We are here to dish on five of the best and five of the worst U.S. chains to enjoy plant-based patties. This preview of Mercy For Animals’ upcoming burger report, “Patty Battles: How the Biggest U.S. Burger Chains Stack Up,” reveals the highest and lowest performers within the 25 largest U.S. burger chains when it comes to offering delicious plant-based burgers.
Increasingly, U.S. consumers beyond the vegetarian and vegan markets are looking to add more tasty, plant-based options into their diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons—a new wave of patty patriots. We took a look at the menus of the top chains to see who is delivering plant-based patties—and who needs to ketchup. The results show a stark contrast between chains leading the charge for a better food future and those falling behind.
The Top Ranking Chains
We celebrate the progress made by the following chains, which not only offer a plant-based burger but also ensure it is well-priced, well-marketed, and paired with excellent plant-based sides. They understand that incorporating plant proteins is a simple, delicious choice.
1. Bareburger (run, don’t walk!)
Bareburger is the gold standard for commitment to plant-based choices. You truly cannot go wrong here! They feature an entirely plant-based menu section with several patty options, including Impossible, Beyond, black bean, and quinoa-based patties. They also offer multiple plant-based cheese options, a variety of plant-based sauces, and sides like fries, sweet potato fries, and the cherry on top—customizable plant-based shakes.
2. BurgerFi
BurgerFi has committed to a strong plant-based presence with its Beyond burger, available in both vegetarian and vegan options. They also offer plant-based falafel sliders and reliable sides like fries or Cajun fries to kick things up a notch.
3. Red Robin
Red Robin provides choice with both a popular Impossible burger and a more plant-forward quinoa-based burger. They also offer classic sides such as fries, sweet potato fries, and broccoli, making a meatless meal easy and satisfying.
4. Burger King
Burger King proves that integrating plant-based options into a national menu can be a massive success even by one of the largest burger giants (or should we say, kings?). They offer the popular Impossible Whopper, which can be easily modified to be plant-based, and fries for a simple, straightforward plant-based drive-through option. By their example, a commitment to compassionate options can exist at every scale.
5. Shake Shack
Shake Shack offers the “Veggie Shack,” a plant-based patty made with mushrooms, farro, carrots, sweet potato, and quinoa. Just swap out the bun for the plant-based, gluten-free option, remove the cheese, sauce, and crispy onions, and enjoy with crinkle-cut fries!
The Lowest Ranking Chains
The following five of the largest burger chains offer zero plant-based or vegetarian burger options. This lack of plant-based patties reveals a massive missed opportunity for these chains to keep up with consumer trends, sustainability, and animal ethics.
- Five Guys
- Checkers
- Steak N Shake
- McDonald’s
- Wendy’s
For these chains, adding a single, well-marketed, fairly priced plant-based, or vegetarian burger would be a major step forward, sparing animals from suffering, reducing carbon emissions, and appealing to millions of customers.
Lettuce Talk About Why Plant-Based Is Better
Plant-based burgers offer a protein source that contains essential fiber and zero cholesterol. Consumers can eat with confidence, knowing these options eliminate concerns about fecal contamination or bacteria* commonly found in conventional, factory-farmed ground beef. Most importantly, no cows have to suffer for these burgers.
*Not necessarily harmful to human health.
This National Burger Day, Be a Patty Patriot
If you plan to enjoy a burger this National Burger Day, send a message with your wallet. Support a chain near you that is making progress on plant-based options, and let your other local chains know that you would love to see a delicious, plant-based burger on the menu!
Mercy For Animals’ full Patty Battles report will launch this fall. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on its release and all of our vital work.
