We recently put together a list of our favorite vegan fast food options, but we noticed that we appeared to be very biased against breakfast items.
There’s a pretty simple reason for that too. It’s currently much easier to find lunch and dinner vegan-friendly options at chain restaurants. With faux meats like Beyond and Impossible, it’s made it convenient (and profitable) for many fast food chains to add a vegan option.
But, there are some good vegan fast-food breakfast options out there and we’re going to go over our favorites in this article.
Just a few ground rules before we get started. We are considering fast food locations places that generally have a drive through. So, no Panera Bread – although there was heavy discussion because we have seen a Panera Bread with a drive-thru, but I digress.
Bagels and Avocado Toast from Dunkin’
Unfortunately, Dunkin’ discontinued their Beyond Breakfast Sandwich, but they still have some solid vegan breakfast options. 4 different choices of bagel (Plain, Cinnamon Raisin, Everything & Sesame), avocado toast (with or without roasted tomatoes) and hash browns rounds.
They also have (Ryan’s biased opinion incoming) the best coffee of any coffee chain. There, I said it. And while you do have to pay extra for it, they have a good selection of non-dairy milk available; oat, almond and coconut.
My go-to drink is a hot or iced coffee with oat milk and a mocha swirl.
French Toast Sticks & Hash Browns from Burger King
Healthy? Not really. Delicious? Yes. Will you want to immediately go back to bed and take a nap? Absolutely.
Burger King’s French Toast Sticks and Hash Browns are the ultimate combinations of fried and sugar (that dipping syrup) that scream fast food. However, whether you need something quick and easy on the way to work or grab a guilty pleasure on a road trip, this breakfast combo from Burger King will do the job.
Be aware as a vegan there is cross-contamination and Burger King’s French Toast Sticks and Hash Browns are no exception. You choose your level of comfort.
Hash Browns and Fruit Cup from Chick fil-A
When we initially created this article, Chick-fil-A offered a Sunflower Multigrain Bagel. Unfortunately, they no longer do so we changed our recommendation to Hash Browns and a Fruit Cup. In my opinion, Chick Fil-A’s mini hash browns are some of the best in all of fast food.
Also, don’t forget that Chick Fil-A has coffee to go with your fruit cup and hash browns! It will have to be a black coffee since they have yet to add a non-dairy milk option.
Smoothies from Jamba Juice
If you weren’t expecting Jamba Juice on this list, then I suspect you’ve been missing out on one of the best vegan breakfast options available – smoothies.
Jamba offers over 15 Plant Based Smoothies (check out our Jamba Guide for all of them), vegan protein powder, fresh juices, oatmeal and most locations are open at 7AM. What more could you need?
Everything Plant-Based Sandwich from Peet’s
Peet’s has something that almost no other popular coffee chain has – a completely plant-based breakfast sandwich that can be ordered directly off the menu as-is! (Dunkin’ was close for a minute but they’ve since discontinued their Beyond Breakfast Sandwich)
The sandwich features seasoned Beyond Sausage, Just Egg AND vegan cheddar! How awesome is that? Pair it up with a coffee and your morning is covered.
Smoothies from Smoothie King
Similar to Jamba Juice, Smoothie King has over a dozen varieties of plant-based smoothies to choose from; including smoothie bowls, vegan protein powder, vegan granola and most locations open up at 7AM.
So, if grabbing something healthy in the morning sounds better than something fried and greasy, Smoothie King can be a great option. They use Sunwarrior Protein and Purely Elizabeth Granola.
Some of our favorites include the Vegan Coffee Mocha (caffeine, fruit and protein), Vegan Mango Kale and the Veggie Lemon Ginger Spinach.
Bagels and Coffee from Starbucks
Starbucks has what feels like a limitless variety of vegan-friendly coffee drinks and a couple of bagels to choose from – plain or everything. Look for packaged Organic Avocado Spread, Justin’s Hazelnut Butter or Classic Almond Butter & spread on.
Starbucks also offers their Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box or even their Strawberry Overnight Grains.
McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal
One of the only vegan menu items you can order at McDonald’s is their Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (make sure to order with NO cream). Seriously, not even McDonald’s hash browns are vegan.
We have to admit though, the oatmeal is delightful! Pair it up with some Mickey D’s coffee which is pretty good as well and you’ve got breakfast covered.
Final Thoughts on Vegan Fast Food Breakfast Options
Vegan options at fast food chains are expanding more and more all the time. While the majority of these new options seem to be going towards lunch and dinner items, breakfast is beginning to be getting more attention lately.
Dunkin’ had a Beyond Sausage Breakfast Sandwich on the menu for a while, Peet’s has one at the moment and rumors about Starbucks adding one to their menu is something we hear about all the time.
