Unpacking the Ingredients and Preparation
For many vegan and vegetarian diners, the introduction of cauliflower wings at Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) was seen as a promising development. A vegetable-based alternative to a meat-centric menu seems like a step in the right direction. However, the seemingly vegan nature of this dish is misleading. The key lies in the details of how BWW prepares and cooks its food, specifically the use of animal products in areas that might not be immediately obvious.
The Use of Beef Tallow
The single most critical factor that makes the standard BWW cauliflower wings non-vegan is the cooking oil. According to former and current employees, as well as multiple online sources, the restaurant chain fries its wings and other items in beef tallow, a rendered animal fat. This practice extends to all deep-fried menu items, including the ostensibly plant-based cauliflower wings. For strict vegans, this is a deal-breaker, as it means the dish is cooked in an animal product. The use of a non-vegan cooking medium negates the plant-based origin of the cauliflower itself.
Potential Issues with the Batter and Sauce
While the primary issue is the beef tallow, there have also been reports and concerns about the ingredients in the batter itself. Some sources suggest the breading contains dairy or eggs, further cementing its non-vegan status. Furthermore, some of BWW's sauces contain non-vegan ingredients, such as dairy. Diners must be careful to specifically request a vegan-friendly sauce to accompany their cauliflower wings, even if they manage to get them baked.
The Risk of Cross-Contamination
Even if a guest requests a special cooking method, such as baking, the risk of cross-contamination is very high. In a busy kitchen that primarily handles meat and dairy products, shared surfaces, utensils, and gloves are common. For many vegans, especially those with severe allergies or strict ethical guidelines, this poses a significant risk. BWW explicitly states in its allergen guide that it cannot eliminate the risk of cross-contact and that no items are certified gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan.
How to Order BWW Cauliflower Wings as a Vegan
Although it is possible to modify an order to make it more vegan-friendly, it requires a clear and specific request. Here is a guide to ordering baked cauliflower wings:
- Specifically Request "Baked Only": Since all deep-fried items are cooked in beef tallow, you must ask for the cauliflower wings to be baked instead of fried. It is crucial to be polite and persistent, as not all locations may be willing or equipped to accommodate this request.
- Choose a Vegan Sauce: Not all sauces at BWW are vegan. When ordering, be sure to select from their vegan-friendly options, such as the Sweet BBQ or Asian Zing. Always double-check with your server to confirm the sauce's ingredients, as recipes can change.
- Confirm with a Manager: For maximum assurance, it is best to speak directly with a manager who can confirm the cooking method and ingredients used.
Alternative Vegan Options at BWW
While the cauliflower wings may be a disappointment, BWW does offer other options that can be prepared vegan. Some menu items that are or can be made vegan include:
- Black Bean Burger (without cheese and mayo): This can be a hearty and filling option when customized.
- Soft Pretzels (without queso): A delicious appetizer when ordered without the dairy-based dip.
- Side Salad (without cheese and croutons): A simple, fresh option. The White Wine Vinaigrette is typically vegan.
- Veggie Slammers: Some locations have offered this plant-based item, but availability can vary.
Comparison Table: BWW Cauliflower Wings vs. True Vegan Wings
| Feature | BWW Cauliflower Wings (Standard Order) | Homemade or Dedicated Vegan Restaurant Wings |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Deep-fried in beef tallow | Baked, air-fried, or fried in plant-based oil |
| Batter | Contains dairy/eggs (reported) | Made with plant-based ingredients (flour, starch, water, spices) |
| Cross-Contamination | High risk from shared fryers and surfaces | Low to no risk, depending on the cooking environment |
| Sauces | Requires careful selection to avoid dairy | Often served with specifically vegan sauces and dips |
| Overall Vegan Status | NOT Vegan | Vegan |
Conclusion
Despite being a vegetable-based product, the cauliflower wings from Buffalo Wild Wings are not vegan due to the use of beef tallow in the deep-frying process and potential dairy in the batter. While a baked option is sometimes available, the risk of cross-contamination remains. Vegans looking for a satisfying meal at BWW should explore safer options like a customized black bean burger or soft pretzels, always communicating clearly with their server. For guaranteed vegan cauliflower wings, a local dedicated vegan restaurant or a homemade recipe is the best choice.
Key Takeaways
- Not Vegan by Default: The cauliflower wings at Buffalo Wild Wings are deep-fried in beef tallow, making them unsuitable for vegans.
- Baked Option Required: To get a vegan-friendly version, customers must specifically ask for their cauliflower wings to be baked instead of fried.
- Batter Contains Dairy: The batter used on the cauliflower is also reported to contain dairy and eggs, further compromising its vegan status.
- High Cross-Contamination Risk: Due to shared cooking spaces and equipment, cross-contamination with animal products is a high possibility, even with baked orders.
- Customize Your Order: Always confirm that both the preparation method and the chosen sauce are vegan-friendly with your server or manager.
- Explore Other Vegan Options: BWW does offer other menu items that can be made vegan, such as the black bean burger (no dairy) and soft pretzels (no queso).
FAQs
Q: Why are BWW's cauliflower wings not vegan? A: They are fried in beef tallow, an animal fat, and their batter is reported to contain dairy and eggs.
Q: Can I request that the cauliflower wings be prepared without animal products? A: You can request that they be baked instead of fried, but you must be very specific when ordering.
Q: Are there any vegan sauces available for the cauliflower wings? A: Yes, several sauces like Sweet BBQ and Asian Zing are vegan, but you should always confirm with your server and select a vegan sauce to pair with your baked wings.
Q: What is beef tallow and why is it a problem for vegans? A: Beef tallow is rendered beef fat. For vegans, who abstain from consuming animal products, anything cooked in animal fat is not considered vegan.
Q: Is there a risk of cross-contamination with a baked order? A: Yes, there is a high risk of cross-contamination due to shared kitchen surfaces, equipment, and gloves used for both meat and non-meat products.
Q: What are some other vegan-friendly items at Buffalo Wild Wings? A: Other options include the black bean burger (customized), soft pretzels (without queso), and a side salad (without cheese or croutons).
Q: Does every BWW location use beef tallow for frying? A: While the practice is widespread in the US, policies can vary by region or even individual location. It is always best to ask a manager to be certain.
