Is there anything vegan on the McDonald's menu?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Vegan options at McDonald's vary drastically depending on where you are in the world. This guide answers the common question: is there anything vegan on the McDonald's menu, and what can you safely order without animal products?

Quick Summary

A detailed look at McDonald's menu for vegans, revealing country-specific items like the UK's McPlant burger and highlighting ingredient differences for fries and other items.

Key Points

Global Disparity: McDonald's vegan offerings vary dramatically by country, with the UK providing certified vegan meals and the US menu being very limited.
The McPlant Burger: The UK and Ireland offer a certified vegan McPlant with dairy-free cheese and vegan sauce; the McPlant trial ended in the US.
Not-So-Vegan Fries (US): In the United States, McDonald's fries are not vegan due to a natural beef flavoring that contains milk derivatives.
Vegan Fries (UK): In contrast, McDonald's fries in the UK are cooked in vegetable oil and are suitable for vegans.
Limited US Options: Stateside, vegans are mostly restricted to modified items like plain oatmeal, apple slices, and side salads with specific dressings.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Always be aware of potential cross-contamination in shared kitchen spaces, and ask staff about preparation methods.

A Tale of Two Menus: Vegan at McDonald's

When searching for vegan options at McDonald's, the answer is far from universal. A truly comprehensive understanding requires looking at the global menu, as offerings vary significantly by region. While a vegan in the United Kingdom has multiple certified plant-based items to choose from, a vegan in the United States faces a far more limited selection. This guide breaks down what's vegan at McDonald's, region by region, and details the key differences every plant-based consumer should know.

The United Kingdom: A Vegan-Friendly Menu

The UK and Ireland offer some of the most robust vegan options for McDonald's diners, with several items certified vegan by the Vegetarian Society. These include the McPlant® and Double McPlant® burgers made with Beyond Meat®, vegan cheese, and vegan sauce. Other certified vegan items are the Vegetable Deluxe, Veggie Dippers (also in The Spicy Veggie One wrap), and Hash Browns. Importantly, UK fries are vegan-friendly, cooked in dedicated vegetable oil vats. McDonald's advises that while these items are prepared with separate equipment, cross-contamination is still a possibility in their kitchens.

The United States: Navigating a Limited Menu

In the US, the menu is much more restrictive for vegans. The McPlant burger trial ended, and it is not a current offering. A significant difference is that US fries and hash browns contain a 'natural beef flavoring' derived from milk, rendering them non-vegan. Vegan options are mostly limited to modified sides and drinks. These can include Baked Apple Pie, Apple Slices, Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (ordered without cream), and Side Salad (without cheese and with a vegan dressing like Balsamic Vinaigrette). Most soft drinks, juices, black coffee, and black iced tea are also vegan.

Comparison of Vegan McDonald's Items: UK vs. US


Item	Vegan Status (UK)	Vegan Status (US)	Key Ingredient Difference
McPlant Burger	Vegan Certified	Not Available (Test ended)	Vegan patty, cheese, and sauce used in UK.
Fries	Vegan-Friendly	Not Vegan	UK fries cooked in dedicated vegetable oil; US fries contain beef flavoring.
Hash Browns	Vegan-Friendly	Not Vegan	UK hash browns suitable for vegans; US version contains beef flavoring.
Apple Pie	Vegan-Friendly	Vegan-Friendly	Both versions are considered vegan-friendly, but confirm preparation methods.
Veggie Options	Certified Vegan Options	Very Limited	UK has Veggie Dippers, Veggie Deluxe; US has no similar certified items.
Oatmeal	Not Listed as Vegan	Modified Only (No Cream)	US version can be modified; check local ingredients for UK.

Ordering Vegan at McDonald's: Best Practices

When ordering, especially in regions with limited options like the US, communication is key. Always state your dietary preferences clearly and inquire about preparation methods to avoid cross-contamination. Asking for an item without specific dairy ingredients, like requesting the oatmeal without cream or a side salad without cheese, is the most reliable way to create a vegan-friendly meal.

Conclusion: The Global Vegan Reality at McDonald's

For those asking, 'is there anything vegan on the McDonald's menu?', the answer is a global "yes," but a highly qualified "yes." While international locations, particularly in the UK, have made significant strides with items like the certified vegan McPlant and fries, the menu in the United States offers minimal options, mostly limited to modified sides and drinks. As a vegan, checking the regional menu and understanding preparation differences is crucial for a successful and satisfying McDonald's visit. For the most up-to-date vegan information regarding the UK, consult the official McDonald's UK vegan page.

Check out the official McDonald's UK page for vegan options.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, in the United States, McDonald's fries are not vegan because they contain a 'natural beef flavoring' derived from milk during the pre-cooking process.

Yes, in the UK, McDonald's fries are vegan-friendly. They are cooked in separate vats of non-hydrogenated sunflower and rapeseed oil and are certified by the Vegetarian Society.

The McPlant is a vegan burger co-developed with Beyond Meat®. It is a permanent and certified vegan item in the UK and Ireland but was discontinued in the US after a limited trial.

Yes, the Baked Apple Pie in both the US and UK is considered vegan-friendly, as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

In the US, a vegan breakfast is possible but very limited. You can order the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal without cream or a plain English muffin. Options vary by country; the UK offers hash browns.

No, US hash browns contain the same natural beef flavoring as the fries, making them non-vegan. In the UK, however, they are suitable for vegans.

In the US, vegan-friendly sauces include the Tangy Barbeque and Sweet 'N Sour dipping sauces. In the UK, options include Tomato Ketchup and Sweet Chilli Dip.