Going vegetarian at fast food restaurants used to be a huge challenge. Now, it's rather easy. While it is still quite difficult to get a complete meal full of as much variety as needed for a truly healthy diet, the same is pretty much true for meat eater when it comes to fast food. So get ready to get some tasty eats easily on the go while maintaining a clear, vegetarian conscience.
Burger King
Burger King was once dubbed "Murder King" by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. However, several years ago, the restaurant chain decided to start catering to the needs of vegetarians in a stronger way. They introduced the BK Veggie Burger. It's a delicious vegetarian burger. You can get it with or without cheese. While it's not completely vegan, it is vegetarian. The french fries, pies, onion rings, and shakes are also vegetarian.
McDonald's
For a short time, McDonald's followed Burger King's lead by offering the McVeggie. Although it was short-lived and never made it to many cities, it is served in other countries. Vegetarians at McDonald's do have a harder time than at many other fast food places, but it appears that the milkshakes and sodas are at least safe. However, according to the official McDonald's Website, "McDonald's does not represent any of our foods as being vegetarian." The vegetarian burger is, however, available at McDonald's in Canada.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is often a good bet for vegetarians on the run. The seven-layer burrito is vegetarian. So is the bean burrito and the cheesy bean and rice burrito. The Mexican pizza can easily be ordered with beans instead of meat. You can also get side orders like nachos and desserts.
Kentucky Fried Chicken
While it may seem like nothing is vegetarian at a chicken restaurant, you have a choice of many side orders. Although Canada does have a vegetarian faux chicken sandwich available, KFC restaraunts in the United States do not. However, according to an email from the restaurant itself, the following menu items are vegetarian friendly: Corn on the Cob - Super Sweet Corn Variety, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, potato wedges, biscuits, pasta salad, garden salad, three-bean salad, garden rice, and potato salad.
Astro Burger
Although Astro Burger is not a big chain, it deserves a nod because of its vast menu of vegetarian options. The fast food restaurant even goes as far as to identify (on the drive-thru menu itself) which items are also vegan. You can get a vegetarian chili hot dog or even a vegetarian BLT.
 |
