What are the Best Vegetarian Fast Food Options
Unlike in decades prior, vegetarian fast food options are now generally much more available. While diners may have many different reasons for choosing meat free meals, there’s no question about the current desire for fast food veggie burgers and other meatless dishes. Below, discover some of the most common vegetarian fast food options as well as the meatless menu items available at the Freddy’s near you!
Reasons to Explore the Vegetarian Fast Food Options
Whether you are trying to decide what to do for dinner tonight or are curious about vegetarian meals, exploring the fast food options near you may be the way to go. Below, find a few other reasons to consider fast food veggie burgers and other vegetarian selections for your future meals:
Variety: If you frequently enjoy fast food or are a regular at your local quick serve spot like Freddy’s, then choosing one of the vegetarian fast food options available may be a way to add a little variety into your dining experience. Letting someone else prepare a meal for you might also be a way to introduce yourself to various vegetarian dishes. You may even discover that there are several dishes in your regular meal rotation that are already vegetarian, even if you weren’t intentionally searching for this type of dish.
Convenience: Vegetarian fast food options also offer convenience. Meals oriented around vegetables can sometimes come with a lot of chopping and other preparation. Therefore, ordering a tasty fast food veggie burger offers a nice break from these usual cooking efforts. Whether for carry-out, dine-in or delivery as available when ordering at Freddy’s, the availability of vegetarian fast food options also enables those following that type of diet.
Health: Some people choose to eat vegetarian meals due to ethical or environmental considerations. Others explore meatless meals for the kind of health benefits discussed at the Mayo Clinic. Weight management and heart health are two potential reasons to opt for a veggie burger or other vegetarian fast food option. To increase the amount of vegetables in your fast food meal, you may even be able to swap a burger bun for a lettuce wrap or make other customizations that suit your preferences or health goals.
5 of the Best Vegetarian Fast Food Options
Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll find a variety of different dishes to try at fast food locations. At some restaurants, you may have a more limited selection, while other establishments may offer a more sizable collection to choose from. Before going to any restaurant, it is helpful to review the menu to see exactly what options are available. Here are some of the most common vegetarian fast food options, including some of the meat-free offerings that may be of interest on the Freddy’s menu.
1. Veggie Burgers
Particularly with the growing popularity of plant-based beef, many different types of veggie burgers are becoming more readily available at all types of dining establishments. In addition to burger patties designed to replicate beef burgers, more classic veggie burgers made with beans and grains may also be available. For example, the Veggie Burger at Freddy’s features a black bean patty, which is topped with cheese, Thousand Island dressing, lettuce, tomato, and onion and served on a toasted bun. However, for this burger and any of our other steakburgers, guests have the option to enjoy the standard menu preparation or customize a burger to their preferences.
2. Sandwiches
In addition to burgers, sandwiches are another popular fast food find. Vegetarian fast food options for breakfast include choices like egg and cheese sandwiches and bagels with cream cheese or peanut butter. For lunch or dinner, an assembly of hummus or beans, assorted cheeses and various vegetables may be available on sub rolls, slices of bread or in a wrap.
3. Tacos
While you may be able to find a falafel wrap or a grilled cheese sandwich on the road, fast food chains offering tacos and burritos may be more common. Vegetarian-friendly tacos or burritos typically include beans and rice, toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cheese, and tasty sauces such as salsa, sour cream, or specialty creations like Freddy’s Famous Fry Sauce®.
4. Pizza
A crowd-pleasing choice, pizza is often the perfect way to accommodate numerous meal preferences. From the classic cheese pizza to pies topped with multiple vegetables, many pizza preparations can work for vegetarians. However, other diners can also grab a slice of their favorite pizza, whether that’s one featuring pepperoni, a selection of different meats, or that hotly debated combination of pineapple with ham or bacon. Need some inspiration for the toppings on your next carry-out order or homemade vegetarian pizza? Check out this recipe collection from Taste of Home.
5. Bowls
Bowls of all kinds are yet another meal idea for individuals looking for vegetarian fast food options or quick dishes to make at home during the week. Lettuce and rice are two of the more common bases for these bowls, but other options like noodles, different leafy greens, or various grains may be available. At Freddy’s, we currently offer four different types of bowls, including one with the black bean burger patty. The Veggie Burger Bowl also has chopped romaine lettuce, diced onions and tomatoes, and a blend of shredded cheeses in it, and it comes with a choice of several different dressings. These bowls are also available with steakburger patties, grilled chicken, or crispy chicken.
Tips for Ordering a Fast Food Veggie Burger & Other Vegetarian Options
As the reasons that people may be searching for vegetarian fast food options may vary, so too can the preferences regarding these menu selections. For example, some individuals following a vegetarian diet may eat eggs, but others may not. Similarly, skipping the meat may be the priority for some diners, though they may not be concerned whether their meatless dish comes into contact with a beef burger. When ordering a fast food veggie burger or any other vegetarian option, here are a few tips to consider:
Explore the opportunities for customization. The ability to swap, omit, or add from an available menu of offerings typically makes it easier to accommodate a variety of diner preferences. Whether a diner prefers a lower-calorie sauce on the side, wants to skip a slice of cheese, or swap a bun for a lettuce wrap, this kind of made-to-order approach lets each person personalize menu items as they so choose.
Review available nutrition and allergen information. Unexpected ingredients can sometimes be included in a food or dish or encountered during preparation, even if it wouldn’t seem like they’d be present. Also, vegetarian options may not necessarily suit specific nutritional preferences like being lower in total fat, depending what is in them or how they are prepared. Therefore, for any potential preferences or considerations, reviewing available information and asking questions is essential.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Currently, many restaurants are becoming more transparent about their offerings such as the ingredients used and a greater awareness of various lifestyle and health considerations. However, despite any available nutritional and allergen information provided or menu details, you as the diner best know your personal preferences and essential needs. Aside from ensuring that you are informed regarding any individual considerations, you may also want to ask specific questions to a particular fast food provider. That way, you’ll be able to find out if a particular fast food veggie burger is prepared on the same grill as beef burgers or if fries are cooked in the same oil as chicken tenders or breaded fish.
More Vegetarian Sides & Sweets
In addition to the main dish of a meal, potential vegetarian fast food options also include assorted sides and sweet treats. As with the common main dishes, some of these items may be prepared with or include animal-derived ingredients, even if they don’t appear to. Therefore, make sure to check the available resources or ask questions to ensure whether or not a menu selection is suitable for you. Here are some possible sides and treats that may be of interest to you as part of your upcoming fast food meal!
French fries: Before fast food veggie burgers became more readily available, fries and other potato-based products were often some of the most available meatless options. Freddy’s Fries are crispy shoestring fries, which are available with or without our specialty seasoning blend and a choice of sauce on the side. In addition to our Cheese Fries featuring these same crispy fries topped with a jalapeño cheese sauce, guests may also enjoy a side of Freddy’s Kettle Chips or our golden Tots.
Onion rings: While not every fast food restaurant presents the challenge of deciding between onion rings vs. french fries, this golden, crispy side may be another vegetarian option. Recently reviewed by Chowhound as the best fast food onion rings around, our Freddy’s Onion Rings are battered and fried until they are golden and crispy. Available in two different portion sizes, guests also have a choice of 12 different sauces to choose from including Freddy’s fry sauces.
Fruit: Various fast food locations may also offer fruit-based menu items like fresh fruit cups or smoothies. In addition to sides like fries, onion rings, or cheese curds, Mott’s® Natural Applesauce is another option for guests at Freddy’s. While the various sides at Freddy’s make delicious bites on their own, they can also be included as part of a Veggie Burger Combo or many other combo meals. Fruit may also be a key ingredient in the sweet selections on a fast food menu.
Milkshakes: A classic selection for pairing with fast food burgers or grabbing from the drive-thru, milkshakes are another go-to choice for many vegetarians. While non-dairy varieties may be harder to come by, shakes made with milk and ice cream or frozen custard are often available. At Freddy’s, guests can choose from mini, regular, and large shakes and malts and have a choice of vanilla or chocolate frozen custard or a half and half blend of the two. They can also add mix-ins to their shakes or malts, such as fruit, candy pieces, cookies, and more. Other sippable frozen custard selections at Freddy’s include the Mug® Root Beer Float and frosts such as the Lemon Cream Frost.
Sundaes: As a sweet treat, the sundae is another common vegetarian fast food option. Whether made with soft serve ice cream or frozen custard, this creamy creation with assorted sauces and other toppings is often the most highly-anticipated part of a meal, not to mention a favorite on-the-go treat. Besides various signature offerings, Freddy’s guests can also create their own sundaes or concretes in addition to the shakes and malts already mentioned. This build-your-own approach enables guests not only to enjoy their favorite flavor combinations but also to avoid any toppings that may not work for their preferences or health considerations.
Baked goods: Pies, cookies, muffins, and other baked goods may also appear at fast food establishments. At Freddy’s, guests may find limited-time only concretes or shakes that feature their favorite seasonal pies, as well as menu selections including whole chocolate brownies or rich cheesecake pieces. The Chocolate Chip Custard Sandwich is another treat on our menu that includes both creamy frozen custard and delicious chocolate chip cookies!
Find veggie burgers, scrumptious sides, and a variety of tasty treats at the Freddy’s near you. Looking for both meatless options and dishes to satisfy hungry meat eaters? The food choices at Freddy’s may appeal to everyone in your party! Download the Freddy’s app today (available at Google Play or the App Store) to check out the menu, find a Freddy’s near you, and place your order!