Yes, the Chili's Black Bean Patty is Vegan
For many years, Chili's black bean patty was a source of confusion and frustration for vegan diners, as its formula contained animal-derived ingredients like egg or dairy. However, reputable vegan sources, including PETA and VegNews, confirmed in 2025 that the patty was reformulated and is now completely free of animal products. This makes it a legitimate and delicious option for those following a plant-based diet.
How to Order a Vegan Black Bean Burger at Chili's
While the patty itself is vegan, a standard burger order is not. To ensure your meal is completely plant-based, follow these steps when ordering a Chili's black bean burger:
- Choose your patty: Select the black bean patty as your base. Most standard menu burgers, like the Oldtimer, can be modified.
- Modify the toppings: Request that any non-vegan toppings be removed. This includes cheese, mayonnaise, and any creamy sauces like the Santa Fe sauce that contains dairy. You can add fresh, vegan toppings like house-made guacamole, avocado slices, or pico de gallo.
- Confirm the bun: Most Chili's burger buns are considered vegan, but it is best practice to ask your server to confirm there is no butter used on the bun. Alternatively, you can request to have your patty served on flour tortillas or as a lettuce wrap.
- Select your side: Many Chili's sides are vegan-friendly. The classic fries are a safe bet, though they are cooked in a shared fryer, which is a consideration for some strict vegans. Other options include steamed broccoli, black beans, or corn on the cob (confirm no butter). The house BBQ sauce is also vegan for dipping.
Cross-Contamination Considerations
As with any non-vegan restaurant, it is important to understand the risk of cross-contamination. Chili's states that its food preparation techniques and common cooking equipment may allow contact among various food items, so they cannot guarantee any item is completely allergen-free. This includes the black bean patties, which are likely cooked on the same grill as meat patties. For many vegans, this level of cross-contamination is acceptable, but for those with strict dietary rules or allergies, it is a significant concern to discuss with staff.
Other Vegan Options at Chili's
While the black bean burger is a key entree, Chili's offers a variety of other customizable vegan-friendly items:
- Appetizers: Bottomless chips and salsa and fresh guacamole with chips are naturally vegan. Fried pickles are also vegan, but check with your server about potential shared fryer usage.
- Salads: The House Salad can be made vegan by ordering it without cheese or croutons and requesting the Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. The Santa Fe Salad can also be modified by removing the chicken, cheese, and ranch.
- Fajitas: Create your own veggie fajitas by ordering them with black beans instead of meat and leaving off the cheese and sour cream. Add guacamole, pico de gallo, and salsa.
- Bowls: The Chipotle Bowl can be made vegan by ordering it without meat, cheese, or chipotle pesto.
- Sauces: House BBQ Sauce, Mango Habanero Sauce, Sweet Chili Zing Sauce, and salsa are vegan.
Comparing Chili's Black Bean Patty: Old vs. New
| Feature | Current 2025 Black Bean Patty | Previous Black Bean Patty / Copycat Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | Fully vegan | Not vegan (contained egg/dairy) |
| Key Binder | Plant-based ingredients | Egg whites, calcium caseinate (milk) |
| Availability | All Chili's locations | Phased out prior to 2025 |
| Protein | High protein content (15-17g per patty) | Varied, depended on formulation |
| Texture | Firm with a slight exterior crunch | Softer, less binding |
How Chili's Black Bean Patty Became Vegan
The shift to a vegan black bean patty is part of a broader industry trend towards accommodating diverse dietary needs. Driven by customer demand for more plant-based and allergen-friendly options, many chains like Chili's have reformulated products to be more inclusive. This particular change, noted by sources like yourneighborhoodvegan.com, allows for more flexibility and a more satisfying experience for vegan customers who may have previously been limited to salads or side dishes. The move demonstrates a commitment to expanding market reach and catering to a growing consumer base that prioritizes plant-based eating.
Final Verdict
Thanks to a recent recipe update, the black bean patty at Chili's is now vegan, a significant improvement for plant-based diners. While ordering requires some customization to ensure the entire meal is dairy-free, Chili's provides clear instructions and plenty of other vegan-friendly options, from starters like chips and guacamole to various sides. For those concerned about potential cross-contamination on shared cooking surfaces, it is important to communicate with your server, but for most, this change is a welcome expansion of the vegan menu at Chili's.
Visit PETA's Guide to Ordering Vegan at Chili's for more information
