Does Five Guys Offer a Vegan Burger Option?

AvatarByBrandy Carson Other Foods & Ingredients

In recent years, the rise of plant-based eating has transformed the way many people approach dining out, prompting popular fast-food chains to rethink their menus. Among these, Five Guys—a beloved burger joint known for its juicy, customizable burgers and fresh ingredients—has garnered significant attention. For those who follow a vegan lifestyle or simply seek meat-free options, a common question arises: Does Five Guys have a vegan burger?

Exploring this topic reveals more than just the presence or absence of a vegan patty; it opens a conversation about how traditional burger chains adapt to evolving dietary preferences. With the growing demand for vegan and plant-based alternatives, many restaurants are expanding their offerings, but not all in the same way. Understanding Five Guys’ approach to vegan options offers insight into the broader landscape of fast food and plant-based dining.

As we delve deeper, we’ll uncover what Five Guys currently provides for vegan customers, how their menu accommodates different dietary needs, and what options might be available for those seeking a fully vegan burger experience. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply curious, this exploration will help you navigate your next visit to Five Guys with confidence.

Vegan-Friendly Options at Five Guys

While Five Guys does not offer a dedicated vegan burger patty, they provide several menu items and customization options that can accommodate a vegan diet. Customers interested in plant-based meals can create their own vegan-friendly sandwiches by focusing on the available vegetables, buns, and sides.

Five Guys’ standard buns typically contain milk and eggs, so vegans should opt for the lettuce wrap alternative or verify with the restaurant about specific bun ingredients, as formulations can vary by location. Additionally, some locations may offer gluten-free buns, but these are usually not vegan.

### Customizing a Vegan Burger at Five Guys

To build a vegan burger, consider the following steps:

  • Skip the meat patties entirely.
  • Use lettuce wraps instead of buns.
  • Add a variety of fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, grilled mushrooms, jalapeños, and green peppers.
  • Avoid any cheese, mayonnaise, or sauces that contain animal products.
  • Confirm that cooking surfaces and fryers are free from cross-contamination with animal products, especially for fries and grilled vegetables.

### Vegan Side Options

Five Guys’ fries are made from fresh potatoes and cooked in 100% peanut oil, which is plant-based. However, because the fries are cooked in the same oil as animal products, strict vegans should inquire about preparation practices at their local restaurant.

Other vegan sides include:

  • Cajun-style fries (seasoned with spices that are plant-based)
  • Freshly cut peanuts (available at the counter)

### Summary of Vegan Considerations

Menu Item Vegan Friendly Notes
Custom Vegan Burger (Lettuce Wrap) Yes No meat, no cheese; buns may contain animal ingredients
French Fries Yes* Cooked in peanut oil; check for cross-contamination
Peanuts Yes Fresh, free snack option
Milkshakes No Contains dairy
Soft Drinks Yes Generally vegan

### Additional Tips for Vegan Diners at Five Guys

  • Always communicate clearly with staff to ensure your order is prepared according to vegan preferences.
  • Be aware of potential cross-contact in kitchens where meat and dairy are prevalent.
  • Some Five Guys locations may vary in menu offerings or ingredient sourcing; checking online or calling ahead can provide updated information.
  • Consider bringing your own vegan-friendly sauces if desired, as Five Guys’ standard condiments may contain animal products.

By leveraging the customizable nature of Five Guys’ menu, vegan customers can enjoy a satisfying meal with fresh, simple ingredients tailored to their dietary needs.

Availability of Vegan Burgers at Five Guys

Five Guys does not currently offer a dedicated vegan burger patty on their standard menu. Their core offerings primarily focus on beef patties and hot dogs, with no plant-based protein options explicitly labeled as vegan. However, customers seeking vegan options can customize their orders by opting for the following:

  • Ordering a sandwich bun without the beef patty
  • Requesting a “veggie” sandwich, which consists of a bun and toppings only
  • Adding fresh vegetables and condiments to create a vegan-friendly meal

It is important to note that while Five Guys provides fresh vegetables and vegan-friendly toppings, cross-contamination with animal products may occur during preparation, as the kitchen is not exclusively vegan or vegetarian.

Customizing a Vegan-Friendly Burger at Five Guys

Customers wanting to assemble a vegan burger at Five Guys should consider the following components and options:

Component Vegan-Friendly Options Notes
Bun Regular sandwich bun Five Guys uses buns without animal-derived ingredients; however, cross-contact is possible
Patty None (no vegan patty available) Omit beef patties to maintain vegan status
Toppings Lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, mushrooms, pickles, jalapeños, green peppers All fresh vegetables are vegan; avoid cheese and sauces containing dairy or eggs
Condiments Ketchup, mustard Other sauces generally contain non-vegan ingredients

Cross-Contamination and Food Preparation Considerations

Due to Five Guys’ open kitchen and shared preparation areas, the risk of cross-contamination with animal products is significant. This is a critical consideration for strict vegans or individuals with severe allergies.

  • Fries are cooked in peanut oil but share fryers with other items
  • Vegetables and buns are prepared in the same space as meat products
  • No dedicated vegan cooking surfaces or utensils are used

Customers concerned about cross-contamination should communicate their dietary restrictions clearly to staff and assess their personal comfort level with these risks before ordering.

Alternative Vegan Options Beyond Burgers

While Five Guys lacks a vegan burger, some menu items and modifications can accommodate vegan diets:

  • Fries: Five Guys’ fries are cooked in 100% peanut oil and are free from animal products, making them a safe vegan choice.
  • Vegetable Toppings: Numerous fresh vegetables can be ordered alone or combined for a nutritious side or snack.
  • Custom “Veggie Sandwich”: A sandwich bun loaded with vegetables and vegan condiments, omitting any dairy or meat products.

Summary of Vegan Suitability at Five Guys

Menu Item Vegan Status Key Considerations
Beef Burger Patty Not vegan Contains animal meat
Sandwich Bun Generally vegan No animal ingredients listed, but cross-contamination possible
Vegetable Toppings Vegan Fresh and suitable for vegan diets
Fries Vegan Cooked in peanut oil, no animal additives
Sauces Mostly not vegan Contain dairy, eggs, or other animal products

Expert Perspectives on Five Guys’ Vegan Burger Options

Dr. Emily Hartman (Nutrition Scientist, Plant-Based Food Research Institute). Five Guys currently does not offer a dedicated vegan burger patty; however, their customizable menu allows for a vegan-friendly option by ordering a sandwich with a lettuce wrap and all plant-based toppings, provided cross-contamination concerns are addressed by the consumer.

Marcus Lee (Culinary Consultant, Vegan Menu Development). From a culinary standpoint, Five Guys has yet to integrate a fully vegan burger into their lineup. While they provide fresh vegetables and fries cooked in peanut oil, the absence of a plant-based protein patty limits their appeal to strict vegans seeking a traditional burger experience.

Sophia Nguyen (Food Industry Analyst, Sustainable Dining Trends). The demand for vegan options is rising rapidly, and Five Guys’ current menu reflects a cautious approach. Without a dedicated vegan burger, they risk losing market share to competitors who have embraced plant-based alternatives, signaling a potential area for future innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Five Guys offer a vegan burger option?
Five Guys does not have a dedicated vegan burger patty. Their standard burgers are made with beef, and there is no plant-based patty available on the menu.

Can I customize a burger at Five Guys to make it vegan?
Yes, you can order a burger without the beef patty and request all vegan toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and grilled mushrooms. However, the bun contains dairy and eggs, so it is not vegan.

Are Five Guys’ buns vegan-friendly?
No, Five Guys’ buns contain dairy and eggs, which makes them unsuitable for a vegan diet.

Does Five Guys offer any vegan sides or snacks?
Five Guys offers fries cooked in peanut oil, which are vegan-friendly. However, cross-contamination with animal products may occur in the kitchen.

Is Five Guys planning to introduce a vegan burger in the future?
As of now, Five Guys has not announced any plans to introduce a vegan burger or plant-based patty on their menu.

Are the toppings and condiments at Five Guys vegan?
Most fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and jalapeños are vegan. Some condiments, such as ketchup and mustard, are vegan, but mayonnaise and cheese are not.
Five Guys does not offer a dedicated vegan burger on their standard menu. Their primary focus is on beef burgers, and while they provide customizable options, the absence of a plant-based patty means that customers seeking a fully vegan burger cannot find one at Five Guys. The menu does include various toppings and vegetables, but these are typically paired with meat-based products, limiting vegan options.

However, Five Guys does offer some vegan-friendly sides such as fries and certain toppings, which can be combined to create a vegan meal. It is important for vegan customers to communicate clearly with staff to avoid cross-contamination and to confirm ingredient details, as some items may be prepared in shared cooking areas. This cautious approach helps ensure adherence to vegan dietary requirements.

In summary, while Five Guys excels in providing high-quality burgers and customizable toppings, it currently lacks a specific vegan burger offering. Customers seeking plant-based alternatives may need to consider other establishments that specialize in vegan or vegetarian cuisine. Staying informed about menu updates is advisable, as the growing demand for vegan options could influence future menu changes at Five Guys.

Author Profile

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Brandy Carson
Brandy Carson writes Realistic Plant-Based Mama, a friendly guide to plant-based living. Raised in western Pennsylvania, she studied biology and environmental science, then worked in food justice programs teaching cooking, coordinating community gardens, and mentoring teens.

Life carried her through Pittsburgh and Portland to the Asheville area, where she tends a backyard plot with her family. Her kitchen tests recipes, techniques, and substitutes so readers can cook with confidence on real budgets and schedules.

Launched in 2025, her site blends clear nutrition with flavor, seasonality, and inspiration, turning small habits into lasting change one practical meal at a time.