The fast food industry is evolving faster than ever — and in 2025, vegan fast food franchises are no longer niche; they’re leading the charge in mainstream dining.
With plant-based eating surging across all demographics, today’s top chains are stepping up with flavorful, innovative, and sustainability-focused menus that cater to a new generation of consumers. Whether you’re vegan, flexitarian, or just curious about cutting down on meat, the options in 2025 are more delicious, accessible, and ethically aligned than ever before.
In this guide, we break down the best vegan fast food franchises of 2025, what makes them stand out, and how they’re reshaping the future of quick-service dining.
The Rise of Vegan Fast Food: Why 2025 Is a Game-Changer
The year 2025 marks a pivotal shift in fast food history. Global plant-based food sales are projected to hit $77.8 billion by 2025, according to Statista, with a significant chunk driven by quick-service restaurants (QSRs). Consumers today aren’t just looking for convenience—they demand taste, transparency, and ethics.
Several factors are driving this transformation:
- Health awareness: Rising concerns over heart disease, cholesterol, and diabetes are pushing people toward plant-based eating.
- Climate consciousness: With livestock contributing nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, eco-conscious diners are seeking alternatives.
- Flavor evolution: No more bland tofu burgers. Today’s vegan menus feature chef-driven recipes, world flavors, and meat-like plant proteins that rival their animal-based counterparts.
📊 Vegan Fast Food Market Facts 2025
| Metric | 2023 | 2025 (Projected) |
| Global Plant-Based Fast Food Market | $26.5B | $40.9B |
| % of QSRs Offering Vegan Menus | 36% | 64% |
| Average Vegan Menu Sales Growth | 12% YoY | 17% YoY |
| Top Age Group Adopting Vegan Fast Food | 18-34 | 18-44 |
💬 “Vegan fast food is no longer an alternative — it’s the future of fast food.” – Rachel Konrad, Board Member, Impossible Foods
How We Ranked the Best Vegan Fast Food Franchises
Not all plant-based franchises are created equal. To curate this 2025 list of top vegan fast food brands, we analyzed a combination of data points, industry insights, and real customer feedback.
✅ Ranking Criteria
- Menu Innovation & Quality
Franchises must offer a broad selection of plant-based items that go beyond salads — think vegan burgers, wraps, tacos, bowls, and desserts with standout taste and presentation. - Market Reach & Accessibility
We considered brands with national or fast-growing regional footprints, especially those expanding into new markets in 2025. - Sustainability Practices
This includes eco-friendly packaging, renewable energy usage, and ethical sourcing — all of which matter deeply to vegan consumers. - Customer Sentiment
We used aggregated reviews from Yelp, Google, and social media sentiment analysis to assess real-world consumer love and loyalty. - Business Performance & Franchise Growth
Brands that show strong unit growth, profitability, and franchisee satisfaction made the top of the list.
📌 What to Expect in the Rankings
- Major franchises going fully plant-based or launching vegan-focused outlets.
- Independent vegan brands scaling nationwide through franchising.
- Hybrid fast food chains making bold plant-based commitments.
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Top Vegan Fast Food Franchises 2025
Burger King
While not 100% vegan, Burger King is leading the mainstream shift with its plant-based Impossible Whopper, now available globally. In 2025, many locations have expanded their offerings to include vegan chicken nuggets, dairy-free shakes, and vegan breakfast sandwiches.
Notable 2025 Facts:
- Over 70% of global outlets now offer dedicated plant-based items.
- Piloted fully vegan outlets in cities like London, Berlin, and Los Angeles.
- Collaborated with Impossible Foods and Oatly for exclusive vegan menus.
🧠 Case Study: The Madrid Burger King launched a 100% vegan location that reported a 23% increase in foot traffic compared to nearby meat-based outlets.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell continues to dominate with its “Veggie Mode” menu, featuring black bean chalupas, vegan Crunchwraps, and the Beyond Carne Asada Steak. By 2025, more than 9,000 U.S. locations offer fully customizable vegan meals.
Why It Stands Out:
- All items can be made vegan upon request.
- Introduced vegan nacho cheese sauce nationwide.
- Cult-like loyalty among Gen Z and Millennials for flavor and affordability.
Chipotle
Chipotle’s commitment to clean, customizable eating keeps it at the top. With sofritas (spicy tofu), plant-based chorizo, and new cauliflower rice, Chipotle is ideal for vegans who want quick, healthy options.
2025 Highlights:
- Launched plant-powered bowls with over 15g of protein per serving.
- Expanded vegan options in Latin America and Asia.
- Ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among health-focused fast food chains.
Subway
Subway has reinvented itself with its “Plant-Based Build” line in 2025. Customers can choose from vegan deli slices, vegan cheese, and a lineup of sauces and breads that are 100% plant-based.
In 2025:
- Partnered with The Vegetarian Butcher to offer vegan meatballs, teriyaki “chicken,” and steak.
- Vegan menu now available in 30+ countries.
- Added vegan meal-prep kits via delivery.
Del Taco
As one of the early adopters of Beyond Meat, Del Taco continues to grow its vegan base in 2025 with Epic Beyond Burritos, vegan tacos, and crinkle-cut loaded vegan fries.
Performance Insights:
- Vegan items now account for 22% of total sales.
- Released vegan breakfast menu including hashbrown-stuffed burritos and oat milk coffee.
- Major growth in urban U.S. markets and college towns.
Veggie Grill
A true pioneer, Veggie Grill is 100% plant-based and continues to be a beacon for gourmet fast-casual vegan food. With a focus on wellness and flavor, their menu includes buffalo chickin’ wraps, mac n’ cheese, and seasonal bowls.
2025 Developments:
- Operating in over 40 locations across the U.S.
- Introduced a loyalty app with vegan nutrition tracking.
- Opened first international franchise in Canada.
Mr. Charlie’s
Dubbed the “Vegan McDonald’s,” Mr. Charlie’s is known for its cheeky branding and iconic “Not a Cheeseburger” and “Frowny Meals.” In 2025, this young franchise is making serious waves.
Why People Love It:
- 100% vegan and Instagram-famous.
- Staffed in part by formerly incarcerated individuals — blending mission with menu.
- Rapid expansion: from 3 to 15+ stores in under 2 years.
💬 “Mr. Charlie’s is what Gen Z wants — honest, fun, plant-based food with purpose.” — Jay Shetty, entrepreneur and podcaster
Red Robin
Red Robin added the Impossible Gourmet Burger and vegan bottomless fries early on, but by 2025, they’ve stepped up. Now offering full vegan menu sections, including stacked burgers, dairy-free onion rings, and oat milk shakes.
Growth Stats:
- Vegan orders up 39% YOY.
- Family-friendly positioning brings in mixed-diet groups.
- Offers Vegan Tuesday promos with 2-for-1 deals.
Greens & Grains
An East Coast gem gone national, Greens & Grains focuses on fresh bowls, pita pockets, and Mediterranean flavors. 100% vegan and exploding in popularity across fitness and college hubs.
2025 Wins:
- Now franchising in 12 states.
- Partnerships with gyms and co-working spaces for food kiosks.
- Known for clean ingredients and protein-packed menus.
Shake Shack
Once a burger-and-milkshake staple, Shake Shack has leaned into innovation. Its Veggie Shack Burger, crispy mushroom bites, and non-dairy frozen custard keep it in the conversation.
2025 Trends:
- Partnered with NotCo for vegan sauces and patties.
- Now testing vegan breakfast sandwiches.
- Launched a limited-time vegan truffle burger that sold out in 48 hours.
Emerging Vegan Fast Food Franchises to Watch
Besides the big names, a new wave of vegan fast food startups is making noise in 2025:
| Brand | Specialty | Unique Feature |
| PLNT Burger | Burgers, fries | Backed by chef Spike Mendelsohn |
| Native Foods | Comfort meals | 100% plant-based since 1994 |
| Plant Power Fast Food | Drive-thru vegan meals | Solar-powered kitchens |
| Odd Burger | Canadian vegan chain | Fully automated kitchens |
These upstarts are tapping into local markets with scalable concepts, making them ones to watch — or franchise.
Regional Favorites with National Potential
Some vegan chains haven’t hit every state yet but have cult-like local followings. These include:
- The Vurger Co. (UK → US expansion)
- Monty’s Good Burger (California)
- Kale My Name (Chicago)
- Loving Hut (Global but niche)
If you’re in one of their zones, supporting them early means more expansion and visibility.
Most Sustainable Vegan Fast Food Brands
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword in 2025 — it’s a demand. These brands lead the way:
| Brand | Sustainability Highlights |
| Veggie Grill | Compostable packaging, local produce |
| Mr. Charlie’s | Carbon-neutral certified in select cities |
| PLNT Burger | 100% renewable energy sourcing |
| Greens & Grains | Zero single-use plastics |
Customer Favorites: Reviews & Social Media Buzz
The most-loved vegan fast food brands on social media (based on 2025 analysis):
- #1 Mr. Charlie’s – TikTok viral meals, Gen Z favorite.
- #2 Chipotle – Loved for customization and macros.
- #3 Shake Shack – Praised for upscale vegan flavor.
- #4 Taco Bell – Best budget vegan options.
- #5 Greens & Grains – Fitness community darling.
🤳 Top-rated vegan fast food TikTok: “Trying the Frowny Meal from Mr. Charlie’s” – 4.2M views
Franchise Opportunities in Vegan Fast Food (2025)
With demand booming, now’s a great time to invest. Here’s a quick look:
| Brand | Initial Franchise Cost | Franchise Count | Support Rating |
| Mr. Charlie’s | $150k–$250k | 15+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Greens & Grains | $120k–$200k | 25+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PLNT Burger | $250k+ | 30+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Plant Power Fast Food | $300k+ | 40+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Franchisees are seeing ROIs within 2–3 years, especially in high-traffic or health-conscious urban areas.
Conclusion: The Future of Vegan Fast Food Is Now
The best vegan fast food franchises of 2025 prove that the plant-based movement isn’t a trend — it’s a transformation.
From global giants like Burger King and Taco Bell to purpose-driven newcomers like Mr. Charlie’s, vegan fast food is becoming as normal as ordering fries. With better taste, better ethics, and better business potential, this is a sector that’s only going up.
🌱 Whether you’re a hungry customer or a savvy investor, vegan fast food in 2025 offers more value than ever.
Hungry for more? Try a top-rated vegan fast food chain near you — or better yet, help bring one to your city.
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FAQs: Best Vegan Fast Food Franchises 2025
What is the best vegan fast food franchise in 2025?
While preferences vary by taste and location, Chipotle, Mr. Charlie’s, and Veggie Grill are among the top-rated in 2025 for their innovation, taste, and fully vegan or highly customizable plant-based menus.
Are there 100% vegan fast food franchises?
Yes. Brands like Mr. Charlie’s, Veggie Grill, Greens & Grains, Plant Power Fast Food, and Native Foods are fully vegan and offer menus free from animal products, including dairy and eggs.
Which mainstream fast food chains have vegan options in 2025?
Several traditional chains have significantly expanded their vegan options:
- Burger King: Impossible Whopper, vegan nuggets.
- Taco Bell: Vegan Crunchwraps, black bean tacos.
- Subway: Vegan deli slices, sauces, and cheeses.
- Shake Shack: Veggie Shack burger, non-dairy shakes.
What vegan fast food franchise is the best to invest in 2025?
Greens & Grains, Mr. Charlie’s, and PLNT Burger are considered strong investment opportunities due to their growth rate, brand appeal, and relatively low franchise entry costs.
Is vegan fast food healthier than traditional fast food?
Vegan fast food can be lower in cholesterol and saturated fats, especially when made with whole food ingredients. However, like all fast food, nutritional value depends on the item — always check labels for sodium, fat, and calories.
Which vegan fast food has the most protein?
Chains like Chipotle, Greens & Grains, and Del Taco offer high-protein vegan options, such as:
- Chipotle’s Plant-Based Chorizo Bowl – 25g+ protein
- Greens & Grains Protein Bowl – up to 30g
- Del Taco’s Epic Beyond Burrito – 27g+ protein
Are vegan fast food options more expensive?
Not necessarily. While some vegan options carry a slight premium (typically $0.50–$2 more), many chains like Taco Bell and Subway offer vegan meals at competitive prices, especially when customizing from existing menu items.
What cities have the most vegan fast food franchises in 2025?
Major hubs for vegan fast food in 2025 include:
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- Austin
- Portland
- Chicago
- London (UK)
These cities often host flagship or concept stores and have strong vegan communities.