Vegan Guide to Whataburger: Best Menu Options, Swaps, and More

Vegan guide to Whataburger.

Treehugger / Photo Illustration by Catherine Song / Whataburger

Family-operated since the start, Whataburger has been serving delicious burgers, fries, shakes, and more since its founding in 1950. While the fast-food chain is not known for its vegan items, plant-based customers can still find some small bites at Whataburger locations. Here are our favorite vegan menu items, plus toppings, drinks, and more.

Our Top Picks

These classic Whataburger sides complete your meal with their crispiness and seasoning.

French Fries

It's always a relief to go to a popular fast-food chain and find vegan fries. The Whataburger website confirms its fries are cooked in “ZTF Whataburger liquid shortening,” which is primarily soybean oil-based.

Hash Brown Sticks

The only vegan breakfast item at Whataburger is delicious on its own. However, if you're feeling creative, the hash brown sticks can be added as a sandwich filler for the secret menu item “Whatahash Sandwich.”

Garden Salad

This salad can be made vegan-friendly by omitting chicken and cheese. After that, liven up the basic mix of greens with some more toppings: avocado, fire-roasted mushrooms, grilled peppers and onions, and jalapenos. Finish with one of the vegan dressings or oil and vinegar.

Treehugger Tip

Whataburger’s website states that potato-based sides may be cooked in a shared fryer with items made with non-vegan ingredients. Ask at your location about cross-contamination.

Vegan Breads

There are no vegan sandwiches at Whataburger, and it may be difficult to build your own sandwich. Still, you can ask at your location if they are able to modify an existing sandwich. The following breads are vegan:

  • White Bun
  • Texas Toast
  • Flour Tortilla

Vegan Toppings

Fortunately, there's lots of veg to go around at Whataburger.

  • Avocado
  • Fire Roasted Mushrooms
  • Grilled Peppers and Onions
  • Jalapeños (Fresh or Grilled)
  • Lettuce
  • Pickles
  • Tomato Slices

Vegan Condiments

Top things off with one or more of these condiments.

  • Fancy Ketchup
  • Spicy Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Herb Vinaigrette 
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette 

Vegan Sides

While there aren't many sides, at least you've got a choice between savory and sweet.

  • French Fries
  • Hash Brown Sticks
  • Apple Slices

Vegan Drinks

Reliable soda fountain drinks make up most of Whataburger’s thirst quenchers.

  • Simply Orange Juice
  • Honest Apple Juice
  • Coke
  • Diet Coke
  • Sprite
  • Fanta (Strawberry and Orange)
  • Hawaiian Punch
  • Mountain Dew
  • Pepsi
  • Dr. Pepper
  • Unsweetened Tea
  • Sweet Tea
  • Hot Tea
  • Coffee
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Are the onion rings at Whataburger vegan?

    No, unfortunately. The onion rings at Whataburger contain egg and milk products.

  • Does Whataburger have a vegan burger?

    We wish, but sadly no. While other burger chains do, Whataburger continues to sell beef burgers.