I, A Vegan, Personally Gathered These Vegan Fast-Food Menu Items So You Don't Have To Look Any Further

Here are vegan meals to order in places that a vegan thinks they should never step foot in — seriously.

1. Olive Garden

Olive Garden / Via olivegarden.com, Olive Garden / Via olivegarden.com

No, my fellow vegans, we DON'T have to say "no" to Olive Garden.

First things first, the breadsticks ARE dairy-free. The salad is also a go as long as it is without dressing, croutons, and cheese. They have a Build-Your-Own pasta section. The marinara sauce comes without cheese, and you can add whatever pasta and vegetables to it. They also have an Eggplant Parmigiana which you can ask for without cheese (NOTE: this may still contain butter).

2. Five Guys

Five Guys on Instagram / Via instagram.com

Yes, you heard me correctly. They have a Veggie Sandwich which is all of their grilled vegetables put on either a bun or lettuce wrap. Although they don't have an Impossible Burger *just yet,* we will take what we can get. While some places grill the vegetables with the meat, check with your local Five Guys to make sure there's no cross contamination. The french fries and cajun fries are also a go — turns out they are just plain potatoes cooked in peanut oil. And of course, don't forget the peanuts at the end.

3. Panera Bread

Panera / Via panerabread.com, Panera / Via panerabread.com

Most of the bread at Panera is vegan, and one option includes the bread bowl.

While I can lie to you and say the salads without meat or cheese are the best vegan options, I'll tell you what's actually the best: the Ten Vegetable Soup in the bread bowl is one go-to. Another option is to choose the Mediterranean Veggie without feta and switch out the bread. The sandwich comes with a hummus spread so it will fill you up, although arguably so will the bread bowl.

4. Chipotle

Chipotle

Oh my vegan, if you haven't tried these vegan options at Chipotle yet, please go now. It's fairly easy to order vegan at Chipotle: if you order a bowl or burrito you can add beans, any type of veggies, salsa, and guac. Because there's no meat in it, the guac will be free. New to Chipotle is also the plant-based chorizo. This is on the spicier side, so ask for a sample before you put it on your meal.

5. Subway

Subway on Instagram / Via instagram.com

I was skeptical too, but the veggie sandwiches are surprisingly good. They have a new feature where you can add avocado spread to your sandwich. I usually get every veggie possible on my sandwich and toast the bread. The sweet onion dressing tastes amazing on the sandwich, but it will soon be discontinued so hurry up and try it!! 

Rumor has it that Subway is also working on vegan meat options and has begun production in some stores, but I have yet to see any options near me.

6. McDonald's

McDonald's / Via mcdonalds.com, McDonald's / Via mcdonalds.com

Hear me out: I initially thought this couldn't be possible, but I am tired of saying "no" to McDonald's. This took some trial and error as I thought that at least the hashbrowns were vegan (they are NOT — they contain milk and beef fat) — BUT the apple and blueberry pies at McDonald's are indeed vegan. While this is probably by accident, we're going to eat them anyway. 

Also vegan are: the apple slices, salads (depending on the dressing), and sandwiches if you ask for only vegetables (don't knock it until you try it). While this doesn't leave us with much, the apple pies are warmed and melt in your mouth. At least you can enjoy a sugary snack while everyone else chows on their McNuggets.

7. And KFC

KFC / Via kfc.com

I put this on here as an option but also a warning: KFC has released plant-based chicken nuggets. While this is a win for our fast-food loving vegans, there's a catch. While the food itself is vegan, it is cooked in the same oil that the chicken is cooked in. This is essentially cooking a meal with chicken broth. While this may not bug some people, if you are a strict vegan, proceed with caution!