If you are on a vegan diet, you might be wondering whether fries are vegan. In particular, you may consider French fries as a side dish at a restaurant. You might expect this simple potato dish to automatically be vegan but some establishments use animal products in their preparation of fries.

Given that fast food places are catered to the general population, it can be difficult to find a vegan meal at these spots.

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Are Homemade Fries Vegan?

If you’d want to make sure the fries are vegan, the best option is to make them at home.

Make sure to use only:

Fresh, local potatoes
A non-animal oil (soybean, peanut, avocado oil)
Salt

Then it is guaranteed vegan!

Are Frozen French Fries Vegan?

It depends on the ingredient list of the product. Most of the time, frozen French Fries are completely plant-based but there will sometimes be some non-vegan ingredients including:

Milk
Milk Solids
Cheese
Animal Fat (beef fat, horse fat)
Some food coloring and other E numbers Bacon (some fries are mixed with bacon bits)
Animal flavoring

Are Restaurant French Fries Vegan?

Almost all restaurants use frozen fries, so be sure to ask your waiter if the ingredient itself is vegan.

Are McDonald’s Fries Vegan?

Unfortunately, fries produced in their US branches are not vegan friendly. The official ingredients and allergens section have Natural Beef Flavor listed. This consists of both dairy and meat derivatives!

KFC

KFC fries are vegan as no dairy or animal-based products are used in their production.

However, not all branches have separate fryers for their veggie and vegan friendly sides. You should ask the specific location about their cooking methods before you order.

Burger King

Unlike their competitors, Burger King fries are one hundred percent vegan. Every single batch is made using vegetable oil in dedicated fryers, so go ahead and enjoy every single bite without the guilt.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell has directly defined vegan food as “recipes that contain no animal products,” being careful to emphasize that they “use the same frying oil to prepare menu items,” and that it “may or may contain animal ingredients.”

That being said, they don’t assert that their fries are definitively vegan. You could always ask the particular establishment you go to if their fries are cooked in separate oil. It might be worthwhile as their fries are seasoned perfectly!

Wendy’s

If you enjoy a nostalgic twist, you will like how Wendy’s keeps the skin on their fries. Not only are they tasty but they are cooked in vegan oil, making them a perfect option!

However, keep in mind that their fries and other Wendy’s options have been “cooked in the same oil as menu items that contain wheat, milk and fish.” It totally comes down to your own preference whether you are comfortable with this or not.

Five Guys

This might be common knowledge but the fries at Five Guys are known for their taste that is distinctly nutty as they are cooked in 100% peanut oil. This method of preparation is completely vegan, so you’re safe on that front.

Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A’s official website states that they offer several vegan options but they make sure to tell customers that they “do not designate vegetarian-only preparation surfaces.” This is important for more vigilant vegans to keep in mind.

Those who enjoy their famous Waffle Potato Fries will be happy to hear that they are absolutely vegan. From their preparation in canola oil, these fries use solely potatoes and sea salt. They are truly plant-based heaven.

Popeyes

Unfortunately, Popeyes does not participate in catering to vegetarians and vegans. They could not be farther away from being vegan friendly. It is said that all of their items have been fried in lard or beef tallow, which are certainly animal products.

Arby’s

Although Arby’s fries do not contain animal products, they share the same oil as their fish and chicken nuggets.

Jack In The Box

Jack In The Box’s fries, curly fries, and wedges are free of animal products but just like Arby’s, they are cooked in the same fryers as other meat products.

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic Drive-In fries do not contain any animal-based products. The same goes for their onion rings and tots. However, they are probably cooked in the same fryers as their Mozzarella Sticks, Popcorn Chicken, and other animal-based products.

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Homemade Vegan Fries Recipe

Given that fast food places are catered to the general population, it can be difficult to find a vegan meal at these spots. In particular, you might be wondering about fries as a side dish. You might expect this simple potato dish to automatically be vegan but some establishments use animal products in their preparation of fries.

Keyword Are Fries Vegan

Servings

Ingredients

3 medium Yukon gold potatoes
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425F.
Clean and rinse your potatoes.
Leave the skins on and chop them thinly, approximately ¼” by ¼” thick.
Arrange your chopped potatoes onto a cookie tray lined with parchment paper and ensure that none of the potatoes overlap. Be sure not to overload your tray. For three potatoes and depending on the size of your tray, it is probably best to cook them in two batches.
Use an oil mister or spray oil to cover the chopped potatoes in olive oil and use sea salt and fresh ground pepper to sprinkle on top.
Bake for 25 minutes, until they appear golden brown and crispy.
Enjoy your vegan french fries simply like that or get some ketchup, vegan gravy or sriacha vegan mayonnaise to dip them into.