We’re just going to come out and say it: McDonald’s is letting us down. Not only has the fast-food giant failed to bring any of its international vegan options to US menus (where are you, McPlant?), but its fries aren’t even suitable for plant-based diners: they’re seasoned with beef flavoring that doesn’t actually contain beef—but it does contain milk. Go figure.
Fortunately, some fast-food chains have our backs, at least when it comes to fries. And according to USA Today’s new Reader’s Choice Awards, readers think they taste even better than McDonald’s anyway.
USA Today just released its 10 Best Fast Food Fries in its Reader’s Choice Awards, and first place goes to (drum roll, please) Del Taco. According to the publication, people particularly like the crinkle-cut shape, which “holds salt and crispiness.” Our favorite part about Del Taco’s fries? They’re vegan.
The Southern California-founded chain—with locations across 18 states, concentrated mostly in the West—doesn’t have many other plant-based options, but it does also offer vegan Hashbrown Sticks, which, again, is a win over McDonald’s.
Del Taco
In case you were wondering, McDonald’s came in fourth place in USA Today’s fry ranking. Second place went to Farmer Boys’ Always Crispy Fries, and while fish is, peculiarly listed as an allergen on the fries’ product page, its inclusion is likely just a cross-contamination measure, as the Riverside, CA-based company’s official nutrition guide lists only soy as an allergen. A&W came in third place and also offers vegan-friendly fries.
Other vegan fries in the lineup came from Shake Shack (fifth place), Five Guys (sixth place), Golden Chick (seventh place), Chick-fil-A (eighth place), and In-N-Out (10th place).
For even more vegan-friendly fast-food fries, check out our guide here.
Mr. Charlie’s
Where to find the (actual) best vegan fast-food fries
Of course, you don’t have to head to non-vegan fast-food chains for delicious French fries. There are plenty of vegan fast-food chains across the US serving tasty, crispy fries, with no beef flavoring or dairy ingredients in sight.
Mr. Charlie’s, for example, which is often described as the “anti-McDonald’s,” offers Frowny Fries that are arguably even tastier than McDonald’s. And we’re not the only fans; Reddit users have praised them, too.
“I haven’t eaten Mickey D’s in over a decade, but it tastes just like I remember (if a little more salty),” wrote one Redditor in r/vegan. “The nuggets have the same tempura-like coating, and the fries are spot on.”
Another added: “The fries are on point and their tots are bomb too.”
Mr. Charlie’s isn’t alone. Other vegan fast-food chains serving crave-worthy fries include Slutty Vegan, Plant Power Fast Food, Monty’s Good Burger, and many more.
Find out more about the best in vegan fast food
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
