Uncovering Plant-Based Fast Food For the Ultimate Roadtrip

Vegan-friendly options at popular chains, plus what to pack just in case.

Craving something indulgent, fast, and easy – but still plant-based? Whether you’re headed out on a cross-country drive or just need a quick bite close to home, plant-based fast food is more accessible than ever at major chains across the U.S.

This updated guide breaks down what you can order (and how to make it vegan) at top nationwide chains. You’ll also find tips for snacks to pack just in case, because sometimes, let’s be honest, fast food doesn’t go as planned.

Plant-Based Fast Food: Before You Pull Up to the Drive-Thru…

While plant-based fast food has come a long way, it’s not always perfect. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Cross-contact is common. Most chains prepare plant-based items using shared equipment or fryers. If that’s a concern, ask about cooking methods.
• Menu items can change. Even popular offerings may be seasonal, discontinued, or location-specific.
• Not all vegan-sounding items are actually vegan. Many fries, buns, and sauces contain hidden dairy, eggs, or animal-derived flavoring. Always double-check.
• Staff knowledge varies. Ingredients and preparation methods might not be fully understood by employees, so be specific when ordering.

Quick Look: What Each Chain Offers

Subway: Build a Plant-Based Sub Your Way

Subway is a top pick for plant-based travelers thanks to its massive presence across the U.S. You’ll find locations in gas stations, along highways, and in both big cities and small towns. With fully customizable subs and salads, it’s one of the most reliable options, no matter where the road takes you.

What to Order:

• Base: Choose Hearty Multigrain, Artisan Italian, or Sourdough (all vegan).
• Protein: Some locations offer a Veggie Patty, which became vegan around 2021, reportedly with the help of the Dr. Praeger’s brand.
• Veggies: Pile on your favorites—lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, banana peppers, and more.
• Sauces: Try yellow mustard, sweet onion teriyaki, oil & vinegar, or buffalo (check ingredients locally).

Pro tip: Toasting the bread adds crunch. Ask for avocado if you want extra richness and calories for long drives.

Taco Bell: Plant-Based Fast Food MVP

Taco Bell remains one of the most vegan-customizable chains in the country. The “Bell” has embraced its vegan-friendly reputation – even publishing an official guide titled HOW TO EAT VEGAN AT TACO BELL.

What to Order:

• Bean Burrito: Ask for no cheese and add potatoes or guac.
• Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme: Order fresco style (or no dairy), and add potatoes and guacamole.
• Power Bowl: Remove cheese and sour cream. Load up on beans, rice, guac, lettuce, and pico.
• Soft or hard tacos: Substitute black or refried beans, hold cheese, and add salsa or lettuce.

What’s New:

• The Vegan Crunchwrap (with certified vegan beef and sauces) was introduced in test markets like LA and NYC. It’s not widely available yet, but it’s worth asking about if you’re in a major city.

Heads-up: While refried beans are usually vegan, it’s still smart to confirm at your specific location.

Burger King: The Whopper with a Twist

The Impossible Whopper is the star of Burger King’s plant-based menu. Just remember to ask for no mayo to keep it vegan.

What to Order:

• Impossible Whopper (no mayo)
• Hash browns, fries, and French toast sticks (accidentally vegan in most locations)

New & In Testing:

• Burger King has tested plant-based chicken sandwiches and veggie burgers in select U.S. markets. These aren’t yet nationwide.

Note: The Impossible Whopper is cooked on the same broiler as meat. You can request microwave heating, but it may affect texture.

Chipotle: Fresh, Filling, and Always Reliable

Chipotle is a road trip favorite for its customizable, whole-food options.

What to Order:

• Base: White or brown rice
• Protein: Sofritas (organic tofu braised in a smoky chipotle sauce)
• Add-ons: Black or pinto beans, fajita veggies, guacamole, salsas (tomato, corn, green, red), romaine lettuce
• Shells: Corn taco shells, flour tortillas, burrito bowls

Fuel tip: Sofritas add satisfying protein and spice. Want to stretch it? Order a bowl with tortillas on the side and build tacos as you go.

Honorable Mention: Qdoba

If you come across a Qdoba, it’s another solid option for a filling plant-based bowl. While most locations no longer carry Impossible meat, you can still build a satisfying meal with beans, rice, fajita veggies, salsas, and guacamole. It’s a great backup if you’re craving something fresh and hearty on the road.

McDonald’s: The Original Fast Food Giant—But a Letdown for Plant-Based Eaters

For a brand that practically invented the drive-thru, McDonald’s is surprisingly behind when it comes to plant-based fast food. Despite test runs of the McPlant burger (made with Beyond Meat), it was quietly pulled from the U.S. market after limited availability in California and Texas.

That means there’s currently no main entrée on the menu that’s easily veganized—not even a reliable sandwich, burger, or wrap. For anyone living plant-based, this is a major drawback from such an iconic American chain.

What’s Off the Table?

• Fries and hash browns in the U.S. are not vegan. They’re cooked with natural beef flavor derived from milk and meat sources, making even the basic sides a no-go.
• Salads are barely available in many locations and even when they are, you’d have to remove cheese, chicken, and dressing to make them plant-based, leaving little more than lettuce and a few vegetables.

World of Vegan offers a great deep dive into why McDonald’s lags so far behind when it comes to plant-based choices.

Better Alternatives to McDonald’s

If you’re craving a classic fast-food experience, skip the golden arches and try one of these chains instead:

• Carl’s Jr. offers the Beyond Famous Star Burger—order it without cheese and mayo to make it vegan.
• White Castle serves up Impossible Sliders, and many locations even carry dairy-free cheese on request.

✅ Both of these options offer an actual plant-based burger and fries that are typically vegan-friendly—making them far more accommodating for a quick stop.

Bottom line: Unless you’re in a pinch and desperate for coffee or their accidentally vegan baked apple pie, McDonald’s is probably best avoided if you’re eating plant-based. Stick with chains that are actively offering real alternatives—they’re out there, and they’re way more satisfying.

What to Pack: Vegan Road Trip Snacks Just in Case

Even with these fast food options, it’s smart to bring your own plant-based snacks. They’ll save you money and give you peace of mind in case menu items aren’t available. Focus on a few of these PLANT-BASED STAPLES for easy grab-and-go snacks, and pack a selection of the following to keep on hand during your trip.

Easy Snacks to Pack:

• Hummus cups and pretzels or baby carrots
• Trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
• Plant-based protein bars or granola bars
• Fresh fruit like apples, oranges, and bananas
• Peanut butter packets with crackers or rice cakes
• Roasted chickpeas or lentil snacks
• Vegan jerky or meatless sticks
• Overnight oats or pre-made chia pudding
• Sandwiches or wraps made at home
• Reusable water bottles and cold brew for the road

Pro move: Bring a cooler with ice packs to keep things fresh for longer drives.

Not Just for the Road—Plant-Based Fast Food When You’re Home, Too

These tips aren’t only helpful when you’re traveling. They work anytime you:

• Don’t feel like cooking
• Want something indulgent and easy
• Are stuck in a food desert or busy workday
• Need a fast, affordable meal that fits your plant-based lifestyle

Fast food isn’t always ideal, but when life gets busy, it can be a practical way to stay on track.

The Bottom Line

From burritos to burgers, it’s easier than ever to find plant-based fast food that satisfies. With a little planning – and a few packed snacks – you can stay well-fed on the road without sacrificing your values or taste buds.

Make this guide your go-to for your next trip or busy day, and you’ll never have to wonder where your next plant-based meal is coming from.