Why the Smashburger Black Bean Burger Is Not Vegan
The most straightforward answer is found in the patty's ingredients list itself. According to an ingredient breakdown confirmed by the company, the black bean patty is made with eggs and cheddar cheese as binders. This immediately disqualifies the item from being considered vegan, as both are animal products.
Non-Vegan Ingredients in the Patty
Beyond the obvious cheese, eggs are a common, but often surprising, ingredient in many restaurant-made black bean burgers. For vegans, it is essential to always inquire about ingredients, especially for items not explicitly marketed as "vegan." The Smashburger recipe includes:
- Black beans
- Red onions
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Hot sauce
- Cumin
- Garlic seasoning
- Eggs
- Cheddar cheese
- Tortilla chips
- Croutons
The presence of eggs and cheese is a clear deal-breaker for vegans and illustrates why assuming a meat-free option is plant-based is a mistake. Many restaurants use these ingredients to improve the patty's texture and binding ability.
Significant Cross-Contamination Issues
Even if the black bean patty were miraculously vegan, Smashburger's cooking process introduces significant cross-contamination risks that make the entire experience unsuitable for most vegans. This is a common problem in fast-food chains where kitchen procedures are not designed for strict dietary separation.
The Shared Grill
According to accounts from customers and staff, all burgers—beef, chicken, and black bean—are cooked on the same grill. This grill is seasoned and cooked with animal products, specifically beef fat. This means the black bean patty is seared in beef tallow, fundamentally compromising its plant-based nature.
The Buns Are Not Vegan-Friendly
Similarly, while some of Smashburger's buns might have vegan-friendly ingredients, they are all toasted on the same grill surface, which is prepared with butter. This means even if a vegan requested a black bean patty with no cheese, and somehow convinced staff to cook it on a separate, clean surface (which is unlikely), the bun would still contain dairy unless ordered untoasted.
The Fries and Other Fried Items
For many, a burger is not complete without fries. However, Smashburger's fries and other fried sides are also not vegan. All fried items, including the regular fries, tots, and Brussels sprouts, are cooked in beef tallow. This makes a complete, vegan-friendly meal practically impossible to order at Smashburger.
How the Smashburger Offering Compares
Understanding the limitations of Smashburger's black bean burger can be better contextualized by comparing it to offerings from other major fast-food chains.
| Feature | Smashburger Black Bean Burger | Burger King Impossible Whopper | Carl's Jr./Hardee's Beyond Burger | Taco Bell (Vegan-Friendly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patty Ingredients | Contains eggs and cheese. | 100% plant-based Impossible Foods patty. | 100% plant-based Beyond Meat patty. | Varies by item, but can be customized with beans and veggies. |
| Grill Cross-Contamination | Cooked on shared grill with beef fat. | Cooked on a shared broiler unless requested otherwise. | Cooked on shared grill unless requested otherwise. | Items are prepared separately but cross-contamination is a risk. |
| Bun/Shell | Buns toasted in butter. | Sesame seed bun is vegan. | Sesame seed bun is vegan. | Tortillas and shells are vegan. |
| Fries/Sides | Fried in beef tallow. | Fries are vegan (cooked in a separate fryer). | Fries are vegan (check by location). | Mexican rice and beans are vegan. |
| Default Vegan Status | No. | No (comes with mayo). | No (comes with dairy cheese and mayo). | Customizable. |
As the table illustrates, while other chains like Burger King and Carl's Jr. offer plant-based patties, they require specific requests to make the final product truly vegan. Smashburger's offering, by contrast, is not vegan by default or by simple customization.
Conclusion: Not a Vegan Destination
In conclusion, the answer to the question "Is the black bean burger at Smashburger vegan?" is a definitive no. This is due to the non-vegan ingredients (eggs and cheese) within the patty itself, coupled with extensive cross-contamination from the use of butter on buns and beef tallow in the fryer. While Smashburger markets the black bean burger as a "plant-based" option, this term can be misleading for vegans. For those seeking truly plant-based fast food, it is safer to look elsewhere or prepare a meal at home. If you must visit Smashburger, your only safe options are limited to drinks or specific, customized items with extreme caution. For an actual vegan version, you can try making a similar patty at home without the animal products.
Alternatives for Vegans
For those disappointed by Smashburger's black bean burger, a better option is a fast-food chain that is more transparent and accommodating to vegan diets. You can also explore local restaurants that specialize in plant-based food or offer more clearly defined vegan options. Remember to always ask about cooking methods and ingredients to avoid hidden animal products.
A Final Word of Caution
Fast-food restaurants, by their nature, are built for speed and efficiency, not specialized dietary needs. Even when specific vegan options exist, the risk of cross-contamination is high due to shared cooking equipment and prep surfaces. Always assume this risk unless the restaurant confirms dedicated vegan-only preparation areas. This is why for most vegans, independent research and questioning staff is a necessity before ordering.
