You’re standing in a drive-thru line that’s basically a mile long. The smell of grilled onions is everywhere. Your friends are already debating between a Double-Double and Animal Style fries. And you? You're wondering if there's a single thing on this menu that doesn't involve a cow.
The short answer is: Sorta.
In-N-Out is famous for being stuck in 1948—which is great for nostalgia but kinda sucks for plant-based diners. While Burger King has the Impossible Whopper and even McDonald’s has experimented with the McPlant, In-N-Out has stayed stubbornly traditional. They don't have a vegan patty. They don't have vegan cheese. They don't even have a veggie burger in the way most people define it.
But you aren't going to starve. Honestly, if you know the "secret" language of the menu, you can actually walk away with a decent meal. Just don't expect a protein-packed feast.
Does In-N-Out Have Vegan Options? The Reality Check
Let’s be real. If you’re looking for a juicy, bleeding plant-based burger that mimics beef, you’re in the wrong place. However, does In-N-Out have vegan options that actually taste good? Yes, but you have to build them yourself from the ground up.
The core of the vegan experience here is the Veggie Sandwich. It is not a burger. It’s a bun filled with hand-leafed lettuce, thick slices of tomato, and onions. That’s it.
Here is the kicker: the "Spread" that comes on every burger contains eggs. To make the Veggie Sandwich vegan, you must ask for it without spread. Swap it for ketchup and mustard. It’s basically a salad on a bun, which sounds depressing, but because their produce is so fresh, it’s surprisingly crisp and satisfying in a "road trip food" kind of way.
The Bun Debate: Is It Actually Vegan?
There’s been a lot of internet drama over the years about the buns. Some people claim they contain dairy or eggs.
According to In-N-Out’s official allergen information, the buns are made from old-fashioned, slow-rising sponge dough. They do not contain milk or eggs. This makes the standard bun safe for vegans. If you want to be extra careful, you can ask for your "burger" Protein Style, which replaces the bun with large leaves of lettuce. It’s messy. It’s basically a hand-held salad. But it’s definitely vegan.
The Fries: A Rare Fast Food Win
Most fast-food fries are a minefield. Some are coated in beef flavoring, and others are fried in the same oil as chicken nuggets.
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In-N-Out is different. Their fries are arguably the most vegan-friendly item on the entire menu.
- Ingredients: Just potatoes, 100% sunflower oil, and salt.
- Preparation: They are peeled and diced right in front of you.
- Cross-contamination: Since In-N-Out only fries one thing—potatoes—there is zero risk of your fries sharing oil with meat products.
If you want to level up, ask for them Well Done. This makes them extra crispy, which helps if you’re dipping them in a mix of ketchup and yellow chilies. Whatever you do, do not order Animal Style fries. The cheese is real dairy and the spread is mayo-based.
The "Secret" Vegan Add-Ons
Since the main sandwich is a bit thin on substance, you’ve got to get creative with the customizations. In-N-Out is legendary for their "have it your way" attitude, even if it isn't on the board.
- Grilled Onions: Usually, they come raw. Ask for them grilled. They cook them down until they're sweet and caramelized. It adds the savory depth the sandwich is missing.
- Chopped Chilies: These are the little yellow Cascabella peppers. They are spicy, vinegary, and amazing. They give the veggie sandwich a much-needed kick.
- Extra Everything: You can ask for extra lettuce, extra tomato, and extra onions. Since there’s no meat, these toppings are usually free. Load it up.
- Pickles: They don't come standard. You have to ask.
What to Absolutely Avoid
It’s easy to mess up an order when you're hungry and the cashier is moving at light speed. Keep these three "No-Go" items in mind:
- The Spread: As mentioned, it’s basically Thousand Island dressing made with egg-yolks.
- Milkshakes: They are made with 100% real dairy ice cream. No almond or oat milk options here yet.
- Hot Cocoa: It contains a milk-based cocoa mix.
How to Order Like a Pro
If you’re at the window, just say this:
"I’d like a Veggie Sandwich with no spread. Add ketchup, mustard, grilled onions, pickles, and chopped chilies. And an order of fries well-done."
It’s simple. It’s cheap. It’s under $5.
Is it the best vegan meal in the world? No. But when it's 11:00 PM on a Tuesday and you're with a group of friends, it’s a lifesaver. You get the crunch, the salt, and the vibe without breaking your diet or your ethics.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Next Visit
- Check the Location: Some newer In-N-Outs in states like Texas or Idaho might have slight variations in local suppliers, so always double-check the allergen sheet if you're outside of California.
- BYO-Patty: It sounds crazy, but a lot of people actually bring their own pre-cooked Impossible or Beyond patty in a container. Order the Veggie Sandwich, slip your patty in, and you’ve got a "fake" In-N-Out burger that actually hits the spot.
- Mix the Sauce: Since you can't have the spread, mix ketchup, mustard, and a little bit of the juice from the yellow chilies. It creates a zesty, vegan-friendly dipping sauce for your fries that's way better than plain ketchup.
While we wait for the day In-N-Out finally caves and adds a plant-based patty to the menu, these hacks are your best bet for navigating the menu. It's about making the most of the fresh ingredients they already have.
Go for the fries, stay for the peppers, and don't forget to ask for that bun to be extra toasted. It makes a world of difference.