Craving a vegan burger at In-N-Out? You’re definitely not alone. This iconic burger chain, with its simple menu and no-frills approach, has been a favorite for decades. But if you’re plant-based, finding options that align with your lifestyle can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Fear not! There are ways to enjoy In-N-Out without compromising your vegan or vegetarian choices.
This guide will break down exactly how to navigate the menu, get creative with orders, and find tasty plant-based alternatives to get that classic In-N-Out experience. So buckle up for some fun, vegan-friendly In-N-Out hacks, along with a few honest tips for surviving the drive-thru.
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Can You Really Get a Vegan Burger at In-N-Out?
Let’s start with the big question: Does In-N-Out have a vegan burger? The short answer: No. The menu doesn’t have a dedicated plant-based burger patty, and if you’re expecting something like a Beyond Burger or Impossible Burger, you’ll be disappointed.
That said, don’t lose hope! The simplicity of In-N-Out’s menu also means that the ingredients are pretty straightforward, so with a few tweaks, you can still piece together a vegan-friendly meal that satisfies. Here’s how:
Ordering a “Veggie Burger” (Yes, It’s a Thing!)
One popular hack is ordering a “veggie burger”—and by that, we mean a burger minus the meat and cheese. Here’s what to do:
- Ask for a veggie burger without the patty and cheese.
This will get you a soft, toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. If you’re strict about being vegan, skip the spread, as it’s made with dairy. - Request extra toppings
Want to bulk up the veggie burger? Ask for additional lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles to add some flavor and crunch. - Grilled onions for a flavor boost
In-N-Out is famous for its delicious grilled onions, which are, thankfully, vegan. Toss some onto your veggie burger to make it more satisfying.
Fries: The Vegan In-N-Out Hero
If the veggie burger sounds a bit underwhelming, there’s one thing you can always rely on: the fries! These golden, hand-cut fries are vegan-friendly, cooked in 100% sunflower oil with no animal products. But here’s how to make your fries the best part of your meal:
- Order them “well done” for extra crispiness.
Many In-N-Out fans swear by this hack. It gives you fries that are crunchier and closer to that satisfying crisp we all crave. - Animal Style Fries Without the Sauce
Love the concept of Animal Style Fries but want to skip the dairy?Get the fries “Animal Style” without the sauce . You’ll get crispy fries topped with grilled onions and mustard—just be sure to skip the cheese and the spread for a vegan-friendly version. - Add chopped chilis for some heat
If you’re into spicy food, try asking for chopped chilis with your fries. They’re vegan and give your fries a nice, zesty kick.
Secret Menu Hacks for Plant-Based Eaters
In-N-Out has a “secret menu” that’s anything but secret, and it’s packed with fun ways to upgrade your meal. Here are a few creative ways to make the most of what’s on offer as a vegan or vegetarian.
Order the “Mustard Grilled” Veggie Burger
One way to add a bit of flavor to your veggie burger is to ask for it “mustard grilled.” This isn’t a patty, but it adds a tangy, slightly smoky flavor to the bread, making it feel more like a burger.
Get the Grilled Cheese (Hold the Cheese)
The Grilled Cheese on the secret menu is just the standard burger without meat, but it includes cheese. As a vegan, you can order this with no cheese, which essentially makes it a veggie sandwich, but hey, it’s another option.
Use the Secret Menu to Customize Your Fries
Ask for your fries with different levels of crispiness (like “light well” or “extra well-done”) to suit your taste. If you like them soft, you can ask for “light,” but most fans of In-N-Out agree that the well-done fries are the best for a truly satisfying bite.
What About Vegetarian Options at In-N-Out?
If you’re vegetarian but not strictly vegan, your options open up a bit more. Here are a few ways to enjoy a meatless but filling meal:
- Go for the Grilled Cheese with Extra Veggies
As a vegetarian, you can order the Grilled Cheese sandwich, which comes with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and spread. Incorporate extra veggies in order to make the dish more nutritious. - Animal Style Veggie Burger
Ask for your veggie burger Animal Style with grilled onions and pickles. You can keep the spread if you’re okay with dairy, or request it without if you want to avoid it. - Milkshakes
The milkshakes at In-N-Out are vegetarian-friendly, as they’re made with real dairy. If you’re craving something sweet, try one of their classic shakes.
Why Doesn’t In-N-Out Have a Vegan Burger?
Given the popularity of plant-based eating, many fans wonder why In-N-Out hasn’t introduced a vegan or vegetarian burger. Chains like Burger King, Carl’s Jr., and McDonald’s have all introduced plant-based options in recent years, but In-N-Out has stuck to its traditional menu. Some reasons might include:
- Commitment to Simplicity
In-N-Out’s menu has always been famously minimalistic. They focus on a few core items and prepare them with consistent quality. - Maintaining Quality Control
With fewer items on the menu, In-N-Out can keep a tighter grip on quality control, especially since they use fresh, never-frozen ingredients. - Cultural Identity
In-N-Out has a strong brand identity tied to its classic, all-American burger experience. Introducing plant-based burgers could feel like a departure from this, and the chain may be cautious about changing a formula that’s worked for them for so long.
Alternatives to In-N-Out for a Vegan Burger Fix
If you’re craving a real plant-based burger, there are plenty of other burger joints that offer delicious vegan options. Here are some popular alternatives:
- Burger King
The Impossible Whopper at Burger King is a vegan-friendly option (just ask for no mayo). It’s filling and tastes close to the real thing. - Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. offers the Beyond Famous Star, which uses a Beyond Meat patty and can be made vegan by skipping the cheese and mayo. - Shake Shack
Some locations have started testing vegan-friendly options, including a Veggie Shack. Check their website to see if there’s a vegan-friendly Shake Shack near you. - Local Vegan Burger Joints
Many cities now have plant-based burger spots that specialize in creative, fully vegan burgers with unique toppings and house-made patties. Supporting local spots can also be a great way to enjoy a satisfying burger while supporting plant-based businesses.
In-N-Out Vegan FAQs: Common Questions Answered
Is In-N-Out’s Bun Vegan?
Yes, the buns at In-N-Out are vegan-friendly! They’re made without any dairy or eggs, so you’re good to go with a bun-only order.
Is In-N-Out’s Spread Vegan?
No, unfortunately, the spread contains dairy, so it’s not vegan. If you’re looking to add some flavor, try ketchup, mustard, or ask for chopped chilis for a little extra kick.
Are There Any Vegan Dressings or Sauces?
In-N-Out doesn’t have specific vegan dressings or sauces beyond the basics (ketchup and mustard). However, their chopped chilis and grilled onions are good vegan-friendly additions that add flavor without needing a sauce.
Can I Get a Real Vegan Burger at In-N-Out?
As of now, In-N-Out doesn’t offer a vegan patty. But with the popularity of plant-based options growing, we can hope that this iconic chain might one day consider adding one.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Vegan In-N-Out Experience
While In-N-Out may not yet cater fully to plant-based eaters, there are still ways to enjoy a satisfying meal. By getting creative with the veggie burger, loading up on extra toppings, and customizing your fries, you can enjoy a cruelty-free meal at this beloved burger joint.
And if the vegan options leave you wanting more, don’t be afraid to explore other nearby spots that offer dedicated vegan-friendly menus. Whether it’s a classic fast-food joint or a local plant-based restaurant, there are more choices out there than ever before, ensuring you’ll always be able to satisfy your burger cravings—even as a vegan!
With this article, your readers will get a comprehensive guide on how to order vegan at In-N-Out, complete with popular hacks, alternatives, and answers to FAQs. Perfect for any plant-based eater wondering how to navigate this iconic burger joint!