Nutrition Diet: Does McDonald's have vegan meat?

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2021, fast-food giant McDonald's began a global rollout of its first plant-based burger, the McPlant, in a partnership with Beyond Meat. This move raised a key question for many following a plant-based diet: Does McDonald's have vegan meat and is it suitable for a truly vegan nutrition diet?

Quick Summary

McDonald's offers the McPlant, a burger made with a Beyond Meat patty, but its availability and vegan certification vary significantly by region. In certain countries like the UK, it is fully vegan-certified, while in others, it may contain non-vegan ingredients and face cross-contamination risk.

Key Points

Regional Availability: The McPlant, McDonald's plant-based burger, is not available everywhere and was discontinued in the U.S. after trials.
Vegan Status Varies: The vegan certification of the McPlant depends on the country; some regions use vegan cheese and sauce and cook it separately, while others do not.
Beyond Meat Partnership: The McPlant patty was co-developed with Beyond Meat as part of a strategic global agreement.
Check for Cross-Contamination: In locations with a non-vegan McPlant or where separate cooking is not guaranteed, there is a risk of cross-contamination with meat products.
Not Always Healthier: While plant-based, the McPlant is a processed fast-food item with a nutritional profile (calories, fat, salt) comparable to or higher in some aspects than its meat counterparts.
Other Vegan Items: Depending on the country, fries, hash browns, apple pies, and fruit are often vegan, but confirmation of ingredients and cooking methods is essential.

The McPlant: Understanding the Global Rollout

For years, vegans and those on a plant-based diet had limited options at McDonald's, often restricted to side dishes or customizing existing items. However, the landscape shifted dramatically with the introduction of the McPlant. As part of a three-year strategic agreement announced in 2021, McDonald's teamed up with plant-based leader Beyond Meat to develop the McPlant patty. The collaboration was a clear response to growing consumer demand for more sustainable, plant-based menu items. The launch brought a new wave of choices, with the partnership also exploring other plant-based possibilities, such as chicken, pork, and egg alternatives.

McPlant availability by region

The McPlant's journey is not a one-size-fits-all story. Its rollout has differed greatly depending on the country, impacting whether or not consumers can access a true vegan meat option:

UK and Ireland: The McPlant became a permanent menu item in 2022 after a successful trial. In these markets, it is certified vegan by The Vegetarian Society, featuring a vegan patty, vegan cheese, and vegan sauce. Critically, the patties are cooked separately from meat products using dedicated utensils and an oven to avoid cross-contamination.
United States: The reception in the U.S. was less successful. After an initial test run in 2021 and an expanded trial in 2022, the McPlant was discontinued, reportedly due to lackluster sales. As of late 2024, there are no vegan meat options available nationwide at U.S. McDonald's locations.
Europe (General): Many European countries have embraced the McPlant with a similar commitment to vegan preparation as the UK, featuring vegan ingredients and procedures. Germany, for example, offers additional vegan items like McPlant Nuggets and a vegan McFlurry in some locations.
Other Markets: In countries like Malta, the McPlant is available but may be served with standard dairy cheese and mayonnaise, and the patty could be cooked on the same grill as beef patties, making it unsuitable for a strict vegan diet. This highlights the importance of checking local ingredients and cooking methods.

A Closer Look at Nutritional Information

For those following a nutrition diet, simply being "plant-based" does not automatically make a fast-food item healthier. It's crucial to examine the nutritional facts of products like the McPlant. While it provides a meat-free alternative, it is still a highly processed food item. A comparison of the McPlant to a traditional meat burger reveals that nutritional profiles can be surprisingly similar, with some plant-based versions even containing more sodium or sugar.

Nutritional Comparison: McPlant vs. Traditional Burger (UK data)


Attribute	McPlant (Vegan)	Quarter Pounder (Meat)
Calories	429 kcal	507 kcal
Fat	20g	26g
Saturated Fat	Lower	Higher
Carbohydrates	40g	37g
Protein	19g	29g
Sugar	10g	10g
Salt	2.2g	2.7g

This table illustrates that while the McPlant has some clear benefits like lower saturated fat, it remains a calorie-dense, processed item. Integrating such items into a healthy nutrition diet requires moderation, focusing instead on whole foods as the dietary foundation.

Going Beyond the McPlant: Finding Truly Vegan Meals

Even in regions where the McPlant is not available or not guaranteed vegan, a careful approach can still provide a few plant-based options. By ordering strategically, vegans can put together a meal, though it may require significant customization.

Commonly vegan-friendly items and how to order:

Fries: The famous McDonald's fries are not vegan in all regions. In the U.S., they are coated in beef flavoring, while in the UK and many other places, they are vegan. Always check the local ingredients.
Hash Browns: Generally suitable for vegans and a popular breakfast item in many regions.
Apple Pie: Often vegan, as it's fried in hydrogenated oil in the UK. Confirm ingredients locally.
Fruit and Vegetables: Simple fruit bags or cucumber sticks are typically safe choices.
Drinks: Standard soft drinks, juices, and black coffee are reliable options.
Customization: In some regions, you can order a burger bun with salad and sauces, for a simple (if uninspired) vegan meal.

For a more comprehensive look at global fast food chains and vegan options, authoritative sources like Veganuary or Vegan Food & Living can provide valuable insights.

Conclusion: A Nuanced Answer for Vegan Fast Food

The question, "Does McDonald's have vegan meat?" has a nuanced answer. Yes, in many countries, McDonald's does offer a plant-based meat patty via the McPlant. This is a significant step towards accommodating plant-based diets. However, it is not a universally available or consistently vegan product. Its availability is regional, and strict vegans must always verify the preparation process and ingredients at their specific location to ensure no cross-contamination or non-vegan additives are present. Furthermore, from a nutritional standpoint, the McPlant is still a fast-food product and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced and healthy nutrition diet, not as a primary source of nutrients. For consumers worldwide, the McPlant represents progress, but it requires due diligence to be a truly reliable vegan option.

Frequently Asked Questions

The vegan status of the McPlant depends entirely on the country and location. In the UK and Ireland, it is certified vegan, cooked separately with vegan cheese and sauce. In other countries like Malta, it is served with dairy products and can be cooked on the same grill as meat.

The plant-based McPlant patty was co-developed specifically for McDonald's in partnership with the plant-based meat company, Beyond Meat.

No, McDonald's fries are not vegan in all regions. In the United States, for example, they are coated in a natural beef flavoring and are not vegan. In the UK and other regions, they are fried in a manner that makes them vegan.

Yes, the McPlant was trialed in select U.S. locations during 2021 and 2022. However, the trial ended, and the McPlant was not rolled out nationwide, so it is currently unavailable in the U.S..

Yes, depending on the country, other potential vegan options may include Veggie Dippers (UK), hash browns, apple pies, and fruit. Beverages like juices, soft drinks, and black coffee are also typically vegan.

While the McPlant is a plant-based option, it is a processed fast-food item and should be consumed in moderation. Its nutritional content, including calories, fat, and sodium, can be comparable to or not significantly better than a traditional meat burger.

To ensure the McPlant is vegan in your specific location, you should check your local McDonald's website for allergen and ingredient information. Look for a vegan certification logo, like that from The Vegetarian Society, and check for details on cooking procedures and ingredients.