Customers will be able to order the new menu options a la carte or as meals in Long John Silver’s new Plant-Based Platter consisting of two Fish-Free Fillets, two Crab-Free Cakes, and two sides. The new items can also be ordered as meals that feature the plant-based entree alongside two sides including French fries, green beans, and corn.

“We’re excited to propel change in quick-service restaurants by teaming up with Long John Silver’s,” Christine Mei, CEO of Good Catch’s parent company Gathered Foods, said. “ With the plant-based seafood sector expected to grow twelve-fold in the next ten years to $1.3 billion, there’s room for dramatic growth. We’re proud to fuel the momentum by delivering the delicious taste, unmistakable texture, and comparable protein that consumers crave.”

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Long John Silver’s aims to bring in more customers with the introduction of its plant-based fish products. The company’s vegan push is an attempt to widen its consumer base as the demand for both plant-based protein and especially vegan seafood rises. Patricia Kreiss, a California Long John Silver’s franchise owner that oversees one of the test locations, believes that this move will reach out to new customers, allowing the company to gain popularity with a plant-based consumer base.

“I think California in itself, we have such a diverse population with many different cultures that you have to offer things and see if that will drive people in and whether it will do well or not,” said Kreiss. “Now, it’s obvious that not everybody is plant-based but 25 percent of Americans are and they need to have that out there because California in itself is always on the edge of innovation and we’re offering that for the rest of the United States.”

Good Catch’s partnership with Long John Silver’s marks the first time a national seafood chain has incorporated plant-based seafood. Currently, Long John Silver’s operates 700 restaurants across the United States and is working to change its company model to cater to a growing number of flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan customers. The trial launch will allow the company to test customer response and opinions, helping the seafood chain prepare for a nationwide launch.

“We work with partners who share the vision of fishing smarter with less environmental impact, an aspect that we know is very important to Good Catch,” Vice President of Marketing at Long John Silver’s, Christopher Caudill said. “We’re proud to have their plant-based products on our menu as a way to open our doors to a wider customer base who want to experience tasty seafood products in a more sustainable way.”

Good Catch emerged when chef brothers Derek and Chad Sarno realized they wanted to provide delicious seafood without harming the oceans. The chef brother duo developed a blend of six legumes to replicate the texture and taste of seafood, providing the market with one of the first plant-based seafood proteins. Following the brand’s initial success with its three flavors of vegan tuna, the company has expanded to producing frozen entrees and appetizers alongside crab cakes and fish fillets.

The Sarno brothers also created the beloved UK vegan brand, Wicked Kitchen. Previously, the vegan brand was only available at Tesco’s around the United Kingdom but announced its expansion to the US market last week. The iconic plant-based brand offers several plant-based foods across each variety from plant-based seafood to vegan snacks.

“The launch of Wicked Kitchen in the UK was met with really impressive consumer response, and since then Tesco has extended the line to more than 100 products across the store,” the Sarno brothers told VegNews. “We know the US consumer is limited in their plant-based options currently available to them, but we also know they haven’t had anything as wicked delicious as what Wicked Kitchen offers, and we look forward to hearing what they have to say about our products.”

As of right now, plant-based customers in the US can find the Sarno brothers’ plant-based seafood at Georgian and Californian Long John Silver’s. In Georgia, the test locations are located in Newnan [52 Bullsboro Drive] and Albany [1805 N. Slappey Drive]. For Californians, the vegan seafood can be found in Bakersfield [3801 Mind Ave.], Sacramento [7228 Stockton Blvd.], and Clovis [406 W Shaw Ave.].

Fast-food restaurants have finally got the memo that their customer base isn’t just coming through for a burger, fried chicken, or a beef taco. Many now have plant-based foods and are coming up with creative, delicious ways to get more greens on the menu. Here are the 6 best fast-food chains with plant-based options on the menu.

1. Burger King

Turns out there’s a lot more to rely on than a salad if you’re eating plant-based. Burger King has the Impossible Whopper featuring a meatless patty as well as a few secretly vegan options such as the French Toast Sticks and Hashbrowns.

2. White Castle

Known for its mini square-shaped sliders, this hamburger chain jumped on the plant-based bandwagon at some participating locations. You can find an Impossible Slider on some White Castle menus.

3. Del Taco

This was the first national Mexican fast-food chain to offer Beyond Meat at the company’s 580 restaurants across the country. Del Taco has the Beyond Avocado Taco on the menu along with the Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito and Avocado Veggie Bowl.

4. Carl’s Jr.

Another brand synonymous with beef burgers, Carl’s Jr. offers several plant-based options for veggie and plant lover such as Beyond Famous Star Burger and Guacamole Thickburger.

5. Taco Bell

This fast-food restaurant may have been one of the first you frequented while transitioning to plant-based eating. That’s because Taco Bell has eight million vegetarian combinations and sells 350 million vegetarian items a year through menu substitutions or ordering off their vegetarian menu. In fact, they were the first quick-service restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified food options.

6. Starbucks

From the time it started offering breakfast sandwiches in 2006, the coffee conglomerate became a competitor in the fast-food space. You can get your favorite hot and cold beverages made with almond, coconut or oat milk but there are also plant-based food options available such as the Baja Black Bean Veggie Wrap, bagel with vegan cream cheese and Impossible Breakfast Sandwich.

The post Long John Silver’s Now Testing Vegan Crab Cakes and Fishless Fillets appeared first on The Beet.

From having nearly zero plant-based options, the fast-food chain quickly rose to become one of the top quick-service options around. Following petitions from PETA and Vegan Outreach, the fast-food company removed chicken broth from some of its vegetable-forward dishes to ensure that these menu items did not unnecessarily use animal products.

Now, Panda Express is taking another leap of faith: The company announced that starting July 26 it will begin featuring a Beyond The Original Orange Chicken as its debut plant-based protein entree. The vegan orange chicken will use a completely vegan breading and sauce on Beyond’s newly released plant-based chicken. For the initial launch, consumers can get the new plant-based chicken in New York City and Los Angeles. While plant-based diners anticipate the nationwide release of the plant-based orange chicken, here is a quick guide to Panda Express’ current options.

As the creator of The Original Orange Chicken, Panda has significant brand equity in this staple American Chinese comfort food. We co-developed Beyond the Original Orange Chicken with Beyond Meat to capture the irresistibly crunchy texture of our signature entrée, while still giving our guests a plant-based option of the dish they know and love,” Chef Jimmy Wang, Executive Director of Culinary Innovation at Panda Express, told VegNews. “This partnership perfectly brings together Panda’s expertise in American Chinese recipes and Beyond Meat’s category-leading plant-based protein knowledge to create a fresh new take on a classic favorite.”

Take Note: Panda Express has avoided calling its food vegan or plant-based over the last two years due to cross-contamination. Even though the company has pushed a vegetable-forward menu redesign, it’s said it cannot promise its customers that its food is free from contamination. With the Beyond The Original Orange Chicken on the horizon, consumers will continue to anticipate further plant-based action from Panda Express that will hopefully continue to expand nationwide.

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Vegan-Friendly Menu Options at Panda Express

• Vegetable Spring Rolls: You can never go wrong with the Vegetable Spring Rolls at Panda Express. The crispy wonton exterior is stuffed with cabbage, green onions, carrots, celery, and Chinese noodles. When ordering the spring rolls, make sure to order any of the vegan sauces listed below to enhance its flavor and your experience. The top choice will always be Sweet & Sour Sauce. The vegetable rolls work for a shared appetizer or a quick meal on the go, but regardless, the spring rolls remain a constant option at Panda Express.
• Chow Mein: The Chow Mein is a perfect choice for either a full meal without meat or a side item to either the Eggplant Tofu or the upcoming Beyond the Original Orange Chicken. The classic stir-fry wheat noodles come cooked with onions, cabbage, and celery. The Chow Mein used to contain chicken stock, but the menu item stopped using animal products following the PETA petition, making it a perfect item for any plant-based customer.
• Super Greens: This vegetable medley arrived on the Panda Express menu during the company’s attempt to reinvent its formerly limited plant-based options. Best ordered alongside either the Chow Mein or Eggplant Tofu, the Super Green contains a healthy mixture of kale, cabbage, and broccoli to supplement any meal.
• Eggplant Tofu: When plant-based diners originally struggled to find a proper vegan entree, Panda Express debuted the Eggplant Tofu. The entree uses a glazy soy-based sauce to flavor its eggplant and tofu mixture, creating an addictively delicious plant-based option. Before the company’s plant-based protein development, the Eggplant Tofu has been the go-to item to order and beyond its taste, the entree is a cheap and delicious lunch or dinner option.

Vegan-Friendly Sides at Panda Express

The meal options at Panda Express would not be complete without proper sides. Before 2019, none of the sides were free from animal products, but following the company’s widespread redesign, plant-based eaters can order from four options. Even though there is no fried rice without eggs, the fast-food chain’s plant-based development could lead to substitutions from companies creating plant-based eggs. For now, choose from either option of the steamed rice or the super greens.

As mentioned before, another perfect option for a side is the Chow Mein. If the entree selection doesn’t immediately appeal to you, it is possible to get all three of the sides to make a veggie plate from Panda Express. Pair this plate with your favorite sauce for the best experience.

• Steamed Brown Rice
• Steamed White Rice
• Super Greens
• Chow Mein

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Vegan-Friendly Sauces at Panda Express

To complete any of the meals at Panda Express, it is essential to pick from the company’s list of sauces. Below we compiled the entire list of sauces free from animal products so that consumers can make sure that they enhance their meals with the proper, plant-based sauce. Each sauce gives the dish or combo a different style, making any experience at the fast-food chain different to the customer’s liking.

• Teriyaki
• Sweet & Sour Sauce
• Potsticker Sauce
• Chili Sauce
• Hot Mustard
• Plum Sauce
• Soy Sauce

Panda Express’ Vegan Controversy 

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Even though Panda Express has recently expanded its vegan menu options, the fast-food chain faced controversy two years ago due to the fact that it cooks most of its dishes (including the ones marketed as vegan) in chicken broth. After learning that some of the chain’s veg-forward menu items still contained chicken broth, Vegan Outreach led a campaign to have Panda Express remove the chicken broth from its vegan or plant-based items, including the Chow Mein and Eggplant Tofu. The campaign was a success and now Panda Express has removed chicken broth from the ingredients of these veggie sides. However, the chain’s corporate statement emphasizes that even the plant-based menu is not actually strictly vegan because those dishes are cooked in the same areas as the rest of the food, and there is a likelihood of cross-contamination in the kitchen.

Panda Express also notes that it cannot classify its food as vegetarian or vegan due to cross-contamination risks. The statement at the bottom of the nutritional page reads:

“Panda prepares its entrees fresh with shared cooking equipment and therefore allergens could be present in any entree. Panda Express does not have any vegetarian or gluten-free dishes. No MSG added except for that naturally occurring in certain ingredients.”

Fast-food restaurants have finally got the memo that their customer base isn’t just coming through for a burger, fried chicken, or a beef taco. Many now have plant-based foods and are coming up with creative, delicious ways to get more greens on the menu. Here are the 6 best fast-food chains with plant-based options on the menu.

1. Burger King

Turns out there’s a lot more to rely on than a salad if you’re eating plant-based. Burger King has the Impossible Whopper featuring a meatless patty as well as a few secretly vegan options such as the French Toast Sticks and Hashbrowns.

2. White Castle

Known for its mini square-shaped sliders, this hamburger chain jumped on the plant-based bandwagon at some participating locations. You can find an Impossible Slider on some White Castle menus.

3. Del Taco

This was the first national Mexican fast-food chain to offer Beyond Meat at the company’s 580 restaurants across the country. Del Taco has the Beyond Avocado Taco on the menu along with the Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito and Avocado Veggie Bowl.

4. Carl’s Jr.

Another brand synonymous with beef burgers, Carl’s Jr. offers several plant-based options for veggie and plant lover such as Beyond Famous Star Burger and Guacamole Thickburger.

5. Taco Bell

This fast-food restaurant may have been one of the first you frequented while transitioning to plant-based eating. That’s because Taco Bell has eight million vegetarian combinations and sells 350 million vegetarian items a year through menu substitutions or ordering off their vegetarian menu. In fact, they were the first quick-service restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified food options.

6. Starbucks

From the time it started offering breakfast sandwiches in 2006, the coffee conglomerate became a competitor in the fast-food space. You can get your favorite hot and cold beverages made with almond, coconut or oat milk but there are also plant-based food options available such as the Baja Black Bean Veggie Wrap, bagel with vegan cream cheese and Impossible Breakfast Sandwich.

The post Everything That’s Vegan at Panda Express appeared first on The Beet.

The vegan version of the iconic dish will showcase the familiar flavors and texture with plant-based breading, sauce, and protein. The company’s orange chicken dish first appeared on the menu in 1987, but with growing plant-based demand Panda Express decided to provide the vegan alternative. The move follows years of petitioning and consumer pressure that critiqued the fast-food chain’s lack of plant-based options for decades.

“As the creator of The Original Orange Chicken, Panda has significant brand equity in this staple American Chinese comfort food,” Executive Director of Culinary Innovation at Panda Express and Chef Jimmy Wang told VegNews. “We co-developed Beyond the Original Orange Chicken with Beyond Meat t capture the irresistibly crunchy texture of our signature entree, while still giving our guests a plant-based option of the dish they know and love. This partnership perfectly brings together Panda’s expertise in American Chinese recipes and Beyond Meat’s category-leading plant-based protein knowledge to create a fresh new take on a classic favorite.”

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Panda Express is working to expand its plant-based offerings after facing criticism for its small plant-based selection before 2019. However, the company decided to redesign its menu to better cater to plant-based customers, removing unnecessary ingredients like chicken broth and animal-based seasoning. The company teamed up with Vegan Outreach to reevaluate its menu, resulting in the fast-food chain’s Eggplant Tofu.

Currently, the Beyond the Original Orange Chicken will only be available at limited locations for its initial debut. The company claims that the trial locations will better help the fast-food restaurant chain learn to accommodate the new vegan item.

Similarly, Beyond Meat partnered with KFC in 2019 at an Atlanta location to test the vegan chicken product. The Beyond Fried Chicken sold out in less than five hours, leading Beyond Meat to expand its test locations to more than 70 locations across Southern California, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Likewise, Panda Express aims to gauge its plant-based items’ success then move towards a national launch.

“With this regional launch, we’re gathering insights and learning how we can improve the guest experience with this brand new product for a wider future rollout,” Wang said. “We are confident that people will love the new menu item.”

Beyond Meat also recently launched its Beyond Chicken Tender nationwide, pioneering an era of plant-based chicken products. The company announced that it partnered with 400 restaurants across the United States and Canada. The company spent most of the last decade developing the new plant-based chicken product to mirror the taste and texture of conventional animal-based chicken. The pea protein and faba bean-based chicken will make its appearance throughout this month, and eventually will make its fast-food debut.

“We’re innovating the poultry market with the new Beyond Chicken Tenders – the result of our tireless pursuit for excellence and growth at Beyond Meat,” Dariush Ajami, Chief Innovation Officer at Beyond Meat, said. “As with all our products, Beyond Chicken Tenders offer delicious taste and an exceptional culinary experience, along with strong nutritional benefits. Innovation is at the heart of Beyond Meat, and Beyond Chicken Tenders are the latest example of our mission to create groundbreaking, tasty options that are better for people and for our planet.”

Fast-food restaurants have finally got the memo that their customer base isn’t just coming through for a burger, fried chicken, or a beef taco. Many now have plant-based foods and are coming up with creative, delicious ways to get more greens on the menu. Here are the 6 best fast-food chains with plant-based options on the menu.

1. Burger King

Turns out there’s a lot more to rely on than a salad if you’re eating plant-based. Burger King has the Impossible Whopper featuring a meatless patty as well as a few secretly vegan options such as the French Toast Sticks and Hashbrowns.

2. White Castle

Known for its mini square-shaped sliders, this hamburger chain jumped on the plant-based bandwagon at some participating locations. You can find an Impossible Slider on some White Castle menus.

3. Del Taco

This was the first national Mexican fast-food chain to offer Beyond Meat at the company’s 580 restaurants across the country. Del Taco has the Beyond Avocado Taco on the menu along with the Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito and Avocado Veggie Bowl.

4. Carl’s Jr.

Another brand synonymous with beef burgers, Carl’s Jr. offers several plant-based options for veggie and plant lover such as Beyond Famous Star Burger and Guacamole Thickburger.

5. Taco Bell

This fast-food restaurant may have been one of the first you frequented while transitioning to plant-based eating. That’s because Taco Bell has eight million vegetarian combinations and sells 350 million vegetarian items a year through menu substitutions or ordering off their vegetarian menu. In fact, they were the first quick-service restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified food options.

6. Starbucks

From the time it started offering breakfast sandwiches in 2006, the coffee conglomerate became a competitor in the fast-food space. You can get your favorite hot and cold beverages made with almond, coconut or oat milk but there are also plant-based food options available such as the Baja Black Bean Veggie Wrap, bagel with vegan cream cheese and Impossible Breakfast Sandwich.

The post Panda Express Rolls Out Vegan Orange Chicken From Beyond Meat appeared first on The Beet.

Eventually, consumers can hope that Chick-Fil-A will follow in the footsteps of its competitors that have begun experimenting with plant-based chicken such as KFC and McDonalds. While other fast-food companies plan to roll out vegan chicken, Chick-Fil-A has stayed silent on the subject. For your visit to a location, here is a complete guide to help you order plant-based when you visit a Chick-Fil-A, but eventually we hope to see the signature chicken sandwich get a plant-based alternative.

Take Note: As Chick-Fil-A is not a vegan restaurant, be aware of cross-contamination that can occur in shared cooking spaces like fryers or grills. If you have any reservations about potential cross-contamination, ask the manager at your local restaurant for clarity.

Vegan Dressings and Sauces at Chick-Fil-A

For substitutions, it is important to know what dressings and sauces are vegan. To complete a fast-food experience, it’s essential to order the right sauces to supplement the sauces that contain animal products. Here is a complete list of the dressing that contains zero animal-based ingredients.

• Fry Sauces
• Barbecue
• Polynesian
• Sweet & Tangy
• Ketchup
• Mustard

Salad Dressings

• Light Balsamic Dressing
• Chili Lime Vinaigrette Dressing
• Light Italian Dressing

Vegan Entrees at Chick-Fil-A

• Grilled Cool Wrap

The Cool Wrap can be made vegan easily when you remove the chicken and cheese. The light lunch option comes packed with green leaf lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage within a rolled flour flatbread. The cool wrap can be dressed with either vegan vinaigrette or Light Italian Dressing.  For a little extra flavor, you can throw in some signature Polynesian or Barbecue sauce.

• Grilled Market Salad

The Market Salad can be made vegan friendly by removing the blue cheese and the chicken. The salad blends sweet and savory flavors with a delicious variety of fruit including strawberries, blueberries, and apples on a bed of chopped romaine lettuce and baby greens. The salad is best eaten with Light Balsamic Vinaigrette or Light Italian Dressing.

• Spicy Southwest Salad

Recommended by Chick-Fil-A for either lunch or dinner, the Spicy Southwest Salad is stacked with grape tomatoes, roasted corn, poblano chiles, red bell peppers, and black beans. The toppings sit on top of a bed of mixed greens and Chick-Fil-A finishes the salad with Seasoned Tortilla Strops and Chili Lime Pepitas. We recommended getting the Chili Lime Vinaigrette to substitute the Creamy Salsa dressing, and make sure you remove both the cheese blend and the chicken.

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Vegan Sides

• Waffle Fries
• Kale Crunch Side

Breakfast Snacks at Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A breakfast is typically best for a quick snack and a coffee. One of the most surprising parts about Chick-Fil-A is the quality of the coffee. When running around early in the morning, consider grabbing a fruit cup, some hashbrowns, and a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Get any of the vegan sauces to complement the hashbrowns or just enjoy the crispy, savory snack on its own.

• Fruit Cup
• Hashbrown
• Plain Sunflower Multigrain Bagel

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Vegan Drinks at Chick-Fil-A

• Fresh Lemonade
• Sweet Tea

Fast-food restaurants have finally got the memo that their customer base isn’t just coming through for a burger, fried chicken, or a beef taco. Many now have plant-based foods and are coming up with creative, delicious ways to get more greens on the menu. Here are the 6 best fast-food chains with plant-based options on the menu.

1. Burger King

Turns out there’s a lot more to rely on than a salad if you’re eating plant-based. Burger King has the Impossible Whopper featuring a meatless patty as well as a few secretly vegan options such as the French Toast Sticks and Hashbrowns.

2. White Castle

Known for its mini square-shaped sliders, this hamburger chain jumped on the plant-based bandwagon at some participating locations. You can find an Impossible Slider on some White Castle menus.

3. Del Taco

This was the first national Mexican fast-food chain to offer Beyond Meat at the company’s 580 restaurants across the country. Del Taco has the Beyond Avocado Taco on the menu along with the Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito and Avocado Veggie Bowl.

4. Carl’s Jr.

Another brand synonymous with beef burgers, Carl’s Jr. offers several plant-based options for veggie and plant lover such as Beyond Famous Star Burger and Guacamole Thickburger.

5. Taco Bell

This fast-food restaurant may have been one of the first you frequented while transitioning to plant-based eating. That’s because Taco Bell has eight million vegetarian combinations and sells 350 million vegetarian items a year through menu substitutions or ordering off their vegetarian menu. In fact, they were the first quick-service restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified food options.

6. Starbucks

From the time it started offering breakfast sandwiches in 2006, the coffee conglomerate became a competitor in the fast-food space. You can get your favorite hot and cold beverages made with almond, coconut or oat milk but there are also plant-based food options available such as the Baja Black Bean Veggie Wrap, bagel with vegan cream cheese and Impossible Breakfast Sandwich.

The post Everything That’s Vegan at Chick-Fil-A, Including What’s <em>Not</em> on the Menu appeared first on The Beet.

Beyond the Impossible Food partnership, Qdoba also features a wide variety of plant-based options for sides and toppings. Your customize burrito, bowl, or salad can also come without animal protein and contain solely veggies. The endless customization is what makes Qdoba a primary choice for anyone looking for an easy, delicious, and plant-based meal. Check out this guide to ordering at Qdoba, and see what all you can use at this fast-casual eatery the next time you need a bite to eat.

Vegan Meals at Qdoba

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Impossible Fajita Bowl

The featured plant-based staple offers an easy option for all vegan customers. The signature bowl comes complete with plant-based Impossible protein, fajita veggies, corn salsa, salsa, Verde, and black beans over cilantro lime rice. The vegan bowl is the perfect option for something quick and filling. The bowl can also be customized to include any other vegan sauces or ingredients that you want to add on. The Qdoba bowls work perfectly for leftovers as well. Pop the leftovers in the fridge and take the portable lunch with you the next day.

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Impossible Fajita Burrito  

The impossible Fajita Bowl can be easily turned into a delicious burrito. Everyone loves the personalized fast-casual Mexican restaurants for the huge, affordable burrito options. The Impossible Fajita Burrito gives the customer everything they want from the plant-based protein to the delicious vegetable medley into a jam-packed, filling tortilla. Add whatever plant-based ingredient you desire into the burrito to make it delicious to your satisfaction.

Impossible Bowl or Impossible Burrito

The build-your-own potential at Qdoba is what keeps customers coming back. Beyond the Fajita options, it is possible to go choose to just add the Impossible protein. The fully customizable bowl or burrito can be topped with any of the plant-based ingredients listed below to make a tasty, filling meal to meet any craving. From salsa Roja to guacamole, the customer can complete either entree style with whatever they please. The customer can choose between cilantro lime rice or brown rice and black beans or pinto beans as their base. The same thing can be done with the Fajita veggies by ordering the Veggie Burrito Bowl or Veggie Fajita Burrito. If you want to just eat the veggie fajita instead of the Impossible protein, then opt for these vegetable-centric dishes.

Impossible Taco

Unlike its competitors like Moe’s and Chiptole, Qdoba offers a taco option. The three tacos can be ordered with Impossible protein, fajita veggies, or both depending on the customer’s preference. The tacos can be topped with any ingredients and made to fit any palette. The tacos come on corn or flour tortillas. When you need a less filling choice than the burrito or the bowl, the tacos will make the perfect lunch.

Nachos No Queso 

The Nachos No Queso is the perfect meal to share or snack on throughout the day. Cover the nachos with black beans or pinto beans instead of the cheese to make it fully vegan. Then customers can add whatever toppings they want to make the perfect loaded nacho dish. The best combination is to add some guacamole with one of Qdoba’s signature salsa to substitute the queso and bring the nachos together.

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Loaded Tortilla Soup

When it gets to be colder again, Qdoba offers the perfect winter dinner. The Loaded Tortilla Soup can come completely vegan. Choose between the crunchy tortilla shell or bowl and then load up the tortilla soup with beans, the Impossible protein, or the fajita veggies. The soup can contain anything on the menu, but personally, we suggest adding some of the cilantro-lime rice and the tortilla strips to complete the meal.

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Taco Salad

The Taco Salad can be served in either the signature crunchy tortilla shell or bowl. Although currently, the dressings are not vegan, Qdoba allows customers to top their taco salads with any of the plant-based salsa. Add your favorite type of rice, either pinto or black beans, and your choice of any ingredients including guacamole, fajita peppers, shredded lettuce, pickled jalapenos, and tortilla strips. The Taco Salad is the perfect option for a lighter meal but contains all of the delicious ingredients that bring customers back to Qdoba.

Vegan Sauces and Add-Ons at Qdoba

• Black Bean and Corn Salsa
• Corn and Pepper Blend
• Fiery Habenero
• Salsa Verde
• Salsa Roja
• Roasted Chile Corn Salsa
• Mango Salsa
• Pico de Gallo
• Ranchera Sauce

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Vegan Ingredients at Qdoba

• Black Beans
• Pinto Beans
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Fajita Vegetables
• Corn Tortilla Chips
• Corn Tortilla Strips
• Corn Taco Shell
• Flour Taco Shell
• Tortilla Soup
• Cilantro
• Pickled Jalapenos
• Shredded Lettuce
• Potatoes
• Taco Salad Shell
• Soft Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas
• Soft White Corn Tortillas

Fast-food restaurants have finally got the memo that their customer base isn’t just coming through for a burger, fried chicken, or a beef taco. Many now have plant-based foods and are coming up with creative, delicious ways to get more greens on the menu. Here are the 6 best fast-food chains with plant-based options on the menu.

1. Burger King

Turns out there’s a lot more to rely on than a salad if you’re eating plant-based. Burger King has the Impossible Whopper featuring a meatless patty as well as a few secretly vegan options such as the French Toast Sticks and Hashbrowns.

2. White Castle

Known for its mini square-shaped sliders, this hamburger chain jumped on the plant-based bandwagon at some participating locations. You can find an Impossible Slider on some White Castle menus.

3. Del Taco

This was the first national Mexican fast-food chain to offer Beyond Meat at the company’s 580 restaurants across the country. Del Taco has the Beyond Avocado Taco on the menu along with the Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito and Avocado Veggie Bowl.

4. Carl’s Jr.

Another brand synonymous with beef burgers, Carl’s Jr. offers several plant-based options for veggie and plant lover such as Beyond Famous Star Burger and Guacamole Thickburger.

5. Taco Bell

This fast-food restaurant may have been one of the first you frequented while transitioning to plant-based eating. That’s because Taco Bell has eight million vegetarian combinations and sells 350 million vegetarian items a year through menu substitutions or ordering off their vegetarian menu. In fact, they were the first quick-service restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified food options.

6. Starbucks

From the time it started offering breakfast sandwiches in 2006, the coffee conglomerate became a competitor in the fast-food space. You can get your favorite hot and cold beverages made with almond, coconut or oat milk but there are also plant-based food options available such as the Baja Black Bean Veggie Wrap, bagel with vegan cream cheese and Impossible Breakfast Sandwich.

The post Everything That’s Vegan at Qdoba, Including What’s <em>Not</em> on the Menu appeared first on The Beet.

Over recent years, Fatburger released multiple plant-based patties including a Boca Burger and the Impossible Burger. Although the Boca Burger may contain dairy, Fatburger rolled out the fully plant-based Impossible Foods patty that can now be topped with dairy-free Daiya cheese.

One of the fast-food burger joint’s top qualities is its straightforward setup. With a streamlined menu, it makes for simplified ordering for all consumers, especially beneficial for plant-based customers. Customers can stop by any Fatburger in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Washington, Texas, Pennsylvania, and many other locations to grab a quick, classic burger, shake, and fries meal with no worries about its contents, making the national burger joint a top contender for meatless fast-food.

Take Note: Fatburgers burgers and sides are made on shared cooking equipment which may cause animal product ingredient crossover.

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Impossible Burger 

Fatburger’s Impossible Burger is everything you can ask for and more: The classic burger is served with “The Works” which includes relish, mustard, onions, pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce. Make sure that you ask for no mayo to ensure that the juicy burger is 100 percent plant-based. The thick, plant-based burger patty brings everything that’s wanted from Fatburger, and now it can even be ordered with a slice of Daiya cheese that brings it all home with a timeless cheeseburger. The overwhelmingly delicious plant-based burger will have anyone coming back again, bringing customers a great burger without any animal products.

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Skinny Burger

The counterpart to Fatburger’s Fatburger is its skinny burger option. The burger is marketed as a low-calorie option that sandwiches “The Works” between two thinner burger patties. It is completely plant-based when asked to switch the patties to Impossible Burgers, and by asking to remove the mayo from “The Works.” The plant-based skinny burger is for anyone who does not want to eat or can not eat the burger buns and serves as a delicious alternative to the traditional Fatburger lineup. Also, make sure that you order it with a slice of Daiya cheese or ask to remove cheese altogether.

Take note: Fatburger’s skinnyburger is made on shared cooking equipment which may cause animal product ingredient crossover.

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Dairy-Free Cheese

Something that truly sets Fatburger apart from its competitors is the dairy-free cheese. The burger chain partnered with Daiya cheese to develop the completely plant-based cheeseburger experience. So many other fast-food chains that feature either the Beyond or Impossible do not provide an option for a plant-based cheeseburger. The dairy-free cheese options propel Fatburger to the top of the list in this regard.

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Vegan Shakes

Nothing beats the dairy-free shakes. Fatburger now offers four different shakes flavors that accompany the burger and fry meals perfectly. From the classic Vanilla shake to the more exciting Maui Banana shake, the company is working to provide customers with a full, classic LA burger joint experience within a plant-based diet. Fatburger’s shake selection makes this restaurant chain one of the few that offer vegan ice cream. The shakes come sourced from Hollywood-based Craig’s vegan ice cream, providing a delicious vegan base for the shakes. Instead of a soft drink, complete the Impossible Burger meal with one of the four shake options.

• Craig’s Vegan Vanilla Shake
• Craig’s Vegan Strawberry Shake
• Craig’s Vegan Chocolate Shake
• Craig’s Vegan Maui Banana Shake

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Round Out the Meal With Fries

Fatburger champions itself with using animal-free frying oils for its fried sides, hoping that vegan customers will be more comfortable ordering a fried side item. The fast-food chain offers Fat Fries, Skinny Fries, and Sweet Potato Fries to complete the Fatburger meals. Any of the options make for the perfect final touch to the traditional LA burger meal. Currently, the company’s onion rings contain dairy, but with Fatburger’s rapidly changing menu, customers may see a plant-based-friendly onion ring in the near future.

Take note: Fatburger’s sides are made on shared cooking equipment which may cause animal product ingredient crossover.

The post Everything That’s Plant-Based at Fatburger, Including What’s <em>Not</em> on the Menu appeared first on The Beet.

Whether you’re ordering a burrito, tacos, a salad, or a burrito bowl, the restaurant offers enough vegan options to create a delicious and filling wrap. Chipotle only uses 53 ingredients totally in all its food, 44 of them being vegan. This makes it unbelievably easy to leave Chipotle with a satisfying, plant-based meal, plus, meat-free orders usually come with free guac and ring in at a far lower price!

Chipotle’s immense range of vegan options makes this an absolute favorite for any plant-based eater. The company caters so heavily towards plant-forward meals that you do not even need to be vegan to enjoy a completely plant-based meal. The only nine ingredients to watch out for when ordering include Monterey Jack cheese, beef, cheese cultures, honey, milk, pork, white cheddar, cultured cream, and chicken. Aside from those, the meal you walk out with is guaranteed to be vegan.

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Meals

Burrito: The Chiptole Burrito is the heaviest and the greatest option on the menu. The soft, warmed flour tortilla can be filled with any number of ingredients, making it one of the most filling quick-vegan meals on the market. One of the greatest things about Chipotle is that it serves tofu sofritas, setting the company above its competitors. The restaurant chain offers black beans alongside tofu as a protein substitute, but Chipotle is the only quick-service Mexican-inspired restaurant to provide customers with tofu sofritas for their burritos. From guacamole to cilantro rice, the Chipotle burrito holds all the flavor you can ask for and more.

Tacos: The three taco meal is the less conventional option at Chipotle, but it hits all the marks necessary to leave more than satisfied. The tacos come packed into soft flour tortillas or crispy corn taco shells. You can customize your tacos to include any of the vegan fillings. The best part is that the three tacos do not need to hold the same contents, making customization a key drawing factor for the three taco meals. Our suggestion is to take one taco for tofu, one for black beans, and one for pinto beans, and then topped to preference.

Burrito Bowls: The only meal more filling than the burrito is Chipotle’s burrito bowl. Even though this option nixes the tortilla, it’s possible to make two full meals out of the burrito bowl. Typically served with a rice base, you can order any of the vegan ingredients to cover the burrito bowl. The lower-carb option is definitely for those who want to either save leftovers easier or would rather sit down and eat unrushed with a fork.

Pro Tip: Order a tortilla (or two) on the side to get even more mileage out of your bowl.

Salads: For the healthiest option, Chipotle’s salads are a perfect choice. The salad comes served on romaine lettuce thatcher than the burrito bowl’s rice base. The salad is an easy, healthy, low-carb option that will still give any customer the full Chipotle experience. You can order any of the normal ingredients on top of your salad, including the sofritas tofu and fajita veggies to get the full burrito experience without as much of the heaviness. Chipotle also introduced a “Supergreens Lettuce Blend” in 2020 that contains kale and baby spinach to enhance the nutritional value of the salad. The nutrient-rich blend can be requested to replace the romaine lettuce on any salad order, giving even more diversity to the Chipotle menu. Take note that Chipotle’s vinegarette contains honey, so opt for the hot sauce instead if you’re vegan.

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Complete List of Vegan Ingredients at Chipotle

• Black Beans
• Pinto Beans
• Cilantro Lime White Rice
• Brown Rice
• Fajita Vegetables (Bell Peppers and Onion)
• Guacamole
• Tortilla Chips
• Tofu Sofritas (Tofu with chipotle and poblano peppers)
• Romaine Lettuce
• Supergreen Lettuce Blend
• Green Chili Salsa
• Fresh Tomato Salsa
• Tomatillo Red Salsa
• Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa

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Top Ingredients at Chipotle

Fajita Veggies and Black Beans: If you aren’t a fan of tofu, the best burrito or burrito bowl base is the black beans and the fajita vegetables. The mix of carmelized red onions and assorted bell peppers make for a delicious, nutrient-filled addition to any meal. Seasoned with oregano, it adds a sweet and savory twist to the mixture of burrito ingredients. When accompanied with the black beans, the meal itself becomes packed with protein.

The Beet‘s Top Pick to Order

To make the Chipotle visit as easy as possible here is the quickest and most-filling menu option. The burrito bowl is the crown jewel of Chipotle, offering the perfect mixture of quality and quantity. Here is a quick guide to building the perfect burrito bowl:

Cilantro Lime Rice, Black Beans, Tofu Sofritas, Romaine Lettuce, Guacamole, Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa, Fajita Veggies, with a tortilla on the side. Make sure to get a side of tortilla chips to eat with.

The Top 20 Veggies with the Most Protein

1. Soy Beans

Soybeans are a legume but they are such a great source of protein that we had to lead the veggie list with it. There is more protein in just one ounce of soybeans than a cup of sliced avocado! 1 cup equals Protein – 28.6g Calories – 298 Carbs – 17.1g Fiber – 10.3g Calcium – 175mg

2. Peas

If the pod, that peas are grown in, is split down the middle, that is an indicator they are ripe. Seeds inside the pod vary and can be green, white or yellow. 1 cup equals Protein – 8.6g Calories – 134 Carbs – 25g Fiber – 8.8g Calcium – 43.2 mg

3. Corn

Fresh corn is a great source of energy for those who like to stay active. Protein isn’t all that corn has to offer. Corn provides the body with potassium and B vitamins. 1 cup equals Protein – 5.4g Calories – 177 Carbs – 123g Fiber – 4.6g Calcium – 4.9mg

4. Artichoke Hearts

Artichokes are part of the sunflower family. The fiber in artichoke hearts is great for supporting digestion. 1 cup equals Protein – 4.8g Calories – 89 Carbs – 20g Fiber – 14.4g Calcium – 35.2mg

5. Asparagus

If not properly stored, Asparagus tends to go bad quickly, To elongate freshness, put damp paper towels around the stems, or place the entire asparagus bunch in a cup of water (like flowers) to maintain freshness longer. 1 cup equals Protein – 4.4g Calories – 39.6 Carbs – 7.4g Fiber – 3.6g Calcium – 41.4mg

6. Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts have more Vitamin C than an orange. If your Brussel sprouts have a rancid odor that is an indicator you overcooked them. The smell occurs because the sprouts are composed of a great amount of sulforaphane. 1 cup equals Protein – 4g Calories – 56.2 Carbs – 40g Fiber – 4g Calcium – 56.2mg

7. Broccoli

If you are trying to lose weight broccoli is a great addition to your diet because it consists of 90 water and is also high in fiber. 1 cup (chopped) equals Protein – 3.8g Calories – 54.6Carbs – 11.2g Fiber – 5.2g Calcium – 62.4mg

8. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens provide the body with tons of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and fiber. Adding steamed mustard greens into your diet has been known to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. 1 cup equals Protein – 3.2 g Calories – 21 Carbs – 2.9g Fiber – 2.8g Calcium – 104mg

9. Avocado

Avocado is commonly mistaken as a vegetable but it is technically a fruit. This fruit had to be included in our veggie list because it isn’t just tasty but super nutritious. Avocados are packed with protein but they are a great source of potassium and fiber. Avocados are a great addition to any salad, sandwich and even smoothie!

10. Onions

Onions are an unappreciated food hero since they provide 20 percent of your daily Vitamin C and deliver an abundance of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. 1 cup (chopped) equals Protein – 2.9g Calories – 92.4 Carbs – 21.3g Fiber – 2.9g Calcium – 46.2mg

11. Beets

The entire beetroot is edible including the leaves which contain loads of vitamin A, calcium, iron and potassium. Beetroot is high in sugar but is considered one of the most nutritious veggies used in salads and soups. 1 cup equals Protein – 2.8 g Calories – 74.8 Carbs – 17g Fiber – 3.4g Calcium – 27.2mg

12. Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are commonly seen in Chinese dishes. They grow best in a controlled environment indoors. Oyster mushrooms have so many nutrients to offer besides protein such as iron, calcium, zinc and folic acid. 1 cup (raw and sliced) equals Protein – 2.8g Calories – 37 Carbs – 5.6g Fiber – 2.0g Calcium – 2.6mg

13. Bok Choy

Bok Choy is a member of the mustard family. One of the oldest cultivated vegetables in the world, Bok Choy means “white vegetable” and is a great source of vitamins A, C, B6, K, and E, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, and calcium. 1 cup equals Protein – 2.7 g Calories – 20.4 Carbs – 3.1g Fiber – 1.7g Calcium – 158mg

14. Green Beans

Green beans are a great source of vitamins B, C and K, and minerals such as magnesium, iron and manganese. Green beans should be cooked before eating, to destroy lectins. China is the biggest grower of green beans in the world, exporting over 15 million tons a year. 1 cup equals Protein – 1.8 g Calories – 31 Carbs – 7 g Fiber – 2.7 g Calcium – 37 mg

15. Cauliflower

The most nutritious way to consume cauliflower is steamed. Don’t get intimidated by orange, purple or green cauliflower. All three types have the same benefits as white cauliflower. 1 cup equals Protein – 2.2g Calories – 28.6 Carbs – 5.4g Fiber – 2.8g Calcium – 19.8mg

16. Turnip

You can eat the entire plant, root and leaves. The turnip root is high in vitamin C and the greens are high in vitamins A, C, E, B6 and K, believed to counter inflammation. Add turnip roots to soup, or mash them. Add them to salads. 1 cup equals Protein – 1.6g Calories – 28.8 Carbs – 6.3g Fiber – 5.0g Calcium – 197mg

17. Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts might be little but they sure are powerful. Plus they’re quick and easy to grow. They are loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron and more. But because they have been known to carry bacteria, make sure to fully cook alfalfa sprouts if you have a fragile immune system or are pregnant. 1 cup equals Protein – 1.3 g Calories – 8 Carbs – 0.7 g Fiber – 0.6 g Calcium – 10.6 mg

18. Tomatoes

Keep your tomatoes fresher for longer by storing them stem down. When exposed to sunlight the Vitamin C in a tomato will diminish. 1 cup equals Protein – 1.3g Calories – 26.8 Carbs – 5.8g Fiber – 1.8g Calcium – 14.9mg

19. Zucchini

Zucchini has an abundance of potassium, even more than a banana! The reason zucchini isn’t high in calories is that it is made up of 95% water. 1 cup equals Protein – 1.2g Calories – 28.8 Carbs – 7.1g Fiber – 2.5g Calcium – 23.4 mg

20. Spinach

Spinach is filled with Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, fiber and protein. The best part about spinach is you can sauté it, blend it or eat it raw! Spinach is best grown in rainy and cool weather. 1 cup equals Protein – 0.9g Calories – 6.4 Carbs – 1.0 g Fiber – 0.6g Calcium – 27.7 mg

The post Everything That’s Vegan at Chipotle, Including What’s <em>Not</em> on the Menu appeared first on The Beet.

The main factor that sets Del Taco apart from its competitors is that the company was one of the first fast-food restaurants to incorporate Beyond Meat into its menu. Although recently multiple fast-food chains have partnered with companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, Del Taco managed to get ahead of the curve and began offering tacos and burritos with plant-based proteins.

We should not forget that Del Taco brings something that we only wish for from other quick-service restaurants: Fresh avocado. The company provides one of the friendliest fast-food menus on the market, and next time you see a Del Taco on an exit or popping up in your city, this guide and Del Taco will have you in good hands.

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Vegan Burritos at Del Taco

There’s nothing like a Del Taco burrito. In terms of a quick, delicious, and filling meal, the burrito marks high on each category. The restaurant chain provides customers with seven different burritos to choose from, giving consumers the ability to switch up their order at each visit. The best part is that any of the burritos will leave you full for most of the day. For the plant-based diner, the burrito provides a cheap and more nutritional option than many other competitors’ menus. Even though the bean and veggie burrito offer plenty of food, some people desire a plant-based protein to substitute their craving for the conventional beef burrito. Luckily, Del Taco’s seasoned Beyond Meat provides those customers with everything they ask for and more.

• Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito: This is the go-to burrito. The Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito is loaded with seasoned Beyond Meat, beans, cilantro-lime rice, pico de gallo, and fresh guacamole. The burrito is packed with 44g of protein and fully certified vegan. The plant-based behemoth will fill you up for the rest of the day, but leave you wanting to order it again in the future.
• Beyond Fresh Avocado Burrito: The Epic Fresh Avocado Burrito is perfect for avocado lovers and plant-based diners alike. The burrito is packed with Beyond Meat, pico de gallo, salsa casera, cilantro-lime rice, seasoned black beans, and finally the sliced avocado. The burrito presents a refreshing burrito experience for any vegan diner, providing just the right mixture of ingredients to satisfy anyone.
• Beyond 8 Layer Burrito: Packed with 27g of protein, the 8 Layer Burrito can be made vegan by just removing two layers. Typically containing Beyond Meat, beans, guacamole, diced tomatoes, lettuce, red sauce, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, the burrito does not disappoint. Just remove the cheese and sour cream to get a savory six-layer plant-based meal.
• 8 Layer Veggie Burrito: The other option for a jam-packed burrito is the 8 Layer Veggie Burrito consisting of slow-cooked beans, guacamole, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, red sauce, cilantro lime rice, cheddar, and sour creams. Similar to the Beyond 8 Layer Burrito, just remove the two dairy layers to get a full plant-based burrito. Even with six layers, this burrito is packed full of nutrients and wonderful flavors.
• Jacked Up Value Bean, Rice, & Cheese Burrito: This is a perfect option for the Del Taco customer who isn’t exactly looking to spend a ton of money. The value burrito can easily be made vegan by substituting the cheese for guacamole or avocado slice. It may cost a little extra to add the avocado options, but the value burrito’s price won’t surge too high. Even for the hungry customer, ordering two of these never disappoints, but you might be deceptively full based on the price of your meal.
• Macho Combo Burrito: Del Taco describes this burrito as its most abundant burrito. Make note that to make it vegan you must remove the beef, sour cream, and cheese. You can replace them easily with guacamole, Beyond Meat, or black beans to give the Macho Combo its calling card. The rest of the burrito is stuffed with slow-cooked beans, red and green sauces, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and diced onions. Although one of the more complicated menu items to order, this burrito is an essential purchase.
• 1/2lb Bean & Cheese Burrito: The most straightforward burrito on the menu is the 6 ounces of beans and cheese covered in either the zesty red or tangy green sauce. Order this budget item with guacamole instead of cheese for just $1. Some locations may tack on a small upcharge for the substitution, but it’s plenty of food for $2.

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Vegan Tacos at Del Taco

The plant-based diner loses nothing when visiting Del Taco. Although not as extensive as the burrito menu, the tacos provide everything you need. The streamlined menu gives customers the opportunity to grab a quick meal that isn’t as heavy as the burrito but just as filling and delicious. Paired with one of Del Taco’s signature sauces or hot sauce, the tacos make for some of the best fast food on the market.

• Beyond Avocado Taco: The certified vegan taco brings the two prized ingredients on the Del Tacos menu: the avocado and seasoned Beyond Meat. The taco is also stuffed with lettuce and fresh tomatoes inside a crunchy shell. At $2.59 apiece, drive-through and grab two or three, or grab the meal for $7.80. We suggest getting a side of the Taco Sauce to pour on to the taco to really bring the whole experience to its highest potential.
• Street Tacos: Del Taco debuted the niche Street Tacos in 2016, and since then it’s become a menu staple. The Street Tacos do not come immediately vegan, mirroring the southern California classic style of tacos, but the carne asada can be easily swapped for black beans or Beyond Meat. The Street Tacos include roasted chile salsa, diced onions, fresh chopped cilantro, and hand-sliced avocado. The tacos are wrapped in two corn tortillas and served with lime, giving Del Taco customers the full street taco experience.
• Value Taco: Straight from the Buck & Under Menu, the Value Taco gives anyone on a budget the perfect menu item to choose from. Once you substitute the beef for the Beyond Meat and remove the cheddar, the Value Taco becomes completely plant-based. The taco is topped with lettuce and service in either a soft or crunchy taco shell. Three tacos for $3 dollars is a hard deal to top.
• The (Crunchy or Soft) Del Taco: The Del Taco with Beyond Meat presents itself as the restaurant chain’s champion item. The taco is covered with lettuce and diced tomatoes and served on a corn shell or flour tortilla. Make sure to order the taco without cheese and ask them to put on some guacamole. As always, it’s essential to get a side sauce to get the full Del Taco experience.

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Special Vegan Options at Del Taco

• Signature Taco Salad: For those wanting everything Del Taco offers without the heaviness of the tacos and burritos, the Signature Taco Salad provides the perfect option. First thing is to substitute the beef with more beans or the Beyond Meat and ask for no cheese and sour cream. The fresh romaine and iceberg lettuce salad are decorated with sliced avocado, black beans, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, and house-made tortilla chips. The taco salad comes with a side of salsa casera to bring the whole meal together.
• Crunchtada Tostada: The Crunchtada Tostada is one of the essentials on the menu. By removing the cheese, the menu item becomes completely plant-based. The slow-cooked beans, signature Salsa Casera, and crisp lettuce top the crunchy, wavy corn shell. My suggestion is to add guacamole or avocado to the tostada. It is an absolute favorite, and you will probably order a second one as soon as you finish the first.

• Chips & Guacamole or Pico de Gallo: Looking for a quick snack or something to share between everyone in the car? The Chips & Guacamole or Pico de Gallo is a completely vegan shared snack. You can never go wrong with this classic appetizer.
• Avocado Veggie Bowl: Alongside the salad, the Avocado Veggie Bowl ranks as one of the most nutritional menu items. The bowl contains sliced avocado, seasoned black beans, diced tomatoes, fresh romaine, iceberg lettuce, and diced onions served on top of Del Taco’s classic cilantro lime rice. If you need a light meal on the goal, this is the perfect pick. Add a little hot sauce to spice up the bowl or add some Beyond Meat to the top for a little extra protein.

Del Taco acted as one of the leading fast-food companies to include plant-based proteins in its menus. The company went above and beyond by developing a number of menu items that would allow customers to shake up their experience each time they want to visit a Del Taco. Although still a relatively regional fast-food brand, Del Taco’s impact nationalizes a fully fleshed-out plant-based menu, which only continues to grow. If you see a Del Taco, make sure to stop by and it’s more than likely you’ll become a regular.

All of Del Taco’s Vegan Ingredients

• Taco Shell
• Soft Taco Shell
• Corn Tortilla
• Flour Tortilla
• Tortilla Chips
• Beyond Meat Crumbles
• Crinkle-Cut Fries
• Hash Brown Sticks
• Black Beans
• Slow Cooked Pinto Beans
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Diced Onion
• Cilantro
• Avocado
• Guacamole

Del Taco’s Vegan Sauces

• Cilantro Sauce
• Pico de Gallo Salsa
• Green Sauce
• Red Sauce
• Salsa Casera
• Taco Sauce
• California Chili Sauce

The post Here’s What’s Vegan at Del Taco, Including What’s <em>Not</em> on the Menu appeared first on The Beet.

Across its 1,500 locations, Carl’s Jr debuted its Beyond Burger and Beyond Sausage options to give its customers the ability to go plant-based, but not give up Carl’s Jr.’s fan favorites. The Beyond Famous Star is the chain’s newest option, but Carl’s Jr. offers a little more for its plant-based diners. So, next time you want a burger and fries here’s a quick guide for your fast-food experience:

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Beyond Famous Star Burger

The Beyond Famous Star burger is the classic American burger made completely plant-based. Although you must make sure to order it without cheese and mayo and on a sesame seed bun, the burger consists of every ingredient that you’d want in a fast-food burger. The meatless patty is stacked with lettuce, tomato, sliced onions, dill pickles, and Special Sauce. The Beyond Famous Star brings true rivalry to the new plant-based burger scene, leaving the Impossible Whopper sweating. This is the number one recommendation for the first plant-based trip to Carl’s Jr.

Beyond Fiery Famous Star Burger

The newest addition to Carl’s Jr.’s range of vegan burgers is the Beyond Fiery Famous Star. This marks the first time that the company has rolled out a new burger with both a meat-based and a meat-free option. The greater focus on the Beyond Burger patties signals that Carl’s Jr. is truly dedicated to fueling its growing plant-based menu. Once again, make sure to order this burger without cheese, but it’s packed with enough flavor that it does not need it. The Beyond Fiery Famous Star brings everything that you love about the Famous Star and kicks up the spice level with Fiery Sauce and pickled jalapenos. If you love spice and a filling fast-food burger, this is a top contender.

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Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger

The Beyond BBQ burger is trickier to order, but worth every bite. The normal Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger comes with cheese and onion rings which are fried in egg batter, making the full sandwich unavailable to plant-based consumers. However, without the onion rings and cheese, the burger is a delicious alternative to Carl’s Jr.’s other options. The burger comes with BBQ sauce and jalapenos, and I would suggest getting a side of fries to replace the onion rings on the burger.

Veg It. Guacamole Thickburger

The Veg It. Guacamole Thickburger is another great plant-based option, but ordering it can be a little more complicated. The best option would be to remove the cheese and Sante Fe Sauce and replace it with one of the sauces listed below. After that, add the Beyond Burger patty and you’ll walk away with a deliciously fulfilling burger. The burger will then consist of guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, a Beyond Burger patty, and the sauce of your choice. If you want a fiery kick, add the jalapenos.

Chips & Guacamole

It is impossible to be dissatisfied with guacamole. Carl’s Jr. offers a just-what-you-need chip and guacamole side option. Whether you want a quick snack or to share some guac with everyone in the car, the plant-based appetizer item will be a great choice for any plant-based visitor.

Garden Salad

Carl’s Jr. offers a Garden Salad that presents an easy, quick meal. When you order it, make sure to omit the croutons and cheese to make it completely plant-based. The salad consists of red onion, tomato, and lettuce with a Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. Make sure to stick with the Balsamic because Carl’s Jr’s house dressing is not vegan.

Crunchy or Soft Taco

The tacos have been a staple on Carl’s Jr.’s menu for countless years and can be made fully vegan by removing the cheese and beef. So you can still get a filling taco, ask to add extra guacamole and lettuce. It is possible to order with jalapenos, and hopefully, in the future, Carl’s Jr will allow the Beyond Sausage to the tacos.

Beyond Sausage Burrito

Carl’s Jr. isn’t ignoring breakfast, being one of the first fast-food companies to incorporate the Beyond Sausage. Finding a plant-based fast-food breakfast can be almost impossible, but Carl’s Jr.’s Beyond Sausage Burrito can be made completely plant-based without eggs and cheese. The Beyond Sausage Burrito comes with fresh salsa, tomatoes, hash rounds, a Beyond Sausage patty, and can include guacamole on request. The Beyond Burrito brings one of the best plant-based breakfast options to the table, and will hopefully soon be followed by new options.

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The classic American burger joint is changing with its clientele. Inspired by a growing number of vegan diners, Carl’s Jr. solidified a partnership with Beyond Meat and continues to roll out new plant-based alternatives to its fan-favorite menu items. To accompany the above meals, a small number of plant-based sides and sauces are listed for you below. Carl’s Jr will only keep gaining plant-based momentum and we are all excited for the possibilities in the company’s future.

Plant-Based Sides

• Hashbrown Nuggets
• French Fries
• Criss Cut French Fries

Vegan Dressings and Sauces

• Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Sweet & Bold BBQ Dipping Sauce
• Spicy Buffalo Dipping Sauce
• Ketchup
• Mustard

The post Here’s What’s Vegan at Carl’s Jr., Including What’s <em>Not</em> on the Menu appeared first on The Beet.

The Impossible Whopper may have introduced plant-based consumers to the chain’s menu, but if you find yourself at Burger King, there’s more than just the Whopper to order. Although Burger King doesn’t provide the most robust plant-based menu, the company continues to add new meatless items and move in the right direction. Partnering with Impossible Foods and other alternative protein companies, Burger King plans to push its menu to be 50 percent plant-based by 2031. The Swedish branch of Burger King recently debuted a plant-based Chicken Royale sandwich with hopes to expand its plant-based chicken substitute across its locations globally.

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Here are the best plant-based options when hitting Burger King for a fast meal

1. The Impossible Whopper

Burger King no longer limits its legendary burger to being cooked on the grill, since “have it your way” means you can ask for it to be microwaved, making the Whopper accessible to any consumer. The Impossible Whopper comes with everything that the staple burger contains, but to make the Impossible version completely plant-based, just ask to remove the mayo and hold the cheese.  There are rumors circulating that Burger King will debut a vegan mayo in order to give plant-based eaters the full Whopper experience. For now, the tasty burger packs a punch, and in some locations can is available for a 2-for-$6 dollar deal, so encourage a burger-loving friend to give the plant-based patty a test drive.

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2. French Fries

An obvious addition to the list, but an important one to remind fry lovers. Burger King uses vegetable oil, so when ordering your Impossible Whopper you can make your order into a meal with no worries about what the fries are cooked in. There is something surreally comforting about a full-service fast food experience, so don’t miss out on ordering the whole meal, because it’s probably been a while.

3. Garden Side Salad

The Garden Salad at Burger King is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind at the fast-food place, but it’s an important part of the menu. The salad contains lettuces, cherry tomatoes, corn, and cucumber with a balsamic dressing. At the precipice of healthy, the Garden Salad remains an easy and reliable choice for a nutritional light option at BK.

4. French Toast Sticks

The biggest sweet surprise for plant-based diners at BK is the French Toast Sticks. Burger King does not publicize that the French Toast Sticks as vegan because more than likely that benefit was purely accidental. Usually, French Toast recipes contain butter, eggs, or milk (or all three), so a recipe that creates a golden brown, delectable breakfast treat is something to celebrate. There’s not another fast-food place that can pull off the vegan French Toast, marking another significant victory for Burger King. If you aren’t feeling the French Toast Stick, another quick breakfast trick is to order the oatmeal with water instead of milk. Although most people don’t think to order the oatmeal, Burger King offers an affordable cup of Quaker Oat’s maple-flavored oatmeal.

5. Hashbrowns

No one can ever get enough crispy potatoes. If you are swinging by Burger King early or need a quick snack to start off your road trip, the hashbrowns will always remain a perfect choice. The hashbrowns come in bite-sized pieces, deliciously crispy, and can come in multiple sizes. The best way to go is to order a large because once you finish the small, it leaves you craving more.

6. Try the Impossible Patty on Any Burger, even the Rodeo (but hold the cheese…)

Although not advertised, the impossible burger patty can be transferred to any burger on the menu. As long as you ask for the sandwiches to come without cheese, bacon, and mayo, the impossible burger can be substituted for any meat burger on the menu. The super-secret is the Rodeo Burger, an already off-menu burger that any regular Burger King customer has heard of. If you order the Rodeo Burger you can get it without the onion rings and cheese to get a doubly off-menu barbecue burger. Okay so holding those items may be a little bit of a disappointment, if you want to shake up your burger experience, keep in mind that the Impossible burger is a versatile option and can turn most items into a plant-based meal.

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Impossible Croissan’wich: Not Plant-Based But Feature a Meatless Patty

Even though the Impossible Crossain’wich is not completely plant-based, it is important to mention its introduction to Burger King’s breakfast menu. Burger King released the breakfast sandwich as a limited-time offer, but after initial success, the company decided to roll out the plant-based sausage to store nationwide. The sandwich itself comes with an egg, cheese, and a non-vegan croissant, but the inclusion of a plant-based breakfast patty shows signs towards Burger King’s full plant-based shift. The sandwich will be the first time Impossible Foods’ plant-based sausage will be available nationally. Although not completely plant-based, it gives meat eaters the option to reduce their meat intake one breakfast sandwich at a time.

Things to Look forward to

Burger King’s plant-based future shines bright. After predictions that 50 percent of the menu will be plant-based by 2031, consumers anticipate a number of sustainable products. The chain plans to debut meat-free nuggets and a plant-based Chicken Royale. Burger King UK will spearhead the release, but Swedish Burger Kings already featured an “Unbelievable Chicken Royale” in 2019. Development for plant-based products continues to grow in the fast-food sector, and Burger King seems to want to keep its place in the front of the pack. The plant-based chicken will remain in Europe, but the success the company’s plant-based model has seen leads us to believe we will see a plant-based Royale Chicken or Spicy Chicken sandwich in the drive-thru stateside soon.

The post Here’s What’s Plant-Based at Burger King, Including What’s <em>Not</em> on the Menu appeared first on The Beet.