Is it vegan to eat at McDonalds?

[guitaramole]

Would it be vegan to eat fries and other vegan items from there? Yes, Im not eating meat, but I am giving money to Mcdonalds. Which might be technically vegan, but I see there could be an ethical problem.

[brimstoneSalad]

I don't think McDonald's has any vegan options for food. Their fries are fried in beef fat, for example. Trying to eat at McDonad's would be an exercise in malnourishment at best.

Other fast food restaurants (like taco bell) are much better. You can get something healthy and filling there by veganizing typical menu items with beans.

http://www.peta2.com/lifestyle/vegan-taco-bell/

Good stuff. Lots of healthy vegan protein, and healthy fats from avocado.

So, in principle I'd say it's fine (and even a great resource, and encouraging restaurants to have more vegan options) to eat at these places. In practice, I'd say McDonald's is currently a no-go, and to choose almost anywhere else. If you're eating out with friends, it's not usually hard to get them to go for taco bell instead, so you'll have something good to eat.

[brimstoneSalad]

http://www.peta2.com/lifestyle/wendys-vegan-options/

Wendy's is also better, and they're working on introducing a vegan Black Bean Burger, which is available in select locations.

http://www.peta2.com/lifestyle/burger-king-vegan-guide/

Burger king has some vegan options, but pretty limited. Unfortunately their veggie burger is egg and dairy based. But if you don't have anything else to eat, it's a better option than McDonalds.

I would go for Taco Bell first, then Wendy's, then Burger King as a last resort.

[miniboes]

I don't think McDonald's has any vegan options for food. Their fries are fried in beef fat, for example. Trying to eat at McDonad's would be an exercise in malnourishment at best.

This would differ from country to country then. The Dutch McDonald's has stated that they use no animal products (e.g. beef flavor) in the production of their fries and fry them in vegetable oil. In the Netherlands, then, it's not ethically wrong to eat fries there. It's just unhealthy.

I have come to accept eating fries once in a while because often there is simply no other vegan option when I'm with other people.

I would go for Taco Bell first, then Wendy's, then Burger King as a last resort.

How about subway?
http://www.peta2.com/lifestyle/vegan-subway-guide/

It's really easy to get a vegan sandwich there. Sadly, you have to opt for a white bread option (italian, hearty italian or sourdough). If they were to make their wholegrain breads vegan (they currently contain eggs) it would actually be a pretty healthy place to eat.

[brimstoneSalad]

This would differ from country to country then. The Dutch McDonald's has stated that they use no animal products (e.g. beef flavor) in the production of their fries and fry them in vegetable oil.

That's good. Maybe someday the states will too. I don't think McDonald's has vegetarians in mind as an important demographic, though.

I have come to accept eating fries once in a while because often there is simply no other vegan option when I'm with other people.

Fries will upset my stomach, but I have eaten sugary junk food when out. Sometimes you just need some calories to fuel you for a few hours until you can get some real food.

How about subway?
http://www.peta2.com/lifestyle/vegan-subway-guide/

I forgot about subway. That's another good option!

[guitaramole]

Huh, Im from the US and always thought the fries were fried in vegetable oil. I dont plan on eating McDonalds either way.

I was more curious about how ethical is it to eat at a large chain fast food joint. I understand that vegans essentially dont buy animal products, so there is a decrease in demand for animal products. Is there also a concern with giving money to businesses that profit from animal cruelty, even if that money was used to buy an item that is animal-free?

[brimstoneSalad]

Is there also a concern with giving money to businesses that profit from animal cruelty, even if that money was used to buy an item that is animal-free?

Not really. It tells big businesses that there's a market for vegan products, and encourages them to make those more available.

Look at Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ice cream. There were non-dairy ice creams before that, but none with such a brand behind them. A big brand comes with consumer trust, recognition, quality control, etc.
It's arguable that big companies do vegan food bigger and better, simply because they have better R&D budgets, and they can push into a broader market. If veganism is going to go mainstream, this is how we do it.

That said, it's great to support vegan companies and restaurants when you can too.

[guitaramole]

That's a great point. Is veganism becoming more mainstream?

[brimstoneSalad]

That's a great point. Is veganism becoming more mainstream?

It is, quite a bit so. And particularly vegan products. It wasn't anything like today a decade ago.

[Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

I don't think McDonald's has any vegan options for food. Their fries are fried in beef fat, for example. Trying to eat at McDonad's would be an exercise in malnourishment at best.

Other fast food restaurants (like taco bell) are much better. You can get something healthy and filling there by veganizing typical menu items with beans.

http://www.peta2.com/lifestyle/vegan-taco-bell/

Good stuff. Lots of healthy vegan protein, and healthy fats from avocado.

So, in principle I'd say it's fine (and even a great resource, and encouraging restaurants to have more vegan options) to eat at these places. In practice, I'd say McDonald's is currently a no-go, and to choose almost anywhere else. If you're eating out with friends, it's not usually hard to get them to go for taco bell instead, so you'll have something good to eat.

Can I eat the fries and the corn on the cob at KFC? I have been eating them ever since I went Vegan, but if it is not Vegan, I will stop.