings

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are McDonald’s French fries vegan in the US?

A: No, McDonald’s French fries in the US contain beef flavouring made from milk derivatives, making them non-vegan.

Q: What vegan breakfast options are available at McDonald’s?

A: The only vegan breakfast option is a plain English muffin. Avoid hash browns and oatmeal as they contain animal derivatives.

Q: Does McDonald’s offer any vegan beverages?

A: Yes, options include soft drinks, black coffee, frozen Fanta slushies, Honest Kids Appley Ever After Organic Juice Drink, and Minute Maid Premium Orange Juice.

Q: Are any of McDonald’s sauces vegan?

A: Yes, ketchup, mustard, tango barbeque, and Sweet ‘N Sour dipping sauces are vegan.

Q: Is the Baked Apple Pie vegan at McDonald’s?

A: Yes, the Baked Apple Pie is free from animal ingredients and is a vegan-friendly dessert option.

Conclusion

Navigating Mcdonald’s Vegan Options can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. With a bit of creativity and customization, you can find satisfying plant-based options to enjoy. Remember to check regional differences, as availability may vary.

While the US menu has fewer choices, international locations are increasingly offering dedicated vegan items like the McPlant. Don’t forget to enjoy the Baked Apple Pie, a sweet and cruelty-free treat.

With more people adopting plant-based diets, we can hope for even more vegan options in the future. Stay informed and make the best choices for your vegan lifestyle.