November 5, 2019 by Danny Prater Publishedby

These days, news moves fast—even good news! As more people ditch the suffering caused by the meat and dairy industries and go vegan, companies are moving quickly to make hungry plant-based diners happy. It’s easy to see the progress being achieved for animals when you look at the exciting vegan fast-food options that debuted this year, even if it’s hard to keep up with the latest news. That’s why we’ve made this handy list of 2019’s new animal-free options at popular chain restaurants across the country.

Here’s the most exciting vegan fast-food news of 2019:

Nearly 20 years of PETA protests paid off in 2019 when fast-food giant KFC announced that it was bowing to customer demand by testing tempting vegan fried chicken from Beyond Meat. During the test, customers and cars wrapped around the building and the option sold out in hours—a sure sign that KFC should make vegan fried chicken available nationwide ASAP.

This popular West Coast burger chain made going vegan an easy New Year’s resolution in 2019. On the final day of 2018, Carl’s Jr. began serving up savory Beyond Burgers at all its locations.

Not to be left behind Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s—with locations on the East Coast and in the Midwest—began serving Beyond Burgers and Beyond Sausage breakfast patties in October. The exclusive-to-Hardee’s patties can be ordered in a lettuce wrap or flour tortilla to keep them vegan.

Right now, you can find the veganized version of Subway’s most in-demand sub—made with Beyond Meat meatballs—at more than 600 participating locations, including in Fresno, California; South Bend, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; Jackson, Mississippi; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In order to make the new sandwich completely vegan, simply order it without cheese and get it on vegan bread, such as Classic Italian.

In 2019, hungry diners can start their day with Beyond Sausage breakfast sandwiches that will be available at over 9,000 Dunkin’ locations. All you’ve got to do is ask for it without cheese and egg.

The demand for plant-based options is apparent at Del Taco—it reportedly sold 2 million Beyond Tacos in the two months after they debuted at 500 locations nationwide.

Starting in August, Baskin-Robbins debuted its two first creamy vegan ice cream flavors: Chocolate Extreme and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. It’s since launched a third: Coffee Caramel Chunk.

Taco Bell, one of the largest chains in the U.S., has long been a go-to for vegans looking to find a meal while on the road. This year, as part of its “Tacos With a Side of Purpose” initiative, it’s added a dedicated vegan-friendly menu. According to Forbes, Taco Bell’s goal to cater more to animal-friendly eaters stems from its commitment to high-quality, healthy, and tasty ingredients.

McDonald’s Tests Beyond Meat in Canada

Our neighbors to the north got lucky in 2019. In Canada, McDonald’s is testing the P.L.T. (plant, lettuce, tomato), which features a Beyond Meat patty. This huge news has us wishing that next year, the Golden Arches will get a little greener here in the U.S.

Before we know it, 2020 will be here, so stay tuned for even more exciting vegan options debuting in restaurants and grocery stores. If you’re ready to make the switch to compassionate living but don’t know how to get started, you’ve come to the perfect place. We’ve got all the free tips and tools you’ll need to go—and stay—vegan all year long.

If you’re excited about the vegan fast food mentioned on this page, there’s more you can do! Join the hundreds of thousands of people who’ve taken action to get more animal-free meals in chain restaurants across the country. It only takes a minute—and clearly, it works.

Urge More Chains to Add Vegan Options