Fast food
Vegan options at McDonald's
Short answer
Key takeaways
- 5 confirmed vegan or veganisable items on the menu.
- 4 items are commonly mistaken for vegan — check the second table.
- Check the country's own allergen PDF — McDonald's menus are not standardised globally.
- This is the chain where country matters most: the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Sweden and the Netherlands have certified vegan options; the US has almost none.
What's vegan at McDonald's
| Item | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| McPlant burger | Burgers | Sold as vegan in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and several other European markets; not vegan in every country. Not on US menus. |
| Fries (Europe, UK, Australia) | Sides | Cooked in vegetable oil in these markets; in the US the natural beef flavour makes them non-vegan. |
| Apple slices / fruit bag | Sides | Plain fruit, no dressing. |
| Black coffee, tea, soft drinks, orange juice | Drinks | Plant milks available in some European markets only. |
| Garden side salad without dressing | Sides | Where offered; most dressings contain dairy or honey. |
Looks vegan, isn't
| Item | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US fries and hash browns | Sides | Contain natural beef flavour derived from milk and wheat in the United States. |
| Veggie Deluxe / vegetarian patties in some markets | Burgers | Vegetarian is not vegan — several patties and their mayo contain egg or dairy. |
| Buns with milk powder | Burgers | Some regional buns contain milk; check the local allergen sheet. |
| Apple pie in some countries | Desserts | Vegan in the UK, but not in every market. |
How to order
- Check the country's own allergen PDF — McDonald's menus are not standardised globally.
- Ask for the McPlant with no cheese and no sauce unless the local version is certified vegan.
- In the US, treat fries and hash browns as non-vegan.
Where this data comes from
Compiled from McDonald's published menu and allergen information. Last checked 2026-08-12. Menus change and vary by country — confirm with your local restaurant before ordering.
McDonald's official menu →Frequently asked questions
- Does McDonald's have vegan options?
- McDonald's is one of the harder chains in the US — fries are cooked with a beef-derived flavouring there — while European markets sell certified vegan burgers and vegan-fried fries. As of 2026-08-12, we list 5 plant-based or veganisable items and 4 items that are commonly mistaken for vegan.
- What is the best vegan order at McDonald's?
- McPlant burger — Sold as vegan in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and several other European markets; not vegan in every country. Not on US menus. Check the country's own allergen PDF — McDonald's menus are not standardised globally.
- What looks vegan at McDonald's but isn't?
- US fries and hash browns: Contain natural beef flavour derived from milk and wheat in the United States. Veggie Deluxe / vegetarian patties in some markets: Vegetarian is not vegan — several patties and their mayo contain egg or dairy. Buns with milk powder: Some regional buns contain milk; check the local allergen sheet. Apple pie in some countries: Vegan in the UK, but not in every market.
- Is the vegan menu at McDonald's the same in every country?
- This is the chain where country matters most: the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Sweden and the Netherlands have certified vegan options; the US has almost none.
- How can I check a McDonald's item myself?
- Read the chain's own allergen and ingredient information (McDonald's published menu and allergen information), and use the free VeggieOS ingredient checker to look up anything unfamiliar on the list.
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Vegan options at Starbucks
Starbucks is easy for vegan drinks — every espresso drink can be made with soy, oat, almond or coconut milk — but most food and several syrups and toppings still contain dairy.
Vegan options at Taco Bell
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Vegan options at Subway
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Vegan options at Domino's
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