7 Discontinued Vegan Fast Food Items We Still Miss
Written by The VEGPRENEUR Team
Fast food chains have flirted with plant-based innovation over the years, but these discontinued items left a lasting impression on vegan (and vegan-curious) consumers.
Chipotle Plant-based chorizo
Chipotle’s plant-based chorizo was bold, smoky, and actually packed with flavor, making it one of the most exciting vegan protein options to hit a major chain. It worked across burritos, bowls, and tacos, and felt like a true upgrade rather than a substitute.
Vegan note: The chorizo itself was vegan, but menu items needed to be customized (no dairy toppings) to be fully plant-based.
panda express beyond orange chicken
This Beyond Meat collab went viral for a reason. Crispy, saucy, and indulgent, it was one of the closest things to a traditional fast food comfort meal.
Vegan note: While the ingredients were plant-based, Panda Express did not consider it vegan due to shared cooking equipment.
kfc beyond fried chicken
KFC made headlines with this launch, bringing plant-based fried chicken to the mainstream. The crispy coating and familiar flavor made it a standout.
Vegan note: The nuggets were plant-based, but cooked in shared fryers, so not considered fully vegan.
Dunkin’ beyond sausage breakfast sandwich
Dunkin’ helped normalize plant-based breakfast with this widely available option. It was convenient, filling, and one of the few fast food vegan-ish breakfasts at the time.
Vegan note: As served, it included egg and cheese, so it wasn’t vegan without modifications.
del taco Beyond meat Avocado tacos
Del Taco was ahead of the curve, offering Beyond Meat across multiple menu items. It made plant-based fast food affordable and accessible.
Vegan note: The Beyond meat itself was vegan, but standard menu items included dairy toppings.
panera bread 10 vegetable soup
A rare fully vegan fast food win, this soup was hearty, comforting, and widely loved, especially for those looking for something lighter.
Vegan note: One of the few items on this list that was fully vegan as served.
mcdonald’s mcplant
The McPlant had major hype as McDonald’s first plant-based burger in partnership with Beyond Meat. Despite the buzz, it didn’t stick in the U.S.
Vegan note: As served, it included cheese and mayo, and was typically cooked on shared grills, so not fully vegan.
These items proved that plant-based fast food can be just as craveable, but also highlighted how inconsistent availability (and execution) can be.
One thing’s clear: the demand is there. Now we just need the menus to catch up.
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