Heading to Denny’s hoping for some vegan options? You are in the right place to get your questions answered! And I’m sure you have many…
In our Denny’s vegan guide, we share what menu items contain no animal ingredients, how to modify those that do, an FAQ, and most importantly, if you should be concerned with cross-contamination.
Here’s everything vegan at Denny’s:
Vegan Options at Denny’s
Per Denny’s Allergen Guide (last updated October 2025), the grills are seasoned, “with vegetable oil from the fryers and with bacon.” We have learned that each restaurant does this different though and from what we’re hearing, it’s much less common for bacon to be used. “Due to shared preparation and cooking areas in our kitchens and the risk of cross-contact, we cannot guarantee that any item is free of any allergen.”
Ask the location you are visiting if the menu item you choose shares surfaces with animal menu items and/or if they cook with bacon grease —if this is a concern for you. See our pancake precaution below if you might order those as well. -Jen
You choose your level of comfort.
Breakfast
–> Along with the grill precautions (as mentioned above), we are also reading of people visiting Denny’s to order the plant-based pancakes only to find out that eggs were added at one location and milk at another. Talk to a manager at the location you are visiting prior to ordering to confirm there are no animal ingredients in the batter. And then double check the grill situation, if this is a concern for you..
If you come across a location that states they have added an ingredient not checked on the current Denny’s allergen list (i.e. eggs or milk in the 9-grain pancakes), report them. This is a major liability.
Plant-Based Pancake Slam* … comes with 2 9-grain pancakes*, seasonal fruit and your choice of potato: hash browns*, seasoned red skinned potatoes* (NOT the red-skinned ‘mashed’ potatoes), fries* or seasoned fries*.
The seasoned fries cost extra.
9-Grain Pancakes* (optional – customize: add blueberries, bananas or strawberries).
Hash Browns*. Add bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, avocado, and/or salsa to make them extra delicious!
Red-Skinned Potatoes* (NOT the red-skinned ‘mashed’ potatoes)
Regular English muffin. Use jam or jelly instead of butter to top it. Do NOT order the gluten-free English muffin as it contains dairy.
Build Your Own Burger*
–> Please note: In March 2023, Denny’s discontinued their Beyond Burger and switched to Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Patty. It is still an animal-free option; however, it is going to taste very different. I go into that more in the article I wrote if you would like to read more about that.
On Denny’s allergen guide, the Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Patty is noted as “may contain due to manufacturing, etc” egg and dairy.
Order a Single Cheeseburger with NO cheese*. Choose the Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Patty* … comes with lettuce, tomato, pickles and red onion on an animal free brioche bun. Add avocado for an extra cost (optional).
Then choose your side: French Fries, Seasoned Fries, Hash Browns, Red-Skinned Potatoes (NOT red-skinned mashed potatoes) or Seasonal Fruit. The seasoned fries and seasonal fruit cost extra.
Salad
House Salad or Side Salad. Order with NO cheese or croutons. Choose Balsamic or Light Italian dressing … comes with iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, and grape tomatoes. Add avocado for an additional cost.
Sides
Verify NO butter is added to the veggie options.
Broccoli
Sweet Petite Corn
Wavy Cut French Fries*
Seasoned Fries*
Seasonal Fruit
Chips & Salsa
Whole Grain Rice
*All items cooked on the grill are seasoned with vegetable oil from the fryers and bacon according to Denny’s allergen guide. We have learned that each location does this differently though. You will have to ask the location you visit what they cook with, if concerned.Fryers share a fryer with animal ingredients. As with any restaurant that is not 100% vegan or does not offer a designated cooking space for their vegan options, cross contamination can occur and fryers/grills may be shared with animal products. You can choose what your level of comfort is with these potential issues.
Denny’s Vegan FAQ
Did Denny’s Discontinue their Beyond Burger?
Yes. In March 2023 all locations were in the process of finishing their allotment of Beyond patties then switched to Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Patty. I wrote about it here.
Is Denny’s Bourbon Sauce vegan?
No. Denny’s added a note to their allergen guide back in February 2021 that stated the bourbon sauce contained beef. That statement remains on the most current allergen guide as well.
Also note that the All-American sauce (egg) are Buffalo (milk/dairy) are NOT vegan either.
Is Denny’s tomato sauce vegan?
No. According to Denny’s allergen guide, the tomato sauce contains, dairy, pork and chicken.
Does Denny’s Offer a Vegan Breakfast Sandwich?
February 2022 News: Have you heard that Denny’s is now offering a Vegan Breakfast Sandwich?
This is true but it is only a test and only at one location. Denny’s is trying to rebrand itself and has a fast-casual restaurant, called Flip’d by IHOP. The location in the Flatiron neighborhood of NYC is who is/was testing this.
Not seeing exactly what you wanted? We also have Vegan Guides for 230 other popular chain restaurants, in the United States, like Carl’s Jr and Panera Bread.
Disclaimer: We do everything possible at VeggL to make sure all our Vegan Guides are as up-to-date as possible, but sometimes menus and menu items can change. VeggL is not responsible for incorrect or outdated information. Always check with your location and server to confirm items are vegan when ordering. If you notice something that needs to be corrected – please let us know!
(last updated October 2025), the grills are seasoned, “with vegetable oil from the fryers and with bacon.” We have learned that each restaurant does this different though and from what we’re hearing, it’s much less common for bacon to be used. “Due to shared preparation and cooking areas in our kitchens and the risk of cross-contact, we cannot guarantee that any item is free of any allergen.”
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