Is Anything at Mcdonald’s Vegan? (April, 2024 Update)

Figuring out if there is any vegan food on Mcdonald’s menu can be challenging.

McDonald’s products contain many different ingredients, most of which are made from animal products and by-products.

To make sure you are only eating foods that align with your diet and ethics, I’ve investigated the menu in McDonald’s.

Here’s what I found.

Is Anything at McDonald’s Vegan?

In the US, there are no vegan-certified products at McDonald’s. However, there are some items that do not contain any animal products or by-products and could be considered vegan.

The french fries, hash browns, oatmeal, fruit parfait, and some drinks are vegan. There are also side dishes or condiments that are vegan friendly, such as apples and some side salads.

Beef patties, chicken, eggs, and other animal-derived products are simply a no-go for vegans. There are also some condiments and sauces that contain animal products, such as honey and Worcestershire sauce.

Some countries have vegan-certified items on their menu, such as vegan fries and Veggie McNuggets in Australia and the UK. These items are fried in separate oil and are clearly marked as vegan. So, if you are vegan and you live in one of these countries, you will have more vegan options.

Even though there are some vegan items on the menu, it is important to remember that McDonald’s is not a vegan restaurant. If you are looking for a meal that is 100% vegan, you will need to look elsewhere.

Is McDonald’s Cruelty Free?

McDonald’s is not vegan but they seem to be cruelty free. The company has highlighted its commitment to animal welfare on its website.

They have established global standards for the humane treatment of animals in their supply chain.

So, even though McDonald’s is not a vegan restaurant, they are taking steps to be more humane. This is a good thing for both animals and the environment.

So, What Can Vegans Eat at McDonald’s?

Vegans can order these drinks:

Colas
Orange juice (Minute Maid)
Coffee (filtered black coffee or Americano)

For food, vegans can order these vegan-friendly sides:

Some salads (without meat or dairy)
Apple slices
Plain English muffin
Jelly
Fruit and maple oatmeal (without milk or cream)
Baked apple pie
Vegan sandwich (you can order without meat or cheese, with lots of vegetables)

Condiments:

Ketchup
Mustard
Maple syrup
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Tangy BBQ sauce
Sweet n’ sour sauce

What Is McDonald’s Hamburger Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of McDonald’s Hamburger:

Regular bun
100% beef patty
Ketchup
Pickle slices
Onions
Mustard

Let’s break down each ingredient of McDonald’s Hamburger:

Regular bun

The regular bun is a type of yeast dough that is often used in hamburgers. It is made with flour, water, salt, and yeast. The buns don’t use eggs or dairy and are therefore vegan.

100% beef patty

The beef patty at McDonald’s is made with 100% real beef, so it is not vegan. The beef is ground and then formed into a patty.

Ketchup

Ketchup is a type of condiment that is made with tomatoes, vinegar, salt, and spices. It is vegan friendly.

Pickle slices

Pickle slices are cucumbers that have been soaked in vinegar or brine. They are vegan friendly.

Onions

Onions are a type of vegetable often used as a flavoring in food. They are vegan friendly.

Mustard

Mustard is a type of condiment that is made with vinegar, water, salt, and spices. It is vegan friendly.

Why Aren’t McDonald’s Foods Vegan?

The main dishes in McDonald’s are not vegan because they contain meat, dairy, and eggs. The condiments are vegan, but the buns are not.

For beverages, you can order a drink such as coffee or soda. For food, the sides that are vegan friendly include some salads, apples, and oatmeal.

While McDonald’s does not offer any vegan options in the US, some countries do have vegan items on their menu.

Overall, McDonald’s is not a vegan-friendly restaurant.

Are McDonald’s Fries Vegan?

Yes. In the US, McDonald’s Fries are vegan. They are made with potatoes, vegetable oil, and salt. They used to be non-vegan with their “natural beef flavor” seasoning (which also contains dairy) but they changed the recipe in 2018 and removed it.

In some countries, such as Australia and the UK, McDonald’s offers vegan-certified fries. These fries are fried in separate oil and are clearly marked as vegan.

McDonald’s French Fries are safe for vegan consumption.

Is McDonald’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich Vegan?

No. McDonald’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich is not vegan. The breading on the chicken may contain animal-derived ingredients, and the chicken itself is not vegan.