More than 80 years ago, the first-ever McDonald’s opened in San Bernardino, CA. Its mission, at the time, was to wow people with two things: speed and low prices. Customers could have a hamburger in their hand in just a few minutes, and it would only cost them around 15 cents (less than half a gallon of milk at the time). We know now that this was the dawn of a booming fast-food industry.
Today, McDonald’s has locations in more than 100 countries, and it also has stiff competition from chains like Burger King and KFC. But is the former pioneer of the fast-food industry keeping up with changing attitudes around diet today?
The words “flexitarian,” “plant-based,” or “vegan” weren’t widely in use when McDonald’s flung open its doors in the 1940s. But now, more people than ever are cutting down on animal products. In fact, one 2023 study estimated that over half of young Americans now consume more plant-based meals than meat-based ones.
From fries that contain milk to zero veggie burger options, it’s safe to say there is work to be done at McDonald’s. But it’s not totally impossible to avoid animal products at the world’s biggest fast-food chain. Here’s how to eat vegan at McDonald’s in the US.
The McPlant burger
There was a time when you could find a vegan-friendly burger at McDonald’s—but only if you lived near one of the eight test locations sprinkled across Texas, Iowa, Louisiana, and Southern California. At its height, the chain’s vegan-friendly burger—dubbed the McPlant—was served in 600 restaurants from February to August of 2022 as a test for future markets.
Due to slow sales, the burger was not greenlit for a nationwide expansion plan, forcing plant-based patrons to get scrappy when it came to ordering.
McDonald’s UK
The burger, which features a Beyond Meat plant-based patty, is still available in certain markets. It’s a permanent menu item in the UK, for example. In Germany, the McPlant is no longer available in a burger format, but McPlant Nuggets made by Beyond Meat are now on offer. In other countries such as Austria and France, the McPlant burger is no longer available, but vegetarian options remain.
The US McPlant trial didn’t experience the same success—or menu spinoff—as other countries. This is the opposite of rival Burger King, which announced the successful nationwide launch of its plant-based Impossible Whopper in 2019.
Some have speculated that the McDonald’s McPlant trial was hindered by the fact that many of the chain’s participating US locations were in rural areas, where plant-based options aren’t as popular. However, the fast-food giant itself hasn’t commented on the trial results. It also hasn’t announced any plans for further trials or a nationwide launch.
Are McDonald’s fries vegan?
Fries are a go-to when eating fast food for most people. If there is nothing else on the menu, you can be pretty safe with an order of fries and perhaps a side salad. But not at McDonald’s. The chain’s World Famous Fries are seasoned with beef flavoring, which doesn’t contain any actual meat, but it does contain milk (go figure).
@mcdonaldsuk | Instagram
In many other countries, McDonald’s fries are vegan, so it’s worth double-checking if you’re traveling abroad. In the UK, for example, the menu item is certified as vegan by The Vegetarian Society. Several petitions have been set up urging the chain to follow suit in the US, but as of yet, there is no indication that the recipe will be changed. But, if you’re craving fast-food fries, a number of chains offer vegan French fries.
McDonald’s vegan breakfast
There may be no burger or fries, but is there at least a McDonald’s vegan breakfast? Again, the options are limited. If you’re happy with a plain English muffin, you’re in luck. But there isn’t much else. The hash browns are cooked with the same beef flavoring as the fries (which contains milk), and the oatmeal is made with dairy cream.
VIP
If you’re in the market for black coffee or orange juice, these drink options are vegan. But note, there are no plant-based milk options.
McDonald’s vegan options
Though they are limited, McDonald’s has a handful of other vegan options on US menu. Here are a few of the menu items available to US patrons.
1 Burgers
Okay, as established, there is currently no vegan or even veggie burger option at McDonald’s in the US. But if you are really desperate, you could create something relatively substantial by making a few alterations. The burger buns are vegan, so one option is to order a regular Big Mac, request to remove the beef patty, cheese, and Big Mac sauce, add ketchup and mustard, and double up on the lettuce, onion, and pickles.
@leighakayleen/Instagram
2 Sides
Fries are a no-go, but if you’ve got kids in the back of the car, you could grab a pack of Apple Slices for them to snack on. (Or just munch on them yourself!)
McDonald’s UK
3
Desserts
Customers in Germany were treated to a vegan KitKat McFlurry option in 2022, but in the US, no such menu item has appeared yet. But while most of the dessert menu is dominated by dairy, there is one option vegans can enjoy: the Baked Apple Pie, which features a hot apple filling, lattice crust, and sprinkling of sugar.
@veganamyeats/Instagram
4 Condiments
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 and enjoy them with your favorite vegan nuggets.
Pexels
5 Soft drinks
If you’re just grabbing a quick beverage at McDonald’s, you’ll have a fair amount of choice, as most of its soft drink options, like Coca-Cola, Sprite, Dr Pepper, and sweet tea, are, of course, vegan. You could also try a Hi-C Orange Lavaburst. The fruity soda used to be a staple on the McDonald’s menu before it was discontinued a few years ago. Now, the chain has brought it back. Orange juice and apple juice cartons are also available.
@stacey_thebalifamily/Instagram
6 Coffee
As there is no plant-based milk on offer, coffee options are limited. However, if you’re just stopping by for a quick caffeine hit, you can grab an Americano (black, of course), or a cup of its Premium Roast Coffee.
There’s no getting away from it, the vegan options on McDonald’s US menu are pretty poor. But thankfully, the fast-food giant is not the only chain to sell burgers. Check out our guide to vegan fast-food chains for the next time your burger craving strikes.
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
