Vegan Guide to IHOP: The Best Menu Options, Swaps, and More

While IHOP's vegan options quite don’t stack up, plant-based bites are still available.

By
Elyse Glickman
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Elyse Glickman
Writer
Elyse has nearly 20 years of experience in the field of food and drink writing and journalism. In addition to contributing to a variety of food, nutrition, and travel publications, she has developed and managed her own publication, Liquid Living, focused on home entertaining.
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Updated January 25, 2022
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Treehugger / Photo Illustration by Catherine Song / IHOP

The International House of Pancakes—familiarly known as IHOP—opened its door in 1958 and has been drawing in customers every since. The Los Angeles-based chain stands as a monument to breakfast, with its signature stacks of pancakes front and center.

Unfortunately, there are no plant-based pancakes or common breakfast comfort foods available here. What does that mean for vegans? It's time to get creative. Here are some provisions in the house that will ensure vegans can fill up in the morning (or any time of day) before going out into the world.

Our Top Picks

Even without access to plant-based pancakes or burgers, vegan diners can take advantage of IHOP’s condiments and potato creations.

Sautéed Vegetables 

Sautéed veg is what you get when you order the popular Spinach and Mushroom or Garden Omelettes without eggs, cheese, or animal products. Be sure to ask your server to avoid animal-based oils during preparation, if possible.

Add either Hash Browns, Potato Cakes, or Red Potato Pepper and Onion hash for extra substance and a side of salsa for extra flavor.

IHOP's Oatmeal

This substantial option just so happens to be vegan when made with water. Add brown sugar and your favorite fresh fruits (bananas, strawberries, or both), or indulge a bit and pile on some nuts and syrup made without dairy or animal products.

Vegan Entrées

If you hop around IHOP’s current menu and ask your server to skip the animal-based parts of the recipe, you’ll land yourself a decent meal.

  • Chicken & Veggie Salad (Remove the chicken. What remains is fresh sliced tomato, red onions, avocado, and mushrooms on a crisp lettuce blend, tossed in balsamic vinaigrette.)
  • Citrus Chicken Pecan Salad (Remove the chicken.)
  • Sautéed Veggies

Vegan Sides

For the most part, it’s all about the potatoes whether you’re thinking breakfast, lunch or dinner.

  • Hashbrowns (Ask for no butter.)
  • IHOP's Crispy Potato Cakes (Similar to hashbrowns, but with a lighter, crispier texture. Request no butter.)
  • Red Potato Pepper & Onion Hash
  • English Muffin (Ask for no butter.)
  • Mixed Fruit Cup
  • Grits and/or Oatmeal (Order with water and without milk or butter.)
  • French Fries
  • Plain Baked Potato
  • House Salad with a vegan dressing (Add avocado for extra creaminess.)
  • Steamed Vegetables/Broccoli (Ask for no butter.)
  • Sautéed Veggies
  • Minestrone Soup (Order two bowls for a light yet more filling meal.)

Treehugger Tip

Create your own avocado toast at IHOP. Order the sourdough toast or English muffin lightly toasted, no butter, with a side of avocado slices. Add tomatoes, bell peppers, and any other vegetables that strike your fancy.

Vegan Condiments

Add some flavor to your salad with these plant-based dressings.

  • Creamy Italian Salad Dressing
  • Fat-Free Raspberry Vinaigrette
  • Orange Vinaigrette
  • Raspberry Vinaigrette
  • French Dressing
  • Catalina Dressing

Vegan Drinks

Fountain drinks and juices abound, but at IHOP, it's all about the bottomless cups of coffee.

  • International House Roast Coffee IHOP Colombian Blend, 100% Arabica Beans
  • International House Roast Decaf Coffee IHOP Colombian Blend, 100% Arabica Beans
  • Pepsi
  • Diet Pepsi
  • Sierra Mist
  • Mountain Dew
  • Orange Juice
  • Apple Juice
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can vegans eat IHOP pancakes?

    There are no vegan pancake options at IHOP. Your best bet is to pull together some of IHOP's vegan sides or opt for oatmeal made with water or sautéed vegetables with a potato-based side.

  • Is IHOP syrup vegan?

    The blueberry, strawberry, and maple syrups at IHOP are all vegan. The butter pecan syrup is not vegan because it contains spray dried butter.

  • Which pancakes are vegan?

    While IHOP does not have vegan pancakes at this time, other diners might. There are different varieties of pancakes—like dosa, potato pancakes, and injera—that are often prepared with plant-based ingredients. You can also make your own with vegan pancake mixes.