A Closer Look: Why BWW's Cauliflower Wings Aren't Vegan
At first glance, a menu item centered on a vegetable like cauliflower seems like a safe bet for vegans. However, the preparation methods employed by a restaurant like Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) can introduce animal-derived ingredients, rendering a dish non-vegan. This is precisely the case with their cauliflower wings.
The Cooking Oil Controversy
The primary reason BWW's fried items, including their cauliflower wings, are not considered vegan is the oil used for deep frying. Many BWW locations fry their food in beef tallow, a rendered animal fat, which contaminates any ostensibly plant-based item cooked in the same fryer. This cooking method negates the vegan status of the dish, regardless of the core ingredients.
Dairy and Egg in the Batter
In addition to the beef tallow, the batter and breading for the cauliflower wings may contain animal products such as dairy and eggs. While the cauliflower itself is a plant, the crispy coating that makes it palatable often relies on non-vegan ingredients. Unless the restaurant can confirm a specific vegan batter and a separate, uncontaminated fryer, those on a vegan diet should assume the item is not suitable.
Cross-Contamination Risks
Even if a location were to use a different cooking oil or had a dedicated fryer, which is not standard practice, the risk of cross-contamination remains. Buffalo Wild Wings explicitly states on its nutrition information that due to shared cooking and preparation areas, they cannot guarantee any item is free of allergens or is certified vegan. This disclaimer is crucial for diners with strict dietary requirements.
Navigating the BWW Menu as a Vegan
While the cauliflower wings may be off the table, a vegan can still find options at Buffalo Wild Wings with careful ordering. It requires diligence and communication with the server.
True Vegan Options at Buffalo Wild Wings
- Southwestern Black Bean Burger: Order without cheese or ranch. Be sure to ask for the burger to be prepared separately from any meat products to avoid cross-contamination.
- Chips and Salsa or Guacamole: The chips and house-made dips are typically vegan-friendly.
- Garden Side Salad: Request no cheese or croutons. Pair with a vegan-friendly dressing like the Vidalia Onion Vinaigrette.
- Select Sauces and Dry Rubs: Many of BWW's signature sauces are vegan, including Asian Zing, Blazin' Knockout, Caribbean Jerk, and Sweet BBQ. Vegan dry rubs include Chipotle BBQ and Salt & Vinegar.
The Healthier, Truly Vegan Alternative: DIY Cauliflower Wings
For those who want to enjoy genuinely vegan cauliflower wings without the high fat, sodium, and cross-contamination risks of restaurant versions, making them at home is the best solution. Many recipes exist online that produce a delicious and guilt-free version using baking or air-frying methods.
How Homemade Cauliflower Wings Compare
| Feature | BWW Cauliflower Wings (Large) | Homemade Vegan Cauliflower Wings (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~1040 | ~300-400 (air-fried) |
| Total Fat | ~57g (deep-fried) | ~10-15g (baked/air-fried) |
| Saturated Fat | ~22g (from beef tallow and batter) | ~1-3g (from olive oil/vegan butter) |
| Sodium | ~1300mg | ~300-500mg (recipe dependent) |
| Ingredients | Unknown batter ingredients, deep-fried in beef tallow | Flour, water/plant-milk, spices, vegan butter, hot sauce |
| Vegan Status | Not vegan (due to beef tallow) | Fully vegan (user controlled) |
Crafting Your Own
To make your own vegan cauliflower wings, you will need a few simple ingredients:
- Cauliflower: One large head, chopped into florets.
- Batter: A mixture of flour, water or non-dairy milk, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Sauce: A simple vegan buffalo sauce can be made by combining a plant-based butter alternative with hot sauce and a touch of maple syrup.
By baking or air-frying your homemade wings, you avoid the unhealthy and non-vegan aspects of the restaurant version while still achieving a crispy, flavorful result.
Conclusion: Making Informed Nutritional Choices
For vegans, the discovery that seemingly innocent cauliflower wings at Buffalo Wild Wings are not actually vegan highlights a broader truth about dining out: always question preparation methods and be wary of cross-contamination. While BWW offers some customizable vegan options, the cauliflower wings are not one of them due to the use of beef tallow and non-vegan batter. Opting for truly vegan alternatives on the menu or, better yet, preparing a healthier version at home is the best way to ensure your meal aligns with your dietary principles. Knowing the details about ingredients and cooking techniques empowers you to make informed decisions for your nutrition and diet goals. For an excellent homemade recipe, check out this recipe from Nora Cooks.
