Does 5 Guys Have Vegan Options? Exploring Their Plant-Based Choices

AvatarByBrandy Carson Other Foods & Ingredients

In recent years, the demand for vegan dining options has surged, prompting many popular fast-food chains to rethink their menus. Among these beloved eateries, 5 Guys stands out as a favorite for its customizable burgers and fresh ingredients. But for those who follow a vegan lifestyle or are simply exploring plant-based choices, a common question arises: Does 5 Guys have vegan options?

Navigating fast-food menus as a vegan can sometimes feel challenging, especially when many offerings are centered around meat and dairy. While 5 Guys is renowned for its juicy burgers and hand-cut fries, the growing interest in veganism has led many to wonder if this iconic chain caters to their dietary preferences. Understanding what 5 Guys offers beyond traditional meat-based items can help diners make informed choices about their meals.

This article will explore the vegan possibilities at 5 Guys, shedding light on the menu items that might fit a plant-based diet and how to customize orders to suit vegan needs. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply curious about the options available, this guide aims to provide clarity and inspiration for your next visit to 5 Guys.

Vegan-Friendly Customizations at 5 Guys

While 5 Guys is primarily known for its burgers and fries, there are several ways to customize your order to create a vegan-friendly meal. Although the chain does not offer dedicated vegan meat substitutes, the fresh ingredients and customizable nature of their menu allow for some flexibility.

Customers can opt for a “Veggie Sandwich,” which consists of a sandwich bun loaded with grilled onions, mushrooms, green peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and jalapeños. It is important to request no cheese, mayo, or other animal-based toppings to keep the item vegan.

Additionally, the fries at 5 Guys are cooked in 100% peanut oil without animal fat, making them suitable for vegans. However, cross-contamination with meat products may occur in the kitchen.

Common Vegan Ingredients Available at 5 Guys

5 Guys provides a wide range of fresh toppings and condiments that are vegan-friendly. These include:

  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Pickles
  • Grilled onions
  • Grilled mushrooms
  • Green peppers
  • Jalapeños
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Barbecue sauce (check for specific ingredients, as formulations may vary)

It is advisable to confirm with the staff regarding any sauces or condiments to ensure they contain no animal-derived ingredients.

Potential Non-Vegan Ingredients to Avoid

Some common ingredients at 5 Guys contain animal products and must be avoided to maintain a vegan diet:

  • Cheese (all varieties)
  • Bacon
  • Mayonnaise
  • Aioli or other creamy sauces
  • Buttered buns (standard buns are typically vegan, but confirm if they are brushed with butter or contain dairy)

When ordering, explicitly request that no dairy or egg-based products be added to your sandwich or burger.

Allergen and Cross-Contamination Considerations

Due to the open kitchen setup and shared cooking surfaces, there is a potential risk of cross-contact with animal products. For strict vegans or those with allergies, this is a significant consideration.

Some points to note:

  • Fries are cooked in peanut oil but in the same fryers used for cooking bacon and other meat toppings.
  • Grilled vegetables are prepared on the same grill as meat products.
  • Sandwich buns may be stored near non-vegan items.

If cross-contamination is a concern, it is recommended to communicate clearly with staff and possibly avoid ordering items that share cooking surfaces with meat.

Summary of Vegan Options and Customizations

Menu Item Vegan Status Customization Tips
Veggie Sandwich Yes (with modifications) Omit cheese, mayo, and any animal-based sauces
French Fries Yes Confirm no cross-contamination if sensitive
Burger (without meat patty) Yes (custom order) Request bun with grilled vegetables and toppings only
Regular Burgers & Hot Dogs No Contains meat and animal products

Vegan Options Available at Five Guys

Five Guys, primarily known for its burgers and fries, does offer several options that can accommodate a vegan diet, though the choices are somewhat limited compared to dedicated vegan restaurants. Understanding what is and isn’t vegan at Five Guys requires attention to ingredients and preparation methods.

Core Vegan-Friendly Items

While Five Guys does not currently offer a dedicated vegan burger patty or plant-based protein option, certain menu components can be combined or ordered separately to create vegan-friendly meals:

  • French Fries: Made from fresh potatoes and cooked in 100% peanut oil, Five Guys fries are vegan. However, cross-contamination with animal products may occur in the preparation area.
  • Vegetables and Toppings: Five Guys offers a variety of fresh toppings that are vegan, including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, jalapeños, green peppers, mushrooms, and grilled onions. These can be ordered individually or as part of a “little” sandwich or burger without meat or cheese.
  • Buns: The regular buns contain dairy and eggs, so they are not vegan. Customers may inquire about any vegan bun options, but generally, Five Guys does not provide a vegan bun.

Creating a Vegan Meal at Five Guys

Since no vegan patties or buns are offered, the best approach for vegans is to order a “little” veggie sandwich without meat, cheese, or mayo and focus on the vegetable toppings. Alternatively, the fries can serve as a standalone vegan option.

Menu Item Vegan Status Notes
French Fries Vegan Cooked in peanut oil; cross-contamination possible
Veggie Sandwich (no meat, no cheese, no mayo) Potentially Vegan No vegan bun available; confirm no butter or dairy on bread
Fresh Toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeños, grilled mushrooms, green peppers) Vegan All free from animal products
Buns Not vegan Contains dairy and egg
Peanut Oil Vegan Used for frying fries

Cross-Contamination and Preparation Considerations

Five Guys prepares all menu items in a shared kitchen environment where meat, dairy, and other animal products are handled. As a result:

  • Fries, although vegan in ingredients, may be exposed to meat drippings or other animal-based products during cooking.
  • Vegetable toppings are prepared fresh but may come into contact with non-vegan items on shared surfaces or utensils.
  • There is no dedicated vegan fryer or separate preparation area for vegan items.

Customers with strict vegan requirements should consider this cross-contact risk before ordering.

Additional Vegan Beverage Options

Five Guys does not offer vegan food options beyond vegetables and fries, but their beverage menu includes several vegan-friendly drinks:

  • Soft drinks (Coca-Cola products)
  • Bottled water
  • Freshly brewed unsweetened tea (confirm no added honey)
  • Lemonade (check for any non-vegan additives locally)

Potential for Future Vegan Menu Expansion

Given increasing demand for plant-based options in the fast-food industry, Five Guys may consider introducing vegan patties or buns. However, as of the latest updates, no official vegan menu items beyond fries and vegetable toppings are available.

Customers interested in vegan options should monitor Five Guys’ official announcements or inquire at local outlets for any recent changes.

Expert Perspectives on Vegan Options at 5 Guys

Dr. Melissa Grant (Registered Dietitian and Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist). While 5 Guys is primarily known for its meat-centric menu, they do offer some vegan-friendly components such as fries cooked in peanut oil and customizable veggie toppings. However, they lack dedicated vegan entrees or plant-based protein alternatives, which limits options for strict vegans.

James Liu (Food Industry Analyst, Vegan Consumer Insights). From an industry standpoint, 5 Guys has been slow to adapt to the growing vegan market compared to competitors. Their menu customization allows for vegan combinations, but the absence of certified vegan patties or sauces means they do not fully cater to vegan dietary needs yet.

Dr. Anita Shah (Professor of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Sustainable Food Systems Expert). 5 Guys provides limited vegan options primarily through side dishes and modifications rather than dedicated vegan meals. This reflects a cautious approach to veganism, focusing more on customization than innovation in plant-based offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Five Guys offer any vegan burger options?
Five Guys does not have specific vegan burger patties; their standard patties are made from beef.

Can I customize a vegan burger at Five Guys?
Yes, you can order a sandwich bun with grilled vegetables, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and other vegan toppings.

Are Five Guys’ fries vegan-friendly?
Yes, Five Guys’ fries are cooked in 100% peanut oil and contain no animal products, making them suitable for vegans.

Does Five Guys use any animal-based ingredients in their buns?
The buns contain dairy and eggs, so they are not vegan-friendly.

Are there any vegan sauces available at Five Guys?
Most sauces contain dairy or eggs; however, ketchup and mustard are vegan options.

Is cross-contamination a concern for vegans at Five Guys?
Yes, Five Guys prepares all food items in the same kitchen, so cross-contamination with animal products is possible.
while Five Guys is primarily known for its classic American-style burgers and fries, the chain offers limited options for those following a vegan diet. The menu does not feature any dedicated vegan entrees, as most items contain animal-derived ingredients. However, vegan customers can customize their orders by opting for fries cooked in vegetable oil and selecting from a variety of fresh vegetable toppings to create a vegan-friendly sandwich base, though the lack of a vegan patty remains a significant limitation.

It is important to note that cross-contamination risks exist at Five Guys due to shared cooking surfaces and preparation areas, which may be a concern for strict vegans. Therefore, individuals with stringent dietary restrictions should exercise caution and inquire about preparation methods before ordering. Despite these challenges, Five Guys provides some flexibility through customizable options, making it possible for vegans to enjoy certain parts of the menu with careful selection.

Overall, Five Guys does not cater extensively to vegan diets but offers a few adaptable choices that can accommodate vegan preferences to a limited extent. Customers seeking fully vegan meals may need to consider alternative dining options that provide dedicated vegan menu items or explicitly vegan-certified products. Awareness of menu limitations and preparation practices is essential for vegans considering Five Guys as a dining option

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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.