It's no secret that "vegan" doesn't always have to mean "healthy". Thanks to the booming vegan restaurant industry, there are plenty of opportunities for non-meat eaters to get their fast-food fix, too.
Plant-based diets were synonymous with wellness and detoxing, but they can be just as gloriously calorific and indulgent as any other.
London and the rest of the UK are full of tasty meat- and dairy-free junk-food options. Here is what is on offer at the major chains if you decide to go vegan at the UK’s biggest fast-food chains.
Burger King
The burger chain has a new vegan addition to its menu for 2024. The bean burger is BACK and better than ever. After thousands of fans had their say, from signing petitions to sharing social posts exclaiming their love, it was clear customers were ready for an iconic comeback.
The new and improved Ultimate Bean Burger is on menus nationwide. And between January 5 and 8, you can also get a delicious buy-one-get-one free offer via the Burger King app.
Greggs
The much-loved vegan steak bake is back at Greggs. First launched in January 2020, the vegan steak bake now returns following pleas from fans across social media who have been missing the bake since it came off the menu more than two years ago.
There is also a whole range of other vegan-friendly items available for customers to enjoy, including the vegan sausage roll, glazed ring doughnut, sweet potato and onion bhaji rice box, and Southern fried potato wedges.
Krispy Kreme
As for getting your sweet treat fix, Krispy Kreme is also here to celebrate Veganuary with their new limited edition vegan doughnut Cookie Indulgence range.
Revamping their fan-favourite Cookies & Kreme doughnut, Krispy Kreme has launched a vegan version of their delicious Kreme frosting, so plant-based fans don’t need to miss out on the crunchiest doughnut – available until January 28.
The new Chocolate Cookie Crunch doughnut is also being added to the menu, and it has it all – chocolatey icing, cookie-crumb toppings, frosting, and a mini cookie to crown this sweet delight.
Bill's Restaurant
Bill’s has launched a vegan version of its iconic blueberry pancake stack – made using OGGS egg alternative and topped with fruit or vegan bacon – as part of its Veganuary menu.
And that's not all, other new products for January include a Moroccan-spiced vegan chicken burger with chargrilled red pepper and creamy vegan mayo, served with rosemary-salted fries, as well as a roasted chestnut and butterbean bake with creamy vegan cheese sauce, topped with a chestnut, cranberry, and pumpkin seed crumble.
Pizza Express
New on the vegan front at Pizza Express this year is its new Vegan Melanzane with grilled aubergine, Italian tomato sauce, garlic, plant-based mozzarella, and fresh parsley. A new vegan calzone has also been added to the menu, with roasted sweet peppers, aubergine, spinach, hot chilli, tomato, and garlic.