In-N-Out Burger is a beloved West Coast institution, but its famously simple menu built on burgers, fries, and shakes can pose a challenge for vegans. Unlike other major fast-food chains that have introduced dedicated plant-based burgers, In-N-Out has not yet done so. However, this does not mean the restaurant is completely off-limits for those on a vegan diet. By understanding the ingredients and utilizing clever customization, a decent, if not protein-rich, plant-based meal can be ordered.
The Verdict: Navigating In-N-Out's Menu as a Vegan
The short answer is no, In-N-Out does not offer a designated vegan meal or patty. The classic menu is heavily focused on animal products. Therefore, a vegan meal requires a strategic approach. It involves ordering specific items or customizing standard options by removing all animal-derived ingredients, such as meat, cheese, and the famous, mayonnaise-based spread. The core of a vegan meal will consist of the bun, fresh vegetables, and potatoes.
Vegan Burger Options: The 'Wish Burger'
At In-N-Out, the closest thing to a vegan burger is the "Veggie Burger," or sometimes jokingly referred to as the "Wish Burger". This is essentially a hamburger bun filled with all the standard vegetable toppings. To order it vegan, you must be specific and follow these instructions:
- Order: Request a "veggie sandwich" or "veggie burger."
- Omit the Spread: Crucially, specify "no spread." The restaurant's signature spread is made with mayonnaise, which contains eggs.
- Substitute Sauces: Opt for ketchup and mustard to add flavor. These condiments are vegan.
- Add Toppings: Request additional free toppings like extra lettuce, tomato, or pickles to bulk up the sandwich.
- Add Onions: You can request fresh raw onions or chopped onions. Some locations may call the sandwich with grilled onions and toppings a modified "Grilled Cheese" without the cheese.
- Go "Protein Style": For a lower-carb, gluten-free option, you can order your veggie sandwich "Protein Style," which replaces the bun with a lettuce wrap.
The Famous Fries: A Reliable Vegan Choice
Fortunately for vegans, In-N-Out's French fries are one of the most reliable options. They are made from fresh-cut potatoes and are deep-fried in 100% sunflower oil. Importantly, In-N-Out uses separate fryers for their fries, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination with meat products.
- Ordering Fries: Simply order a regular portion of fries. You can also request them "light," "well done," or "extra well" for a different texture.
- Avoid Animal Style: Do not order "Animal Style" fries, as this includes cheese and the non-vegan spread.
Secret Menu Customizations and Cross-Contamination Concerns
For those seeking more flavor, In-N-Out's secret menu offers a few customization tricks. A “Grilled Cheese” sandwich can be modified to be vegan by asking for no cheese and no spread, essentially creating a toasted veggie sandwich. However, some cross-contamination risks should be noted:
- Grilled Onions: The chopped, caramelized onions on the menu are cooked on the same grill as the meat patties. While many vegans accept this risk, those with strict reservations should opt for raw onions instead.
- Shared Kitchen Space: As with any fast-food restaurant, there is always a potential for cross-contamination due to shared kitchen space, utensils, and gloves. Individuals with severe allergies should be extra cautious and communicate their concerns to the staff.
Beyond the Burger: Vegan-Friendly Beverages
While the milkshakes are not vegan, In-N-Out offers a variety of vegan-friendly beverages to accompany your meal.
- Sodas: Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, 7Up, Dr. Pepper, and Root Beer are all suitable options.
- Iced Tea: Sweetened and unsweetened iced tea are available.
- Lemonades: The Minute Maid Pink Lemonade and Zero Sugar Lemonade are also vegan-friendly.
- Coffee: Black coffee is an option, though no dairy-free creamers are typically available.
How to Build a Complete and Healthy Vegan Meal
Creating a nutritionally balanced vegan meal at In-N-Out can be challenging due to the limited options. The standard "veggie burger" provides carbohydrates and some micronutrients but is very low in protein. Here is how you can maximize your meal:
- Double Up on Veggies: Add extra lettuce, tomato, and onion to your sandwich to boost fiber and vitamins.
- Bring Your Own Protein: Some people opt to bring a pre-cooked or store-bought vegan patty to place inside their sandwich, though this is not supported by the restaurant. A more practical approach is to supplement the meal with protein from another source later on.
- Focus on Flavor: Using ketchup, mustard, and optionally adding chopped chilies can make the vegetable sandwich more satisfying.
- Acknowledge the Limitations: Acknowledge that this is not a nutritionally complete meal and view it as a treat. In-N-Out is, after all, a fast-food chain. A truly nutritious vegan diet is built on a variety of whole foods, not just fast-food fixes.
Comparison: In-N-Out vs. Other Fast-Food Chains
To put In-N-Out's vegan offerings into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to competitors. As seen below, many chains have moved to incorporate dedicated plant-based items, leaving In-N-Out lagging in this area.
| Feature | In-N-Out Burger | Burger King | McDonald's (UK/Europe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Vegan Patty? | No | Yes (e.g., Impossible Whopper) | Yes (e.g., McPlant) |
| Vegan Burger Customization | Requires customizing a "veggie burger" or "grilled cheese" | Order the Impossible Whopper/Vegan Royale without mayo/cheese if not fully vegan | Varies by location; McPlant is vegan-certified in some countries |
| Vegan Side Options | French fries | Fries generally vegan in the UK; check local info | Fries are not vegan in the US due to natural beef flavor; vegan in some countries |
| Vegan Mayo/Cheese? | No dairy-free alternatives | Offers vegan mayo in some locations (e.g., UK) | Vegan mayo available with the McPlant in some locations |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | Some risk with grilled onions and shared kitchen space | Can vary by location and cooking practices | Can vary by location and cooking practices |
Conclusion: Is In-N-Out a Good Choice for Vegans?
For a committed vegan, In-N-Out presents a very limited and unfulfilling experience compared to other major fast-food players. While it's possible to order a vegan-friendly meal consisting of a bun with vegetables and a side of fries, the nutritional value is low, and the need for careful customization is high. Those with a flexible vegan diet or who are just beginning their plant-based journey might find it manageable for a one-off occasion. However, for those seeking a more substantial and satisfying meal with a dedicated vegan protein source, other fast-food chains are far better equipped. Ultimately, the answer to Do In-N-Out do vegan? is that they accommodate vegans, but they do not cater to them in the same way many of their competitors now do. The ongoing petitions for a dedicated vegan burger suggest that while the current options suffice in a pinch, the demand for more is strong within the plant-based community.
