When transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan diet, it can be challenging to find delicious foods that fit to your dietary needs — especially if your favorite comfort meal was a Big Mac from McDonald’s or a bucket of popcorn chicken from KFC. Try as you might to stick to eggs, cheese, and beans for protein, there are just some days when all you’re craving is a big juicy burger. Sure, plenty of fast food chains such as McD’s and In-N-Out offer meat-free menu items, but you know you won’t be satisfied by a grilled cheese sandwich or girl dinner composed of sides. Here’s a list of fast food chains that offer actual meat-free menu items and plant-based meat alternatives to get your fix.
KFC
Instead of chicken, KFC’s Beyond Fried Chicken Nuggets are made with Beyond Meat’s plant-based chicken alternative, which contains soy protein and wheat, according to KFC’s website. You can get these plant-based nuggs from participating locations in six- or 12-piece orders, either a la carte or in a combo meal with medium fries and a medium drink.
Starbucks
If you want to pair a breakfast or snack item with your morning coffee, the Starbucks Impossible Breakfast Sandwich features an Impossible sausage patty paired with melted cheddar and an egg patty on a ciabatta roll for a satisfying combo.
Chipotle
Instead of traditional chorizo (which uses pork) “soyrizo” alternatives from the grocery stores, Chipotle’s plant-based chorizo alternative is made with pea protein plus chipotle peppers, garlic, tomato paste, and paprika for added flavor. Chipotle’s crumbly plant-based chorizo first debuted on the Chipotle menu in January 2022 for a third meat-free option alongside the soy-based “sofritas” and beans, but seems to come and go depending on your location.
Burger King
The burger chain partnered with Impossible to create the Impossible Whopper. Priced at $7.19, this whopper is a flame-grilled, plant-based patty with tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, ketchup, crunchy pickles, and sliced white onions on a toasted sesame seed bun. It’s important to note that the plant-based patty is cooked on the same broiler as beef patties.
Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr.’s Beyond Famous Star with Cheese has a 100% plant-based Beyond Burger patty and is topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced onions, dill pickles, Special Sauce, and mayo — all on a seeded bun. You can even get a side of fried zucchini!
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken just released its new Dave’s NOT Chicken this week. Dave’s NOT Chicken features Cauliflower Sliders and Bites that will be offered nationwide (and the first fast-food chain to offer a cauliflower sandwich). This cauliflower alternative starts with a fresh, whole head of cauliflower that is then hand-sliced, seasoned, and fried to order, using the same spices used on its hot chicken.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack has two options: the Veggie Shack and ‘Shroom Burger.
The Veggie Shack can be ordered as a single for $8.89 or a double for $11.79. The patty has mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, farro, and quinoa and is topped with American cheese, crispy onions, pickles, and ShackSauce. It does contain sesame, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, and gluten.
The ‘Shroom Burger features a crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheeses. This vegetarian burger costs $8.99 and is topped with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. Like the Veggie Shack, it also contains sesame, milk, wheat, egg, soy, and gluten.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell has a separate menu for alternatives called “veggie cravings” featuring 18 options to choose from. Some of those options are sides and desserts like chips and nacho cheese, cinnamon twists, and cinnamon bites, but I’ll allow it with how extensive their options are. Taco Bell offers three burritos, all bean-based and under $3. The most notable is the Power Menu Bowl – Veggie item. It includes black beans, lettuce, reduced-fat sour cream, seasoned rice, tomatoes, guac, cheese, and avocado ranch sauce — all for $6.99.