So Long, Happy Meal: These Vegan Restaurants Have Even Better Kids’ Meals

The most iconic kids’ meal in the fast-food business has to be the McDonald’s Happy Meal. But, while the fast-food giant has a vegan kids’ meals in the UK, in the US, they are nonexistent. But this doesn’t mean your little ones have to miss out on some tasty vegan fast food. The chains below offer kids’ meals that are animal-free, better for the planet, and are ultra-satisfying.

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Can you eat fast food as a vegan?

Some mainstream fast-food chains don’t have an abundance of vegan options on the menu, especially in the US. But that said, if you’re heading to Burger King, Subway, or any of the other popular chains, you might be able to swing some plant-based meals. Check out our vegan hacks for your favorite fast-food restaurants here. You can also find all of our vegan fast-food guides here.

RELATED: These Vegan Fast-Food Chains Rival McDonald’s and Burger King

But there’s also a totally vegan fast-food industry, too—which is great news for the younger plant-based eaters, as many of these totally animal-free chains offer delicious vegan kids’ meals. Keep reading for all the information you need.

Where to buy vegan fast-food kids’ meals

These vegan chains (listed in no particular order) offer tasty, filling meals created with kids in mind. 

Next Level Veggie Grill

1Next Level Veggie Grill

Various locations

A pillar of the vegan fast-food scene, Next Level Veggie Grill doesn’t skimp when it comes to kids options. Currently, the Kids Menu offers six meals to feed the littles: a smash burger, teriyaki bowl, macaroni and cheese, tenders, and a quesadilla. Each of these mains comes with the choice of organic vegetables or French fries, a chocolate chip cookie or orange slices, plus a drink. 

Mr. Charlie’s

2 Mr. Charlie’s

Various locations

For kids who love Happy Meals but aren’t a big fan of animal products, there’s Mr. Charlie’s. This growing chain offers its own take on McDonald’s iconic kids’ meals, which are called Kids Frowny meals. But don’t let the name fool you, these meals will make your little ones happier than ever. Choose between the Not a Cheeseburger and Not a Hamburger—both options include two nuggets, small fries, and a drink. 

Plant Power Fast Food

3 Plant Power Fast Food

California and Las Vegas, NV

There’s a reason Plant Power Fast Food has been voted Best Vegan Fast-Food Restaurant by VegNews readers three years in a row. With a menu filled with an abundance of burgers, wraps, breakfast options, and even desserts, there’s something for everyone—kids included—at this chain. Kids can choose between the Kids Cheeseburger Meal or the Kids Chicken Nugget Meal. Each comes with choice of side (Caesar salad, French fries, sweet potato fries, or curly fries) and oat milk. Sub oat milk for a fountain drink for no extra charge. 

Monty’s Good Burger

4 Monty’s Good Burger

Los Angeles, CA

California-based Monty’s Good Burger is a go-to amongst grown-ups, and they also cater to kids, too, so it’s set to become your child’s new favorite place. The Monty Meal option comes with fries or tater tots, a mini chocolate chip cookie, choice of dipping sauce, plus a drink. For the main, kids can choose between a grilled cheese or tenders. 

PLNT Burger

5 PLNT Burger

Various locations

East Coast chain PLNT Burger has curated a special menu just for kids. The Cool Kids Meal includes a choice of burger, nuggets, cheeseburger, or a grilled cheese sandwich, and comes with small fries and a drink. If your child has a sweet tooth, PLNT Burger also offers soft serve ice cream and shakes.