When transitioning into a vegetarian diet, a major obstacle is finding foods that fit to your diet needs — especially if your little treat was a Big Mac from McDonald’s or the popcorn chicken from KFC. There are some days that all you’re craving is a big juicy burger. Sure fast food chains like McDonald’s and In-N-Out offer some meat-free options, but your cravings won't be satisfied with a grilled cheese sandwich or a couple of sides. Here’s a list of fast food chains that offer actual meat-free menu items that will have you satisfied.
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.