A&W's Vegan Offerings: A Tale of Two Countries
When assessing if A&W is a vegan-friendly destination, it's crucial to understand that the company operates as two separate entities in North America, with distinct menu items and ingredient sourcing. This geographical difference means that a menu item that is vegan in Canada may not be in the United States, and vice-versa.
Canadian A&W: A Leader in Plant-Based Fast Food
In Canada, A&W has been proactive in expanding its vegan and plant-based offerings. In recent years, they have offered a Beyond Meat burger and have since replaced it with their own house-made plant-based patty. Beyond the main entree, they provide a variety of popular vegan-friendly sides and drinks.
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Vegan Mains at A&W Canada:
- A&W Plant-Based Burger: The patty is made from a blend of pea and soy protein. To make it vegan, you must ask for it without mayo. Standard toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard are all vegan.
- Spicy Piri-Piri Potato Buddy Burger: A delicious and budget-friendly option featuring a crispy potato hash brown patty, vegan masala aioli, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a bun.
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Vegan Sides & Condiments (Canada):
- Onion Rings: The famous Canadian A&W onion rings are vegan, breaded with a plant-based batter and fried in vegetable oil.
- Russet Thick-Cut Fries: Both the regular fries and sweet potato fries are vegan-friendly, but be sure to order the sweet potato fries without the chipotle mayo.
- Hash Browns: A vegan option for breakfast or a side anytime.
- Vegan Sauces: Ketchup and mustard are safe. The Spicy Piri-Piri sauce is also confirmed vegan.
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Vegan Beverages (Canada):
- A&W Root Beer: The classic A&W root beer contains no animal products.
- Brew Bar Coffees: Plain coffee and tea are vegan. Lattes can be made with oat milk, and vanilla or caramel syrups are also vegan.
American A&W: More Limited Options
The US A&W menu is far more limited for vegan diners. While the brand carries its signature root beer, the menu has fewer dedicated plant-based items, and some ingredients differ.
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Vegan Mains (US):
- No Dedicated Vegan Burger: Unlike Canada, US locations do not have a dedicated plant-based or Beyond Meat burger.
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Vegan Sides & Condiments (US):
- French Fries: The fries in the US are generally vegan, but cross-contamination is a risk.
- Sauces: Ketchup and barbecue sauce are typically vegan.
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Vegan Beverages (US):
- Root Beer: The classic root beer is vegan.
- Soft Drinks: Other fountain beverages like lemonade and flavored slushees are usually vegan.
Comparison Table: Canada vs. US
| Feature | A&W Canada | A&W US | Is it Vegan? | How to Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant-Based Burger | Yes (House-made) | No | Yes | Omit mayo |
| Spicy Potato Buddy | Yes | No | Yes | Order as-is |
| Onion Rings | Yes | No (May contain whey) | Yes (CAN), No (US) | N/A |
| French Fries | Yes | Yes (Generally) | Yes | N/A |
| Sweet Potato Fries | Yes (without mayo) | No | Yes (CAN), No (US) | Omit chipotle mayo |
| Root Beer | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Root Beer Float | Yes (with vegan ice cream) | No (Typically dairy) | No (Typically) | Inquire about vegan ice cream |
The Issue of Cross-Contamination
For those with severe allergies or strict veganism, cross-contamination is a crucial consideration. A&W Canada clearly states that plant-based patties are cooked on the same grill as meat products. Similarly, fried items like fries and onion rings may share a fryer with animal-based products. While some locations may accommodate requests for separate preparation surfaces, this is not a guaranteed standard practice.
For most vegans concerned about cross-contact rather than shared equipment, ordering correctly will result in a plant-based meal. However, if you are a strict vegan who avoids all cross-contamination, you may need to speak with the manager or consider if dining at A&W is appropriate for your standards. For those in the US, the limited nature of the menu makes it less of a destination for a full vegan meal.
Conclusion: A&W's Vegan-Friendly Status Depends on Location
In conclusion, A&W's vegan friendliness is highly dependent on which country you are in. A&W Canada has emerged as a surprisingly robust option for vegans, offering multiple mains, sides, and beverage choices, most requiring only minor modifications. The US A&W menu is much more limited, offering mainly sides and beverages, making it a far less appealing choice for those seeking a full vegan meal. While cross-contamination is a factor at all locations due to shared cooking surfaces, mindful ordering can help most vegans enjoy a meal. Always check the A&W website for the most up-to-date information on ingredients and availability in your area, as menu items can vary.
