Does McDonald's Have Anything Plant-Based? A Global Menu Guide

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

While over 40,000 McDonald's locations exist worldwide, the specific plant-based offerings differ significantly by country and region. This vast global variation often causes confusion for customers asking, 'Does McDonald's have anything plant-based?'

Quick Summary

McDonald's plant-based menu varies internationally, influenced by local demand and preparation methods. Availability of items like the McPlant burger and vegan fries depends entirely on location.

Key Points

Global McPlant: The McPlant burger was discontinued in the US after a limited test market run due to low sales, but it remains a permanent, certified vegan menu item in the UK and some European regions.
Fries are Not Vegan in US: McDonald's famous fries are not vegan in the US due to natural beef flavor and potential beef tallow frying, but are vegan in the UK and many other countries.
Cross-Contamination Risk: For strict vegans, it is crucial to inquire about shared cooking equipment, as even plant-based items can be cooked on the same grills or in the same oil as meat products.
Limited US Options: Outside of discontinued items, US vegans are largely limited to basic side salads (customized) and the Baked Apple Pie, though preparation methods should be confirmed.
Regional Menu Variations: McDonald's plant-based menu varies drastically around the world, meaning a diner's experience depends heavily on their country or region.
Oatmeal Requires Customization: The Fruit & Maple Oatmeal can be made vegan in the US, but it requires ordering it without the standard cream that is typically included.
International Veggie Options: Countries like Canada have tested veggie burgers, but these are not always certified vegan due to non-vegan sauces and shared equipment.

The McPlant Burger: A Tale of Two Continents

The McPlant, developed with Beyond Meat, has seen different outcomes in various markets.

McPlant in the United States

The McPlant was discontinued in the U.S. in 2024 following a limited test run with low sales. The U.S. version included dairy cheese and egg-based mayo, making it non-vegan without modification.

McPlant in the UK and Europe

Conversely, the McPlant is a permanent menu item in the UK and Ireland and is certified vegan by the Vegetarian Society. It features vegan cheese, sauce, and bun, and is cooked separately. It is also available in some other European countries, though ingredients and vegan status should be verified locally.

Are McDonald's Fries Vegan?

The vegan status of McDonald's fries is not universal.

United States Fries

McDonald's U.S. fries are not vegan as they contain a 'natural beef flavor' with milk derivatives and may be cooked in beef tallow.

United Kingdom Fries

In the UK and many European countries, the fries are vegan, cooked in vegetable oil in dedicated fryers.

Navigating Country-Specific Menus

Checking local menus is essential. Here are some examples of options in different regions:

United States Options

Baked Apple Pie: Generally vegan by ingredients, but confirm frying oil.
Side Salad: Vegan if ordered without cheese and with a vegan dressing.
Fruit and Maple Oatmeal: Vegan if ordered without the light cream.
Beverages: Most soft drinks, juices, and black coffee are vegan.

United Kingdom & Ireland Options

McPlant Burger: Certified vegan and cooked separately.
Veggie Dippers: Certified vegan goujons.
Vegetable Deluxe: A veggie patty burger (check vegan certification).
The Spicy Veggie One: A wrap with veggie goujons.
Fries: Vegan.

Canadian Options

McVeggie Burger: Tested, but often contains non-vegan sauces and shared cooking surfaces.
Fries & Hash Browns: Plant-based ingredients, but shared fryers pose cross-contamination risk.
Fruit and Maple Oatmeal: Vegan without cream.

Regional Plant-Based Menu Comparison Table


Item	United States	United Kingdom	Canada	Germany
McPlant Burger	Discontinued	Permanent menu (vegan)	Test marketed (Discontinued)	Available, but check for vegan-friendly condiments
Fries	Not vegan (beef flavor/tallow)	Vegan (vegetable oil)	Plant-based ingredients, cross-contamination likely	Vegan (vegetable oil)
Veggie Nuggets	Not available	Not available	Not available	Test marketed (not vegan certified)
Veggie Dippers	Not available	Available (vegan)	Not available	Not available
Baked Apple Pie	Potentially vegan, check preparation	Vegan	Vegan	Check ingredients
Breakfast Sandwiches	No dedicated vegan options	Some vegan options like McPlant	No dedicated vegan options	Some vegan options like McPlant

Customizing Orders and Cross-Contamination

Strict vegans should always ask staff about preparation methods to avoid cross-contamination from shared equipment. Customizing orders, like removing cheese from salads or cream from oatmeal, is often necessary in regions with limited dedicated vegan options.

The Future of Plant-Based at McDonald's

Despite the McPlant's withdrawal in the U.S., the global trend suggests continued development of plant-based options, likely focused on localized demand and clear labeling. Staying informed about regional menus is key for vegan diners. For more information on plant-based options, consult resources like Beyond Meat. [For more information, see Beyond Meat: https://www.beyondmeat.com/]

Conclusion

McDonald's does have plant-based options, but their availability and vegan suitability depend heavily on the country. The U.S. has limited choices, primarily customizable sides, while the UK and parts of Europe offer dedicated, certified vegan items like the McPlant and Veggie Dippers. Always check the local menu and inquire about cooking methods to ensure an order meets dietary requirements. The varying success of items like the McPlant globally highlights the evolving nature of plant-based offerings in fast food. [For more information, see Beyond Meat: https://www.beyondmeat.com/]

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the McPlant burger was test-marketed in the US but was discontinued due to low customer demand and sales in test markets.

No, the vegan status of McDonald's fries is region-dependent. In the US, they contain a 'natural beef flavor' and are not vegan, while in the UK, they are considered vegan and cooked in dedicated fryers with vegetable oil.

McDonald's Baked Apple Pie is generally vegan in many regions, including the US, as the ingredients are plant-based. However, cross-contamination is a possibility due to shared fryers, so inquire locally if this is a concern.

The availability of vegan breakfast sandwiches varies by location. The UK offers some vegan breakfast items, while in the US, there are no fully vegan breakfast sandwiches on the standard menu.

A simple side salad (lettuce, kale, tomato) without meat or cheese and with a vegan dressing (like Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette in the US) can be a vegan option, but customization is required.

McDonald's does not typically offer non-dairy milk alternatives (like oat or almond milk) for coffee in the US, but availability can vary by region. Black coffee is almost always a safe option.

The McVeggie is a vegetable-based patty that has been tested in specific markets like Canada. It often contains non-vegan ingredients like egg-based mayonnaise or is cooked on shared grills, so it is not a universally vegan option.