Do Wendy's do a veggie burger?: An Updated Look at Plant-Based Options

According to a 2021 Euromonitor survey, more than 40% of consumers globally consider themselves 'flexitarian', eating meat only part-time. This growing demand has fast-food lovers asking: Do Wendy's do a veggie burger? The straightforward answer for North American customers, as of late 2025, is no, but the situation is more nuanced internationally and other plant-based options exist.

Quick Summary

This article explores Wendy's current stance on veggie burgers in different regions, specifically detailing the lack of a permanent option in the US and the availability of items like the Veggie Stack in the UK. It also provides a comprehensive guide to other vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices, including fries, baked potatoes, and customizable salads, highlighting necessary modifications for plant-based diets.

Key Points

• Regional Availability: Wendy's does not currently offer a permanent veggie burger in the US, but international markets like the UK do.

• Past US Test: The US saw a limited-time test of a Spicy Black Bean Burger in 2021, but it was later discontinued.

• Customize for Plant-Based: US customers must customize other menu items to create a plant-based meal, such as ordering salads with modifications or assembling a veggie sandwich with a vegan bun.

• Veggie-Friendly Sides: Standard Wendy's sides like the Natural-Cut Fries and Plain Baked Potato are vegan-friendly, though potential cross-contamination exists.

• UK Veggie Options: The UK menu includes the Veggie Stack and Curry Bean Burger, which are vegetarian but not vegan due to dairy and egg ingredients.

The Short Answer: Do Wendy's do a veggie burger?

For customers in the United States, the answer is currently no. As of late 2025, Wendy's does not offer a dedicated veggie burger as a standard menu item across its US locations. While the chain has experimented with plant-based options in the past, including a limited-time Spicy Black Bean Burger test in 2021, none have become a permanent fixture.

However, the story is different in other parts of the world. For instance, in the UK, Wendy's menu does feature specific veggie options, including the Veggie Stack and a Curry Bean Burger. This regional variation means that for vegetarians or flexitarians, the availability of a veggie burger depends entirely on where you live.

A Look at Wendy's International Veggie Burgers

Different Wendy's markets have responded to consumer demand for plant-based alternatives in varying ways. The UK is a prime example, with offerings designed specifically for non-meat eaters.

• The Veggie Stack (UK): This menu item features a patty made from a blend of vegetables, grains, and spices, served on a premium bun with emmental cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic mayonnaise. The patty's ingredients include black beans, chickpeas, brown rice, sweetcorn, and various seasonings. While the patty itself is plant-based, the final build includes dairy and egg products, making it suitable for vegetarians but not vegans.

• Curry Bean Burger (UK): Another UK-exclusive, this burger includes a black bean patty topped with Monterrey Jack Cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and a curry mayo. Similar to the Veggie Stack, the presence of cheese and mayonnaise means it is vegetarian but not vegan.

These options demonstrate Wendy's willingness to innovate in the plant-based space, even if those innovations haven't yet found a permanent home on the standard US menu.

What Happened to the US Spicy Black Bean Burger?

In 2021, Wendy's created a significant buzz by testing a Spicy Black Bean Burger in three US cities. Unlike many of its fast-food competitors, who partnered with companies like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods, Wendy's developed its own recipe. The black bean-based patty featured chickpeas, corn, and bell peppers, topped with pepper jack cheese and spicy sauce.

Wendy's positioned this item for "flexitarians" rather than vegans, as it came with cheese and mayonnaise by default. While some praised the initiative, the test run concluded without a nationwide rollout, leaving many to wonder about the future of a US Wendy's veggie burger. The limited-time nature of this test run is a common practice for fast-food chains as they gauge customer interest before committing to a permanent menu change.

Other Plant-Based Menu Items at Wendy's

For those committed to a plant-based diet, a trip to Wendy's in the US requires some strategic ordering. While a dedicated veggie patty isn't available, several items can be modified to fit a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Sides:

• Natural-Cut French Fries: Wendy's fries are vegan in the US. However, due to shared cooking equipment, there is a risk of cross-contamination with meat products, which strict vegans may want to consider.
• Plain Baked Potato: This is a reliable, hearty vegan option. Simply order it without butter, cheese, or sour cream. You can ask for a side of chives or salsa for extra flavor.
• Seasoned Homestyle Potatoes: A breakfast menu option, these potatoes are seasoned with garlic and onion powder and are also vegan.
• Apple Bites: A simple and healthy vegan side or snack.

Customizable Salads:

• Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad: Order without chicken, cheese, or bacon. The vinaigrette dressing is vegan-friendly.
• Apple Pecan Salad: Request without chicken, bacon, pecans (often honey-roasted), and cheese. The Pomegranate Vinaigrette is vegan.
• Taco Salad: Can be customized by omitting the chili (contains milk), cheese, and sour cream. Add extra lettuce, tomatoes, and tortilla chips.

Breakfast:

• Aside from the potatoes and apple slices, most Wendy's breakfast items are not vegan-friendly, and there is no dairy-free milk option for coffee.

Navigating a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet at Wendy's

If you find yourself at a US Wendy's and want a plant-based meal, a bit of planning is required. The most substantial options involve building a custom salad or relying on the baked potato with sides of fries or apple slices.

For a more traditional burger-like experience, you can order a bun with your choice of veggie toppings. The premium bun is vegan, so you could construct a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, onions, and avocado. While not as satisfying as a proper patty, it's a way to get a quick bite. Always specify your dietary needs when ordering to ensure a meatless meal.

Conclusion

While a direct answer to the question, "Do Wendy's do a veggie burger?" is negative for US customers, it's not the full story. The international availability of items like the Veggie Stack and the history of test-market products like the Spicy Black Bean Burger show that Wendy's is aware of the demand for plant-based options. However, for now, North American diners seeking a meatless meal will need to get creative with customizations and focus on the available plant-based sides and salads. As the fast-food industry continues to adapt to changing consumer habits, there remains hope that a permanent veggie burger option could eventually appear on the US menu. Until then, ordering carefully and checking regional menus is the best strategy for enjoying a plant-based meal at Wendy's.

PETA's Guide to Wendy's Vegan Options

Feature	Wendy's (US)	Wendy's (UK)	Burger King (US)	McDonald's (US)
Permanent Veggie Burger	No	Yes (Veggie Stack)	Yes (Impossible Whopper)	No (McPlant discontinued)
Veggie Patty Type	N/A	Black bean/veggie blend	Impossible Foods	N/A (previously Beyond Meat)
Vegan as is?	N/A	No (contains dairy/egg)	No (contains mayo)	N/A
Vegan Mod Possible?	Custom bun/toppings	Yes (remove cheese/mayo)	Yes (remove mayo)	N/A
Key Vegan Sides	Fries, Baked Potato, Apples	Fries, Halloumi Fries	Fries, Onion Rings (some)	Fries, Apple Pie
Salad Options	Customizable	Customizable	Custom	Custom

Comparison Table: Wendy's vs. Competitors' Veggie Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wendy's have a veggie burger in the US?

No, as of late 2025, Wendy's does not offer a permanent veggie burger in the United States. A Spicy Black Bean Burger was tested in 2021 but was not rolled out nationwide.

Are there any veggie burgers at Wendy's internationally?

Yes, some international Wendy's locations, such as those in the UK, offer veggie burgers like the Veggie Stack and Curry Bean Burger.

Are Wendy's french fries vegan?

Wendy's Natural-Cut French Fries are vegan in the US. However, they are cooked in oil that may be shared with meat products, which could be a concern for strict vegans.

Can I get a vegan sandwich at Wendy's?

You can create a custom vegan sandwich by ordering a premium bun with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion. The Spicy Black Bean Burger test item from 2021 is no longer available.

What vegan options are available for breakfast at Wendy's?

During breakfast hours, vegans can order the Seasoned Homestyle Potatoes and apple slices. The menu offers few other vegan options, and there is no dairy-free milk for coffee.

Does Wendy's use Beyond Meat or Impossible Burgers?

No, when Wendy's tested a plant-based burger in the US, they developed their own black bean-based patty rather than partnering with companies like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods.

Can I modify a Wendy's salad to be vegan?

Yes, several salads can be made vegan with modifications. For example, the Apple Pecan or Southwest Avocado Salads can be ordered without meat, cheese, or other non-vegan toppings, using a vegan-friendly vinaigrette dressing.