After being vegetarian for a year, I know how hard it is to find options when your friends want to hit the drive-thru. Through trial and error, I’ve found a good meal I can get at each popular fast food place. These are the top 10 fast food restaurants in the US, and a lacto-ovo vegetarian fast food meal option for each.
McDonald’s
For the main meal, an Egg McMuffin without meat is a great option. It’s filling, plus you get the added protein of the egg and cheese! For your drink, a delicious banana and strawberry smoothie hits the spot. To top it all off, one of their baked goods makes an excellent dessert! I recommend the apple pie or a cookie. For a healthier sweet tooth, the fruit and yogurt parfait is a go-to.
Be warned though: McDonald’s fries are NOT vegetarian and are flavored with beef tallow.
Subway
This one is quite easy, but only has one real option. Subway’s Veggie Delight sandwich is a great option when in a pinch. My favorite combo is 9-grain wheat bread with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, green peppers, and cucumber. This sandwich is a veggie-lovers feast! I typically splurge for some avocado or guacamole, which I highly recommend.
Just like any sandwich, sauces top it all off. Some vegan sauces available are Buffalo Sauce, Yellow Mustard, Brown Mustard, Oil, Vinegar, Subway Vinaigrette, and Sweet Onion Sauce.
Burger King
Burger King is a bit more restricted in their main meal options, but you can load up on lots of delicious snacks! In the morning, the egg and cheese croissant with hash browns is a great option. Later, their french fries and (oh so delicious) onion rings are prepared in a fryer using only wheat and milk products. Plus, you can finish your meal with a delicious HERSHEY’s sundae pie!
Wendy’s
My meal-time favorite has always been the broccoli and cheese baked potato, plus it has a whopping 15g of protein! The sour cream and chive potato is another great option. With more happy news: A must-have dessert is the classic Frosty… maybe to dip your fries in! To finish up your meal with a thirst-quencher, the strawberry-lemonade is always a good idea.
Taco Bell
Craving Mexican? Taco Bell has you covered. The list goes on at this restaurant, ranging from extravagant Seven-Layer Burritos and Breakfast Tacos without bacon to a Simple Bean Burritos and Cheese Quesadillas. For dessert, their Cinnabon Delights will hit the spot for any sweet-tooth. For a unique drink, I recommend trying the Baja Blast.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is rather limited in their choices, with their entire marketing scheme being “Eat More Chicken,” but rest assured, you have a few options. The Grilled Market Salad without cheese or chicken works when needed, but if you do not like making custom orders, the “Superfood Side” is for you. The Superfood Side consists of kale and broccolini in a maple vinaigrette. It is the perfect balance of bitter and sweet!
If veggies alone aren’t cutting it for you, the waffle fries are a delicious choice. I recommend dipping them in the Chick-fil-A sauce. The BBQ, Polynesian, and Sriracha sauces are all great (vegan!) contenders as well. For dessert, a Cookies and Cream Shake is the way to go.
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Most entrees at KFC contain chicken, but there are a few work-arounds vegetarians can employ. The mac and cheese is delicious and filling. If you’re not afraid of carbs, the potato wedges or biscuits are a must-try. For those of us more health conscious, the green bean side is a safe choice. Finally, the chocolate chip cookies make a great after-dinner treat!
Sonic
Don’t let being vegetarian stop you from wheeling past this drive-in. As far as main meals go, options are sparse at Sonic. The best-suited is the Grilled Cheese from the Kid’s Menu. For sides, I highly recommend the Ched’r Peppers (jalapeno poppers) or the Mozzarella Sticks. The Cherry-Limeade washes it all down well. Finally, it wouldn’t be Sonic without a Sonic Blast! My favorite is Oreo!
Carl Jr. / Hardee’s
Although I have never been myself, Carl Jr.’s is known for having a few options of veggie burgers. The Guacamole Thickburger is guacamole, lettuce, onion, and tomato, on a sesame seed bun. The fries, hash brown nuggets, and breadsticks are all vegan-approved according to PETA. The rice, beans, and chip platter also works if you’re willing to share! Finish the meal with an Oreo-Swirl Shake.
Arby’s
Arby’s choices are extremely limited. Sides are your best option here. The curly fries, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno bites, onion rings, or a chopped salad. Hope you like starches! For dessert, the Molten Lava Cake is to die for, but it’s only available at select locations. To satisfy your sweet tooth, the Salted Caramel & Chocolate Cookie shake is a great option: at least you won’t be too sad leaving!
If you have any suggestions on your favorite vegetarian fast food meal at any restaurant, message us on Instagram @spoon_bulldogs. If you are curious about other fast food restaurants that are vegetarian, check out this article about Amy’s Drive-Thru. If you’re vegan, check out this vegan’s guide to fast food!