Vegan Options at McDonald’s (Updated 2026)

When it comes to the vegan options at McDonald’s, we’re not exactly saying ‘we’re lovin’ it’. Currently, your main option with any substance would be their Fruit & Maple Oatmeal.

Typically, fries* can be a safe bet at most restaurants… NOT at McDonald’s. The French Fries (and Hashbrowns) are NOT a vegan-friendly option. They both have a natural beef flavoring that contains dairy.

We’re hoping someday a burger and fries can be an option at McDonald’s but for now, here are your options:

Vegan Options at McDonald’s

Breakfast

Fruit & Maple Oatmeal. Order with NO cream … comes with oatmeal, diced apples and a cranberry raisin blend.

Vegan Options at McDonald's — McDonald’s Fruit & Maple Oatmeal. 4/2023

Burger

I know, I know… this is an annoying outdated option; however, if you need to order something:

Hamburger. Order with NO beef patty. Ask for lettuce to be added … comes with pickles, chopped onion, ketchup and mustard.

Sides

The fries are NOT vegan. The details are in the FAQ section below.

Apple Slices

Sauces

Ketchup
Mustard
BBQ
Sweet & Sour

* 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.

VeggL is a United States-based vegan resource.

McDonald’s Vegan FAQ

Are McDonald’s fries vegan?

No, at least not in the US. The fries in the United States are prepared with natural beef flavoring, which happens to have hydrolyzed milk proteins.

Prior to 1990, McDonalds fried their fries in beef tallow. They switched to vegetable oil but still used beef flavoring.

In 2002, they changed the beef flavoring to a natural beef flavoring but like it says above, the natural beef flavoring contains hydrolyzed milk derivatives; still not making them vegan friendly.

In an email we received from McDonald’s, as of October 2021, they have no intentions of changing the recipe in the United States while also acknowledging that the recipe is different in other countries. Different meaning, other countries offer vegan fries.

Are McDonald’s Hash Browns Vegan?

Like the French fries, the hash browns are prepared with natural beef flavoring, which also contains milk derivatives so, no, they are definitely not vegan.

If you’re curious to know how and why McDonald’s prepares their hash browns with ‘natural beef flavoring’, we did a deep dive into looking at why McDonald’s hash browns are not vegan.

Are McDonald’s pancakes vegan?

No. The pancakes at McDonald’s contain both eggs and milk.

Where did McDonalds side salad go?

We’re not sure! In early 2020, McDonald’s removed all of their salads. If they bring them back, we will update this page.

Where Can I Find the McPlant Burger in the United States?

Testing of the McPlant Burger in the United States (Texas and California) began in November 2021 and concluded mid 2022. As of 2023, you could no longer find it on menus.

We had reached out to Mcdonald’s to ask what is next in 2023 but did not receive a response.

Are McDonalds Apple Pies Vegan?

We currently categorize McDonalds Apple Pies as not vegan. McDonalds Apple Pies contain L-Cysteine as a dough conditioner. To the best of our knowledge the L-Cysteine used in their Apple Pies come from duck feathers. (Read more about L-Cysteine)

Can I eat WFPB (Whole Food Plant Based) at McDonalds?

Yes. You can order the the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal with NO light cream. Depending on where you are in your WFPB journey, you can also order without brown sugar and/or the cranberry raisin blend. Your only other WFPB option is Sliced Apples.