Vegan and Vegetarian Options at Wendy's  – Get Set Vegan (2024)

Finding vegan options at fast-food chains like Wendy's can sometimes seem as challenging as searching for a needle in a haystack. However, we've discovered some surprisingly vegan and vegetarian-friendly choices that will keep you coming back for more.

In this blog, we'll explore the ins and outs of vegan and vegetarian dining at Wendy's, making it easier for you to enjoy your meals worry-free and deliciously.

Vegan Options at Wendy's

Salads

Unfortunately, Wendy's doesn't have salads specifically designed for vegans. However, you can still enjoy their salads by asking for a few adjustments.

• Side Salad: Skip the cheese and croutons. Choose salsa or pomegranate vinaigrette for your dressing to keep it fresh and tasty.

• Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad: Leave out the cheese, chicken, and bacon. Swap the usual southwest ranch dressing for salsa or pomegranate dressing. This salad will still be delicious with romaine and spring mix, tomatoes, and avocado.

• Taco Salad: Don't include cheese, chili (contains meat), or sour cream. Instead, add avocado for that creamy texture. This salad comes with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and taco chips, making it a crunchy and flavorful option.

• Apple Pecan Chicken Salad: Ask for it without the blue cheese, chicken, or pecans (flavored with honey). You'll still enjoy a mix of romaine and spring lettuce, apples, dried cranberries, and pomegranate vinaigrette dressing, making it a sweet and satisfying choice.

Sides

• Seasoned Potatoes: They are served as a breakfast side and are vegan-friendly.
• Fries: Wendy's natural-cut fries can be a vegan's best friend. Salty and crunchy, they're a go-to side.
• Baked Potato: Order it plain. You can jazz it up with some mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, hot chili sauce, or even salsa. You can ask them to add chives for some extra cost.
• Apple Bites: A sweet, healthy side or snack, these are great for adding a bit of freshness to your meal.

Beverages

From soda to iced tea and lemonade, there are plenty of drink options. Just steer clear of anything with dairy, like Frosty or milkshakes. Vegan Beverages at Wendy's are

• Lemonade (Natural, Blueberry Pomegranate, Pineapple Mango, Strawberry)
• Soda (Coca-Cola, Diet co*ke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Fanta)
• Hi-C Fruit Punch
• Minute Maid® Light Lemonade
• Regular Hot Coffee
• Cold Brew (Iced Coffee)
• Decaffeinated Hot Coffee
• Iced Tea
• Honest Kids® Fruit Punch
• Simply Orange® Juice

Vegan Dressings and Dipping Sauces

• Hot Chili Sauce
• BBQ Sauce
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Pomegranate Vinaigrette
• Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce
• Salsa

Building a Vegan Meal at Wendy's: Mix and Match

Creating a satisfying meal as a vegan at Wendy's involves a bit of mix and match. Start with the Garden Side Salad, add some apple bites for sweetness, and a plain baked potato or fries as your filling. Don't forget to hydrate with your favorite vegan-friendly drink.

DIY Vegan Sandwich or Wrap

Build your sandwich by asking for Jr. Cheeseburger Deluxe without meat and cheese and fill it up with avocado, pickles, fries, or baked potato chunks.Take some Ketchup, Mustard, or BBQ sauce to jazz up your sandwich flavor. If you want to create a wrap, order a wrap and fill it with the same ingredients.

Wendy's Vegetarian Options

Vegetarians avoid meat but may consume dairy products and eggs. This dietary preference allows for a wider variety of options from Wendy's menu, including all the vegan options stated above and

Salads

Vegetarians can customize any of the Wendy’s salads by removing the meat and adding more vegetables or cheese. For example,

• Cobb Salad: Remove bacon and chicken and enjoy a delicious salad offering lettuce blend, grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped eggs, crispy fried onions, and ranch dressing making it something you'll eagerly anticipate.
• Taco Salad: Simply ask to leave the chili as it has meat as an ingredient. Enjoy a delicious salad madewith romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips.
• Parmesan Caesar Salad: Leave the grilled chicken and you will get a hearty bowl of salad made with romaine lettuce, Italian cheeses, a crunchy Parmesan crumble (crouton), and creamy Caesar dressing.
• Apple Pecan Salad: Simply ask to leave the chicken and add some extra greens and apples. Get a delicious bowl of irresistible salad freshly made with Wendy’s signature lettuce blend, crisp red and green apples, dried cranberries, roasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese, all topped with a Pomegranate Vinaigrette dressing.

Sides

Along with all the vegan offerings mentioned above vegetarians can also enjoy

• Queso Fries
• Cheese Fries
• Sour Cream and Chive Baked Potato
• Cheese Baked Potato

Breakfast and Bakery

Unlike vegans Wendy’s has some delicious breakfast offerings for vegetarians they are

• Homestyle French Toast Sticks
• Egg & Cheese Biscuit Combo
• Honey Butter Biscuit
• Oatmeal Bar
• Chocolate Chunk Cookies
• Sugar Cookie
• Bacon, Egg & Swiss Croissant: Ask them to leave the smoked bacon and you will get a delicious croissant sandwich filled with a fresh-cracked grade A egg covered in creamy swiss cheese sauce.

Beverages

Vegetarians have the advantage of enjoying both the vegan options mentioned above and additional items that contain dairy, such as Frosties.

• Chocolate Frosty
• Caramel Frosty
• Vanilla Frosty
• Milk, Chocolate Milk
• Classic Chocolate Frosty

Wendy's Vegetarian Burger

Vegetarians have the flexibility to customize their orders at Wendy's by requesting to replace the meat in any burger with additional vegetables or cheese. In the UK and Canada, Wendy's has introduced veggie patties as an alternative to meat. Specifically, in Canada, the "Plantiful" burger is available nationwide.

This plant-based patty is topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mayonnaise, offering a delicious and satisfying option for those seeking plant-based alternatives.

In the UK, Wendy's caters to vegetarians with two plant-based burger options: The Veggie Stack and the Curry Bean Burger. These burgers offer a flavorful and satisfying meal choice for those seeking vegetarian options. For vegans or those looking to avoid animal products, these burgers can be customized to fit a vegan diet by simply ordering them without cheese and mayonnaise.

Expert Tips

• Don't be afraid to ask for modifications to make items vegan or vegetarian-friendly.

• When ordering, clearly state your dietary preferences. Specify no meat, cheese, mayo, or any other non-vegan toppings. Ingredients and menu options can change. Always ask the staff to ensure your choice is vegan.

• If you're unsure about the salad dressing options, bring a small container of your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Note

While Wendy's might not be the first place that comes to mind for vegan dining, it's possible to enjoy a meal there with a little creativity and flexibility. By sticking to sides, and salads (with modifications), and ensuring you choose vegan-friendly options, you can satisfy your fast food cravings without compromising your dietary preferences.

The availability of vegetarian and vegan options can vary by location and over time, as Wendy's and other chains periodically update their menus and introduce new items. For the most current options, it's best to check Wendy's official website or contact a specific location directly. Additionally, cross-contamination with meat products is a possibility in fast-food environments, which is a critical consideration for some vegetarians and vegans.

This guide aims to simplify your vegan or vegetarian journey at Wendy's, making it clear that even in the most unexpected places, plant-based options are there for you to discover and enjoy. Happy eating!