What's the Difference Between a Veggie Burger and a Vegan Burger?

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 79 million people worldwide are estimated to be vegetarian, with many more adopting vegan diets, yet the terminology for their burgers can be confusing. What's the difference between a veggie burger and a vegan burger is a common question, and the distinction lies entirely in the presence of animal by-products.

Quick Summary

Veggie burgers are meatless patties but can contain animal-derived ingredients like eggs or dairy. Vegan burgers are strictly plant-based, made without any animal products whatsoever, from patty to bun and toppings.

Key Points

The Basic Rule: All vegan burgers are veggie burgers, but not all veggie burgers are vegan.
Ingredient Distinction: Veggie burgers can contain animal by-products like eggs and dairy, while vegan burgers are 100% plant-based.
Binding Agents: Eggs or milk are common binders in veggie burgers, whereas vegan alternatives use ingredients like flaxseed meal or vital wheat gluten.
The "Whole Burger": The difference extends beyond the patty to the bun, cheese, and sauces, which must also be free of animal products for a burger to be vegan.
Careful Ordering: Always ask at restaurants about ingredients and preparation methods if you require a vegan meal, as cross-contamination is also a consideration.

The Fundamental Distinction: All Vegan is Veggie, but Not All Veggie is Vegan

The core of the matter is surprisingly simple: a vegan burger is, by definition, also a veggie burger, but the reverse is not true. A vegan diet prohibits all animal products, including eggs, dairy, and honey. A vegetarian diet, on the other hand, forbids meat, poultry, and fish but may permit animal by-products like eggs and dairy (ovo-lacto vegetarianism). Therefore, a veggie burger is a broad category, and you must check the specific ingredients to determine if it is suitable for a vegan diet.

Key Differences in Burger Ingredients

The distinction is not limited to the patty itself. The entire construction of the burger—from the binder that holds the patty together to the toppings and bun—must be considered. Here is a breakdown of the most common areas where ingredients diverge:

Binders and Patty Contents

Veggie Burgers: Many traditional veggie burger recipes and commercial products rely on eggs or cheese as a binding agent to hold the patty together and add moisture. The patties themselves are typically made from a mix of beans, grains, nuts, and vegetables, which can be seen and tasted, giving them an 'earthy' profile.
Vegan Burgers: For a patty to be vegan, the binder must be plant-based. Common vegan binders include flaxseed meal or chia seed 'eggs,' breadcrumbs, vital wheat gluten, or other starches and gels. Modern vegan burgers, often made from processed pea or soy protein, are designed to mimic the taste and texture of meat, including an imitation 'blood' from plant-based heme.

Buns, Cheeses, and Sauces

The Bun: A classic brioche bun, often served with a veggie burger, contains milk and eggs, making it unsuitable for vegans. Vegan buns are made with plant-based alternatives to dairy and eggs. Always confirm the bun is vegan, especially at restaurants.
The Cheese: A vegetarian burger can feature dairy cheese like cheddar or mozzarella. Vegan cheese is made from vegetable proteins, nuts (cashews, macadamias), or vegetable oils, with no animal-derived ingredients whatsoever.
The Sauces: Standard mayonnaise, containing eggs, is off-limits for vegans, as are many creamy dressings made with dairy. Vegan alternatives use plant-based oils and proteins. Always be sure to specify if you require vegan mayo or sauces when ordering.

Cross-Contamination Considerations

For a strict vegan, even if the ingredients are entirely plant-based, the preparation process is important. If a vegan patty is cooked on the same grill as meat products, it can be a concern. This is a common issue at fast-food restaurants, where a burger with a plant-based patty may not be considered vegan due to cooking methods. Always ask how the food is prepared if cross-contamination is a concern.

Comparison Table: Veggie Burger vs. Vegan Burger


Feature	Veggie Burger	Vegan Burger
Animal Ingredients	May contain animal by-products (eggs, dairy).	Contains no animal products whatsoever.
Patty Composition	Often made from whole beans, grains, and vegetables.	Can be whole-food based or highly processed to mimic meat.
Binding Agents	Commonly uses eggs, milk, or dairy cheese.	Uses plant-based ingredients like flaxseed meal, starches, or vital wheat gluten.
Common Appearance	Often visibly chunky with recognizable ingredients.	Can be smooth and meat-like or whole-food based.
Included Toppings	May include dairy cheese, regular mayo, and non-vegan buns.	Uses exclusively plant-based cheese alternatives, vegan mayo, and vegan buns.

Making an Informed Choice

Understanding the distinction between these two burger types empowers you to make an informed decision, whether for dietary restrictions, ethical reasons, or simply for health. For those adhering to a strictly vegan diet, scrutinizing the ingredient list and cooking method is crucial. For vegetarians or those simply reducing meat consumption, the traditional veggie burger offers a wide range of options that may not be available to vegans.

This knowledge is also essential when cooking at home, allowing you to choose the right ingredients for your needs. For instance, when creating a delicious, satisfying plant-based burger, recipes like the ones found at Simply Recipes can guide you towards great vegan options. The rise of both options has provided a fantastic variety of flavors and textures, ensuring there is a plant-based burger for everyone.

Conclusion

In summary, the crucial difference between a veggie burger and a vegan burger is the potential presence of animal by-products in the veggie variety. A vegan burger is always completely plant-based, using alternative ingredients for binders, buns, and toppings. The growth in plant-based eating has led to a great variety in both categories, from wholesome grain-and-bean patties to advanced, meat-mimicking versions. By knowing the key ingredients and potential hidden animal products, consumers can confidently navigate menus and grocery store aisles to choose the right burger for their lifestyle and dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. A plant-based burger is typically vegan, while a veggie burger might not be, as it can contain eggs or dairy. The term 'plant-based' has also been used for marketing newer, meat-like vegan products.

The most common non-vegan ingredients are eggs and dairy, often used as binders or included in cheese. Some veggie burgers may also contain non-vegan sauces or buns.

No, you should always ask. Many restaurants use veggie patties that contain egg or dairy, and even if the patty is vegan, the bun, cheese, or sauces may not be.

Vegans use plant-based binders like flaxseed or chia seed 'eggs,' vital wheat gluten, or other starches and gels to hold patties together.

It depends. Some modern vegan burgers, like Beyond or Impossible, are specifically engineered to mimic the taste and texture of meat. Traditional vegan patties, often made from beans or grains, do not.

Look for menu items explicitly labeled as 'vegan.' If it says 'veggie' or 'vegetarian,' confirm with your server that no animal products are used in the patty, bun, cheese, or sauces, and ask about cooking surfaces.

No, vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients like nuts (cashews, macadamias), soy, or coconut oil. Vegetarian cheese, however, is made from milk but uses non-animal rennet.

Yes, for strict vegans, cross-contamination is a concern, especially if the patty is cooked on the same grill as meat products. It's best to confirm cooking methods with the restaurant.