What is the Wendy's Plant Based Burger?

December 31, 2025 •

5 min read

While popular rivals have embraced plant-based meat substitutes, Wendy's has approached the trend cautiously, with a number of regional and limited-time plant-based burger options launched over the years. These have included the Spicy Black Bean Burger in the US and the Plantiful burger in Canada, though no nationwide, permanent option exists currently.

Quick Summary

Wendy's has historically offered regional and temporary plant-based burgers, including a black bean patty and a pea-protein option. The availability of these items depends on location and timing, as the company has not committed to a permanent, nationwide vegan-friendly option in the US.

Key Points

No Permanent U.S. Burger: As of late 2025, there is no permanent, nationwide Wendy's plant based burger option in the U.S. or Canada.
Trials and Tests: Wendy's has tested several plant-based burgers regionally and for limited times, including a Spicy Black Bean Burger in the U.S. and a pea-protein burger called The Plantiful in Canada.
International Presence: In certain international markets, such as Georgia (Eurasia), Wendy's has partnered with Beyond Meat to offer a plant-based burger.
Menu Modifications: The most reliable way for vegans or vegetarians to eat a 'burger' at Wendy's in the U.S. is to create a custom veggie sandwich using a bun and vegetable toppings.
Sides are Key: Vegan-friendly sides like natural-cut fries, plain baked potatoes, and side salads (with modifications) are consistently available.
Cross-Contamination: Be aware of potential cross-contamination with meat products, especially regarding fries cooked in shared fryers.
No Beyond or Impossible in the U.S.: Unlike some competitors, Wendy's has historically used its own proprietary patty blends for its veggie burger trials in the U.S., rather than partnering with major plant-based meat companies.

Wendy's History of Plant-Based Experimentation

Wendy's has not been a leader in the fast-food plant-based movement, largely opting for regional tests and limited-time offers rather than committing to a permanent menu item in major markets like the U.S.. This approach contrasts with competitors who have fully integrated products from companies like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods into their standard menu. Wendy's has stated its desire to offer unique, craveable items to its customers, which has led to different plant-based product launches in various markets.

Notable Plant-Based Burger Trials

Several different versions of a Wendy's plant-based burger have appeared over the years, each with a distinct profile and availability:

Spicy Black Bean Burger (USA): In 2021, Wendy's tested a proprietary Spicy Black Bean Burger in select U.S. markets, including Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Jacksonville, Florida. The patty was made from a blend of black beans, chickpeas, and spices, and served with chipotle jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and spicy chipotle sauce. While the patty itself was plant-based, the default build was not vegan due to the cheese and sauce. This trial was ultimately discontinued.
The Plantiful (Canada): In 2020, Wendy's Canada introduced a limited-time pea-based burger called The Plantiful. This item also received mixed reviews and is no longer available in Canada.
Beyond Meat Partnership (Georgia): Wendy's in the country of Georgia (Eurasia) partnered with Beyond Meat in 2024 to launch the Wendy's Plant Burger, featuring a Beyond Meat patty. This shows the company's willingness to adapt its strategy for specific international markets.
The Veggie Stack (UK): The Wendy's UK menu has featured a vegetarian burger called The Veggie Stack, which consists of a custom vegetable, grain, and spice patty, along with Emmental cheese and garlic mayonnaise. It is important to note that this is a vegetarian, not fully vegan, option due to the dairy and egg ingredients.

Comparison of Wendy's Plant-Based Offerings vs. Competitors

To better understand Wendy's position, it's helpful to compare its plant-based options with those of its fast-food rivals, highlighting the different approaches to meeting consumer demand for meatless items.


Feature	Wendy's Limited-Time Black Bean Burger	Burger King's Impossible Whopper	McDonald's McPlant Burger (Regional)
Patty Type	Proprietary black bean, chickpea, and spice blend.	Impossible Foods' plant-based meat.	Beyond Meat's plant-based meat.
Flavor Profile	Intended to taste like a spiced-up veggie burger, not mimic beef.	Designed to closely mimic the taste and texture of beef.	Created to taste like a traditional McDonald's burger.
Availability	Limited-time regional test in 2021 (discontinued).	Widely available in many regions.	Market-dependent limited tests; not a permanent US menu item.
Default Vegan/Vegetarian	Vegetarian by default; can be made vegan by omitting cheese/sauce.	Vegetarian by default (cooked on shared surfaces with meat).	Vegetarian by default; not guaranteed vegan due to shared cooking surfaces.
Market	Primarily a U.S. test market item.	Major markets including the U.S., Canada, and others.	Varies by country, such as the UK and other European regions.

What This Means for Plant-Based Diners at Wendy's

For those seeking a plant-based burger from Wendy's, the current reality in the U.S. and many other locations is that there is no dedicated menu item. Instead, customers must be resourceful and rely on menu modifications to create a suitable meal. The most common practice is ordering a bun with specific vegetable toppings and a vegan-friendly sauce, or utilizing a plain baked potato. This approach requires vigilance about ingredients, as items like buns and fries can sometimes be a source of animal products or cross-contamination. For example, PETA notes that the buns are generally vegan, and the natural-cut fries are plant-based, though they may share a fryer with meat products. Diners should also inquire about sauces and dressings, as many contain dairy or eggs.

Navigating Wendy's Menu for Plant-Based Options

Without a dedicated Wendy's plant based burger in the U.S., creative ordering is key. Here is a list of commonly available plant-based options and how to customize them:

French Fries: Wendy's Natural-Cut Fries are made without animal ingredients and cooked in vegetable oil. It's recommended to confirm if they are cooked in a dedicated fryer if cross-contamination is a concern.
Plain Baked Potato: Order without butter, cheese, or sour cream. It can be topped with chives, salsa, or avocado for flavor.
Garden Side Salad: Can be made vegan by ordering without cheese or croutons.
Custom Veggie Sandwich: You can order a premium bun with a selection of vegetables, such as lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. Adding a plain baked potato or fries inside the bun can create a more substantial sandwich.
Side of Apple Bites: A simple and fresh plant-based dessert or side.
Vegan Sauces: Always confirm sauce ingredients, but packets of ketchup, BBQ sauce, and sweet and sour sauce are typically safe bets. Some vinaigrette dressings are also vegan.

The Future of Wendy's Plant-Based Offerings

While past trials like the Spicy Black Bean Burger were discontinued, consumer demand for plant-based options continues to grow. Wendy's has acknowledged this trend and may introduce new products or revisit its strategy in the future. However, until a permanent, widely available Wendy's plant based burger is introduced, the most reliable plant-based options remain menu modifications and sides. Customers interested in seeing more plant-based items should continue to express their interest through social media and customer feedback channels.

Conclusion

The question of "What is the Wendy's plant based burger?" has a different answer depending on location and timing. While there have been a few notable regional and temporary product tests, most notably the Spicy Black Bean Burger in the U.S. and The Plantiful in Canada, there is currently no permanent, nationwide plant-based burger on the menu in North America. Those seeking a plant-based meal must rely on customizing existing menu items and sides. Wendy's approach differs from competitors who have embraced third-party plant-based meat substitutes, but the company's past tests indicate a continued interest in the growing flexitarian market. Ultimately, the availability of a proper plant-based burger at Wendy's remains in a state of flux, and consumers should stay informed about regional tests and international developments.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, as of late 2025, there is no nationwide, permanent Wendy's plant based burger on the menu in the United States.

The Spicy Black Bean Burger was a limited-time, regional test item in 2021, featuring a patty made from a blend of black beans, chickpeas, and spices. The test was not expanded and the product was discontinued.

While Wendy's in the country of Georgia partnered with Beyond Meat for a limited run, the U.S. test of the Spicy Black Bean Burger used a proprietary patty blend instead of a third-party product.

Yes, you can create a custom vegan 'burger' by ordering a bun with your choice of vegetable toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles) and adding a plain baked potato or fries inside for a more substantial meal.

Wendy's buns are generally considered vegan-friendly, and their natural-cut fries are plant-based. However, be aware that the fries may be cooked in a shared fryer with meat products.

In addition to natural-cut fries, vegan side options at Wendy's include the plain baked potato (minus toppings), side salads (without cheese or croutons), and apple bites.

Wendy's has cited a desire to develop unique, craveable items for its customers and has historically been more cautious in its approach to the plant-based market compared to some rivals. Their previous tests were likely used to gauge consumer demand before committing to a broader rollout.