As the demand for plant-based food grows globally, McDonald's has responded by introducing a variety of vegan options in different international markets. However, the availability of specific items like vegan ice cream is not universal. While some countries, particularly in Europe, have embraced dairy-free desserts, the offering is largely absent from menus in places like the United States and Canada. Your best chance of finding vegan ice cream at a McDonald's depends entirely on where you are in the world.
Germany: A Leader in Vegan Desserts
Germany has been at the forefront of McDonald's vegan offerings for years. In 2022, the fast-food chain launched a vegan McFlurry, which has since become a permanent menu item. Originally introduced in flavors such as KitKat and later a plain chocolate version, Germany's vegan McFlurry is a testament to the country's strong plant-based market. In addition to the McFlurry, McDonald's Germany also offers a dairy-free chocolate McSundae. This long-standing commitment makes Germany one of the most reliable places for vegans to find a cold, sweet treat at McDonald's.
United Kingdom: Potential for a 2025 Rollout
The UK saw a promising trial of vegan ice cream in 2024. From June to September, a dairy-free rice milk-based dessert called the Vegan Scoop was tested in 52 restaurants across the Northwest of England. The Scoop came in Choco and Strawberry flavors and was accredited by the Vegetarian Society. Additionally, a vegan-friendly frozen fruit dessert called the McFreezy was trialled in 187 locations in Northwest England and selected restaurants in the Republic of Ireland. If the trials were successful, McDonald's announced a potential nationwide rollout of the Scoop dessert in 2025. It is advisable for UK customers to check the official McDonald's app for the most current availability.
North America: Limited or No Vegan Options
For customers in the United States and Canada, finding vegan ice cream at McDonald's is not possible. In the US, the standard soft-serve ice cream contains dairy, and fries are cooked with a 'natural beef flavor' that includes milk ingredients, meaning they are also not vegan. While the McPlant burger has been trialled in both the US and Canada, it is often not vegan due to non-dairy ingredients, shared cooking equipment, and non-vegan sauces. For those seeking plant-based options in North America, the choices are significantly more limited.
Beyond Ice Cream: Other Vegan Menu Items
While vegan ice cream isn't widely available, other plant-based items can often be found, although their vegan status can vary by country due to ingredients and preparation methods. It is crucial to check local menus and allergens before ordering.
- Vegan McPlant: Available in the UK, Ireland, Germany, and other European countries, the McPlant burger is typically vegan-certified and made with a Beyond Meat patty.
- Apple Pie: In many regions, including the US, Canada, and the UK, McDonald's Apple Pie is vegan. The recipe avoids animal products and is often cooked in vegetable oil.
- Fries: While a safe bet in many countries (UK, Canada), McDonald's fries in the US contain a milk-based beef flavoring and are not vegan.
- Veggie Dippers: Available in the UK, these are made from red pepper and sundried tomato pesto.
Global Vegan Dessert Comparison
To highlight the difference in international menus, here is a comparison of vegan dessert and core menu availability at McDonald's in key regions.
| Region | Vegan Ice Cream | Other Notable Vegan Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Yes (Vegan McFlurry & McSundae) | McPlant, some plant-based nuggets | Vegan status of savory items should be confirmed, as ingredients or prep can vary. |
| United Kingdom | Trialled in 2024 (Vegan Scoop & McFreezy), potential national 2025 rollout | Vegan McPlant, Veggie Dippers, Fries | The Scoop was a temporary offer; check for 2025 launch. Fries are vegan. |
| USA | No | Baked Apple Pie, Fruit and Maple Oatmeal (customised), Side Salad | Fries are not vegan due to beef flavouring. Shakes are dairy-based. |
| Canada | No | Baked Apple Pie, Fries, Hash Browns | The McVeggie contains eggs and shared cooking equipment. Fries are vegan. |
| Australia | No | Hash Browns, Fries (note kitchen operations), Apple Slices | McDonald's Australia website notes a risk of cross-contamination. |
Conclusion
Finding vegan ice cream at McDonald's is not a global guarantee but a regional possibility. As of 2025, Germany is the most reliable destination for those seeking a vegan McFlurry or McSundae. The UK offers a hopeful outlook, with the possibility of a national rollout following a recent trial. In contrast, customers in North America and many other parts of the world will need to look elsewhere for a dairy-free frozen dessert. For the most accurate information on any vegan menu item, the best practice is to consult the local McDonald's app or website, as offerings are constantly evolving to meet consumer demands. Vegan Food & Living offers more details on McDonald's UK vegan menu.
