The Short Answer: Why the Oil Isn't Vegetarian
For anyone following a vegetarian or vegan diet, the primary challenge at most restaurants is avoiding animal products. At Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW), the core issue lies in its deep-frying oil. In the United States, BWW uses beef shortening (tallow) for all deep-fried items, including standard chicken wings, boneless wings, fries, and other appetizers. Beef tallow is a rendered animal fat derived from cattle, which is unequivocally not vegetarian. This practice adds a rich, savory flavor to the food, but it is a critical detail for those on a plant-based diet. This includes items that might seem vegetarian by nature, such as cauliflower wings, fried pickles, and tater tots, all of which are cooked in the same beef-based fryer oil.
A Regional Difference: Canadian BWW Locations
It is worth noting that international locations may operate differently. For instance, Canadian BWW restaurants reportedly use soybean oil for frying, which is a vegetarian-friendly option. However, this variation highlights the need for due diligence when dining out, especially for international travelers or those visiting locations outside the U.S. Always check the local restaurant's allergen guide or ask staff directly to be certain.
Understanding Cross-Contamination Risks
Beyond the oil itself, BWW and many other restaurants cannot guarantee a completely vegetarian or allergen-free meal due to the high risk of cross-contamination. BWW explicitly states this in its nutrition and allergen guides.
- Shared Fryers: All deep-fried items, whether meat or vegetable-based, are cooked in the same fryers containing beef tallow. This means a seemingly innocent side of fries is cooked alongside chicken wings, making it unsuitable for vegetarians.
- Shared Surfaces and Utensils: The risk extends to shared surfaces, gloves, and utensils used for preparing different menu items. Some reports indicate that even sauces and seasonings are mixed in the same bowls, increasing the risk of cross-contact with animal products.
- Uncertified Items: The company makes no claim that any menu item is certified vegetarian or vegan, putting the responsibility squarely on the customer to understand the risks.
How to Navigate the Menu for a Vegetarian Diet
For vegetarians determined to dine at BWW, careful planning and communication are essential. It requires a selective approach to ordering, often relying on non-fried items and making special requests.
Vegetarian Menu Options to Consider
If you're willing to accept the risk of cross-contamination from shared preparation spaces, here are some options to explore:
- Southwestern Black Bean Burger: Order this without cheese or any non-vegetarian sauces (like ranch). The patty itself is plant-based. Request that the kitchen staff bake it instead of using the grill, which may also be used for meat products. Make sure to ask about the bun's ingredients as well, as some are toasted with non-vegetarian butter alternatives.
- Chips and House-made Guacamole/Salsa: The tortilla chips are fried in beef tallow and are not vegetarian. A special request for the salsa and guacamole with a side of celery and carrots instead of chips is necessary.
- Side Salad: The Garden Side Salad, when ordered without cheese and with a vegan dressing like the White Wine Vinaigrette, is a safe option. Always double-check dressing ingredients.
- Cauliflower Wings (Special Order): Although usually deep-fried in beef tallow, some locations may accommodate a request to have them baked instead. The batter itself may still contain dairy and eggs, so this is only a possibility for lacto-ovo vegetarians, and requires confirming the ingredients with staff.
Vegetarian Sauce and Seasoning Guide
Many sauces and seasonings contain animal products or soybean oil, but some are suitable for vegetarians. It is critical to confirm ingredients and preparation methods with staff, as recipes can change.
| Sauce/Seasoning | Vegetarian Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Zing Sauce | Potentially (check eggs) | Many sauces contain soybean oil, but this is reported as being suitable. |
| Mango Habanero Sauce | Yes | Reportedly vegan-friendly. |
| Teriyaki Sauce | Yes | Reportedly vegan-friendly. |
| Wild Sauce | Yes | Reportedly vegan-friendly. |
| Blazing Sauce | Yes | Reportedly vegan-friendly. |
| Sweet BBQ Sauce | Yes | Reportedly vegan-friendly. |
| All Dry Rubs (except Buffalo) | Yes (check for milk) | Buffalo seasoning is dairy-based. |
| Original Buffalo | Contains Soybean Oil | Check for additional animal products. |
A Note on Vegan vs. Vegetarian
While all vegan options are vegetarian, the reverse is not true. A vegan diet excludes all animal products, including dairy and eggs. Given that some sauces and batters may contain these ingredients, vegans must be even more cautious. The cauliflower wings batter, for example, typically contains dairy and eggs. A vegan's options are limited to dry rubs (where confirmed), some sauces, salads with specific dressings, and modified sides, always with the understanding of cross-contamination risks.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
For vegetarians, the primary takeaway is that is Buffalo Wild Wings oil vegetarian? is a question with a clear answer: no. The use of beef tallow for all deep-fried items means that any food cooked in these fryers should be avoided. Cross-contamination further complicates the issue. While some vegetarian and vegan-friendly options like the black bean burger, salads, and specific sauces exist, ordering them requires diligence and special requests, such as asking for items to be baked instead of fried. The best approach for those with strict dietary needs is to be proactive by reviewing the restaurant's allergen information online and speaking directly with staff to ensure a safe and satisfying meal. You can access their official allergen guide on their website for the most current information.
