Wendy’s dares to be different. From its square-shaped hamburger patties to its controversial fries-and-Frosty combination, it’s safe to say this fast-food chain doesn’t abide by the status quo. In one way, it’s frustrating, because it hasn’t fallen in line with other major chains like Carl’s Jr. or Burger King and adopted an Impossible or Beyond Meat burger. However, Wendy’s is considering a meatless option—it just prefers to do the innovation. In June 2021, the chain released a very limited launch of a Spicy Black Bean Burger on its Made to Crave menu. While it required vegan modifications and is no longer available, the move signifies a permanent position in the future. While waiting for the veggie burger to return (fingers crossed), here is how to eat vegan at Wendy’s. 

Sides

The sides are where you’ll add some heft to your meal. Like Taco Bell, that heft comes in the form of potatoes—both fried and baked. Wendy’s natural-cut French fries are another example of the chain’s outlier tendencies, as the chain doesn’t peel its potatoes before slicing and frying. The plain baked potato is another fail-proof option. Ask for a side of chives and/or salsa to impart more flavor into your spud. For something fresh, ask for a side of apple or strawberry slices. 

Salads

All of the salads on Wendy’s menu can be made vegan when you remove the meat, nuts, and cheese and choose one of the two vinaigrette dressings. However, there is little left on some salads after this removal. For example, the Summer Strawberry Salad with no chicken, bacon, cheese, or almonds (they contain honey) leaves you with spring mix greens and sliced strawberries. However, this can serve as a nice, light appetizer salad—particularly when paired with the Champagne Vinaigrette that comes with this item. The Apple Pecan Salad is similarly light and fruity—without chicken, bacon, pecans (also contain honey), and cheese, you get a bowl of greens with diced apples and a vegan-friendly Pomegranate Vinaigrette. For a salad with more substance, opt for the Southwest Avocado Salad. Ask for no chicken, cheese, dressing, or bacon, but ask for extra diced tomatoes and the taco chips that come with the taco salad. In lieu of the vinaigrette, dress this salad with a side of salsa. 

Breakfast 

The options are slim, but there are options if you find yourself at a Wendy’s between the hours of 6:30-10:30am. Vegans have two choices: seasoned potatoes and fruit. Essentially, it’s a reiteration of the sides on the main menu with the exception that these potato wedges come with a bit more zing thanks to a sprinkling of garlic and onion powder. 

Sandwiches

Until the Spicy Black Bean Burger returns, vegans are out of luck. Technically, you could ask for a sandwich (the Premium Bun is vegan) with lettuce, avocado, tomato, pickles, and raw onion, but that seems extremely sad. 

In regards to the Frostys, bakery items, and chicken options, all contain some form of animal ingredients. While a Wendy’s spokesperson told us the company likes to do things “the Wendy’s way,” we’re still hoping for a Beyond Meat Chicken or an Oatly soft serve collaboration to guide it into the vegan future. 

For more tips on dining out as a vegan, check out our comprehensive vegan guides to Taco Bell, The Cheesecake Factory, and Burger King. 

Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and fitness enthusiast living in Orange County, CA.

This post was originally published on VegNews.com.