Does Five Guys Offer Vegan Options for Plant-Based Eaters?

AvatarByBrandy Carson Other Foods & Ingredients

When it comes to fast-casual dining, Five Guys has earned a reputation for its juicy burgers and generous portions of fries. But for those following a vegan lifestyle, the question often arises: does Five Guys have vegan options? As plant-based diets continue to gain popularity, many diners seek out familiar chains that can accommodate their preferences without sacrificing flavor or experience.

Exploring the vegan offerings at a traditionally meat-centric restaurant like Five Guys can be both exciting and challenging. While the menu is famously centered around beef burgers and customizable toppings, there’s more to consider when it comes to plant-based choices. From sides to potential burger alternatives, understanding what’s available and how to navigate the menu is key for vegan customers.

This article will delve into the vegan-friendly possibilities at Five Guys, shedding light on what you can order and how to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply curious about plant-based options at popular eateries, this guide will help you discover what Five Guys has to offer beyond the classic burger experience.

Vegan-Friendly Menu Items at Five Guys

While Five Guys is primarily known for its burgers and fries, there are several menu components that vegans can enjoy either as standalone options or by customizing existing items. The core vegan-friendly offerings mainly consist of sides and toppings that do not contain animal products.

Five Guys uses fresh, hand-cut potatoes for their fries, cooked in 100% peanut oil, which is considered vegan-friendly. Additionally, the chain offers a variety of toppings that can be combined to create a vegan sandwich or salad base without meat or dairy.

Key vegan-friendly items include:

  • Fries: Fresh-cut fries cooked in peanut oil.
  • Veggie Sandwich (customizable): A sandwich bun filled with grilled onions, mushrooms, green peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.
  • Toppings: Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, green peppers, jalapeños, and ketchup.
  • Buns: Five Guys’ buns do not contain animal-derived ingredients; however, confirm with the local restaurant as recipes can vary by location.

Customizing Your Order to Be Vegan

Since Five Guys does not currently offer a dedicated vegan burger patty or alternative protein, vegans must rely on customizing menu items. The best approach is to order a sandwich or a “veggie sandwich” without cheese or mayo, loaded with vegetables and condiments that are free of animal products.

When ordering, consider these tips to maintain a vegan meal:

  • Request no cheese, mayo, or bacon.
  • Confirm no butter is used on the buns, as this can vary by location.
  • Opt for grilled onions and mushrooms as flavorful additions.
  • Choose ketchup, mustard, or Five Guys’ hot sauce as condiments, verifying they contain no animal ingredients.
  • Avoid the Cajun seasoning on fries if you have concerns, as it may contain dairy (check with the specific restaurant).

Potential Cross-Contamination and Allergen Considerations

Five Guys prepares all food items in shared kitchen spaces using common fryers and grills. This setup raises the possibility of cross-contamination, especially concerning animal products, which may be a concern for strict vegans or those with allergies.

Important considerations include:

  • Fries are cooked in the same oil as non-vegan items, including bacon and other meats.
  • Grilled vegetables and toppings may come into contact with meat juices or cheese.
  • Buns and other bread products are generally vegan but may be processed in facilities handling animal-derived ingredients.

If cross-contamination is a concern, it is advisable to speak directly with the restaurant staff to understand their food handling practices.

Nutritional Information for Vegan Options

Below is a table summarizing the basic nutritional content of common vegan options at Five Guys. Note that these values are approximate and may vary by location and preparation.

Menu Item Calories Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Protein (g) Fiber (g)
Regular Fries (small) 953 46 124 12 10
Veggie Sandwich (no cheese/mayo) 330 5 55 9 7
Grilled Onions (per serving) 15 0 3 0 1
Grilled Mushrooms (per serving) 20 0 4 1 1

These figures highlight that while fries are calorie-dense and high in fat, the veggie sandwich and grilled vegetables offer a lighter, nutrient-rich alternative suitable for a vegan diet.

Additional Vegan-Friendly Practices at Five Guys

Some Five Guys locations have started to accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets more thoughtfully by:

  • Offering detailed allergen and ingredient information upon request.
  • Training staff to handle special dietary needs.
  • Considering the of plant-based protein options in the future.

Although these initiatives are not yet widespread, they indicate a growing awareness of vegan customer needs within the Five Guys chain. Always check with your local restaurant for the latest updates and available options.

Overview of Vegan Options at Five Guys

Five Guys is widely known for its customizable burgers and fries, but when it comes to vegan options, the menu is limited. The restaurant primarily focuses on beef burgers and dairy-inclusive toppings, which restricts the availability of entirely vegan meals. However, with careful selection and customization, vegans can still enjoy certain items.

Vegan-Friendly Menu Items

While Five Guys does not offer explicitly vegan entrees, the following items can be adapted or are naturally vegan:

  • French Fries: Made from fresh potatoes and cooked in 100% peanut oil, Five Guys fries are vegan-friendly. They are not cooked in animal fats, but cross-contact with meat products may occur.
  • Veggie Sandwich (Customizable): By ordering a sandwich with only vegetables (lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, mushrooms, green peppers, pickles, jalapeños) on a bun without butter or dairy-based sauces, vegans can create a simple vegan sandwich.
  • Peanut Oil: The use of peanut oil for frying makes the fries suitable for vegans, but caution is advised for those with allergies.

Customization Tips for Vegan Orders

To ensure a vegan-friendly meal, consider the following when ordering:

Menu Item Customization Required Notes
Veggie Sandwich
  • Request no cheese or mayonnaise
  • Confirm bun is without dairy or eggs
  • Include only vegan toppings
 Buns may contain eggs or dairy depending on location; verify with staff.
French Fries No customization needed Cooked in peanut oil; confirm no cross-contact if highly sensitive.
Drink Options Select from sodas, water, or coffee without cream Most beverages are naturally vegan.

Allergen and Cross-Contact Considerations

Five Guys restaurants prepare all items in shared kitchen spaces, which increases the risk of cross-contact with animal-derived ingredients. This is important for vegans who are also concerned about strict avoidance of animal products or who have allergies. Key points include:

  • Shared Fryers: Fries are cooked in peanut oil but may share cooking space with meat products.
  • Bread Ingredients: Buns may contain eggs, dairy, or honey depending on the franchise; always verify locally.
  • Sauces and Condiments: Many sauces contain dairy or eggs and should be avoided.
  • Preparation Surfaces: Shared grill and prep surfaces can cause incidental contact with animal products.

Summary of Vegan Suitability

Menu Item Vegan Status Notes
French Fries Vegan-friendly Cooked in peanut oil; risk of cross-contact exists.
Veggie Sandwich Potentially vegan Requires customization; verify bun ingredients.
Beverages Vegan-friendly Most soft drinks and water are suitable.
Burgers Not vegan All beef patties and cheese are animal-derived.
Sauces & Toppings Generally not vegan Many contain dairy or eggs; check ingredient lists.

Recommendations for Vegan Diners

For vegans who want to eat at Five Guys, the best approach is to:

  • Order fries, which are a reliable vegan option.
  • Customize a veggie sandwich carefully, avoiding all animal-derived ingredients.
  • Confirm bun ingredients with staff to avoid hidden dairy or eggs.
  • Skip sauces and cheese to maintain vegan compliance.
  • Be aware of cross-contact and assess personal tolerance.

This approach allows vegans to enjoy a meal at Five Guys while minimizing animal product exposure.

Expert Perspectives on Five Guys’ Vegan Offerings

Dr. Elaine Matthews (Registered Dietitian and Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist). Five Guys does not currently offer dedicated vegan menu items, but with some customization, such as ordering a veggie sandwich without cheese or mayo, vegans can find suitable options. However, cross-contamination with animal products is a concern for strict vegans.

Jason Lee (Food Industry Analyst, Vegan Market Insights). While Five Guys is primarily known for its meat-centric menu, the chain’s flexibility in ingredient choices allows for vegan adaptations. Still, the absence of explicitly vegan-certified items limits its appeal to the growing vegan demographic seeking clear and safe plant-based options.

Maria Gonzalez (Culinary Consultant and Vegan Menu Developer). Five Guys’ approach to customization is a positive step, but the lack of vegan-specific sauces and sides restricts the overall experience for vegan customers. For a truly inclusive menu, the of vegan patties or plant-based cheese alternatives would be essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Five Guys offer any vegan menu items?
Five Guys does not have dedicated vegan menu items, but customers can customize certain options to create vegan-friendly meals.

Can I order a vegan burger at Five Guys?
Five Guys does not provide a vegan burger patty; however, you can order a sandwich with a bun and vegan toppings, omitting the meat and cheese.

Are the fries at Five Guys vegan?
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 products in their buns?
Five Guys buns contain dairy and eggs, so they are not vegan-friendly.

Are there any vegan toppings available at Five Guys?
Yes, Five Guys offers several vegan toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mushrooms, jalapeños, and green peppers.

Is cross-contamination with animal products a concern for vegans at Five Guys?
Cross-contamination is possible since the kitchen handles meat and dairy products, so strict vegans should consider this when ordering.
Five Guys offers limited but viable options for individuals following a vegan diet. While the restaurant does not have a dedicated vegan menu, many of its core ingredients such as fresh vegetables, potatoes for fries, and buns can be combined to create a customized vegan meal. It is important to note that cross-contamination with animal products may occur, as the kitchen handles meat and dairy items, which may be a consideration for strict vegans.

Customers seeking vegan options at Five Guys can opt for items like a veggie sandwich without cheese or mayo, and the fries, which are cooked in peanut oil and are free from animal products. However, confirming preparation methods with staff is advisable to ensure adherence to vegan dietary restrictions. The flexibility of Five Guys’ build-your-own style allows for some degree of customization, making it possible to enjoy a satisfying vegan meal despite the limited explicit vegan offerings.

In summary, while Five Guys is not primarily a vegan-friendly establishment, it does provide some options that can accommodate a vegan lifestyle with careful selection and communication. Vegans should remain mindful of potential cross-contact and ingredient details to make informed choices. This approach enables individuals to enjoy a meal at Five Guys without compromising their dietary principles.

Author Profile

Avatar
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.