McDonald's has very limited certified vegan options globally, with offerings varying by country; in many places like the US and Australia, fries aren't even vegan due to flavorings, but some regions (UK, Germany, Canada) have plant-based items like the McPlant (often with dairy cheese), fries (check local oils), fruit bags, and some drinks, though cross-contamination is a major concern everywhere.
Unfortunately, no McDonald's menu items are certified as vegan or vegetarian. While some ingredients may not contain animal ingredients, we cannot guarantee that there will be no cross-contamination of ingredients during transportation, storage or preparation in our kitchens.
The McPlant also launched in numerous other international markets in 2022 including Australia, being offered in 270 restaurants across Victoria.
The reason why the fries are not defined as vegan is that although they are cooked in vegetable oil, they are made with a beef essence which is derived from slaughtered cattle. McDonald's switched from lard to vegetable oil years ago. They said it was for health and to appease vegetarians.
KFC Australia has launched its first ever plant-based option — Wicked Popcorn. The meat-free bites are made with pea protein and feature the same spice mix as the chain's Wicked Wings.
McPlant® A vegan burger made with a juicy plant-based patty co-developed with Beyond Meat® featuring vegan sandwich sauce, ketchup, mustard, onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and a vegan alternative to cheese in a sesame seed bun. Vegan certified.
Our Original Recipe Vegan Burger is back in over 900 restaurants from 4th January 2022. Unfortunately there are some restaurants that won't be able to sell it due to cooking and preparation methods. Click here to find a restaurant that offers our Vegan Burger on their permanent menu.
McVeggie. A breaded veggie patty made with a blend of vegetables (including carrots, green beans, zucchini, peas, soybeans, broccoli and corn) and seasoning, topped with shredded lettuce and creamy mayo-style sauce, served on a toasted sesame bun.
McDonald's Hash Browns are not vegan or vegetarian. If you'd like more information, check out the Hash Browns ingredients page.
When can I get the McDonald's veggie burger? The McVeggie is available now in stores nationwide – it's a permanent addition to the menu.
This decision sparked debate, leaving many to wonder why the McPlant struggled to find its niche in the US market. McDonald's attributed the McPlant's demise to lackluster sales. Joe Erlinger, McDonald's USA President, stated that the burger "was not successful in either market" during a food forum.
Although we don't have a vegetarian menu, we do offer options without meat, including our Fruit & Maple Oatmeal. We're also happy to make any of our breakfast sandwiches for you without meat—just ask.
Popeyes is coming to Australia. The Louisiana-based chain, famous for its crispy chicken sandwiches, is gearing up for an Australian debut after a successful New Zealand launch.
Mr Charlie's, an all-plant-based fast food chain nicknamed the “vegan McDonald's,” recently opened its newest location in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Mr Charlie's has also announced new franchising opportunities within the US, and called for partners “who care about community, compassion, and the future of our planet.”
Unlike in Europe, where the apple pies are vegan-friendly, ours here in Australia contain whey powder from milk.
What's in a McDonald's McFlurry? A typical (non-vegan) McDonald's McFlurry contains dairy ice cream, milk power, whey powder, glucose syrup, and other flavoring.
(Both restaurants acknowledge that their fries are cooked in the same oil as other meat or fish products.) McDonald's fries, however, are made with a flavoring that includes hydrolyzed milk — a non-vegan ingredient.
Vegan Breakfast Options at McDonald's
VEGAN ITEMS AT MCDONALDS:
Baked Apple Pie: Now free from animal-derived ingredients. However, please double-check cooking-oil or cross-contact in your location if that's a concern. Fruit & Maple Oatmeal: if you request it without cream or dairy.
Tasty veggie dippers with spicy relish, crisp lettuce, red onion and tomato, all wrapped up in a soft, toasted tortilla wrap, and vegan certified by the Vegetarian Society. Wrap of the day every Monday and Thursday!
Made from a base of wheat and pea proteins, McDonald's McPlant Nuggets launched in collaboration with Beyond Meat in 2023 to deliver an impressive 13 grams of protein per each 100-gram serving.
McDonald's took the decision to remove the McVeggie burger after its popularity dramatically faded. Despite announcing the move to offer a new plant-based option with some fanfare back in 2019, sales have plummeted over a two-year period.
Vegan Sides
Veggie burgers aren't universally healthy; some offer good protein, fiber, vitamins (B12, iron) but can be highly processed, high in sodium, saturated fat (from coconut/palm oil), and calories, similar to beef, while others made from whole beans/grains are better choices, so check labels for whole ingredients, fiber, and lower sodium/saturated fat to ensure they align with your health goals.