Five Guys has built a reputation for serving high-quality, customizable burgers made with fresh ingredients. However, many customers have noticed a significant gap in their menu—there is no vegetarian or vegan burger. While many fast-food chains have embraced the plant-based movement, Five Guys has stuck to its traditional offerings, leaving many wondering why.

Recently, the company addressed this issue, explaining the reasons behind their decision to exclude a meat-free burger. Their response sheds light on their business philosophy and commitment to maintaining their signature quality.

why five guys refuses to offer a vegetarian or vegan burger

Five Guys is one of the few major fast-food chains that has not introduced a plant-based burger option. Unlike McDonald’s, Burger King, and even some independent burger joints, Five Guys has remained firm in its decision to keep its menu focused on beef-based burgers.

So, why haven’t they made the switch? Their reasoning boils down to quality, consistency, and brand identity.

commitment to quality and tradition

Since its founding in 1986, Five Guys has followed a simple yet strict formula—offering fresh, high-quality beef burgers and hand-cut fries. The company has built its brand on this foundation, and they are not willing to compromise.

In an official statement, Five Guys explained that they take their time before introducing any new menu items. They refuse to release a product unless it meets their high standards. This philosophy is why it took nearly three decades for them to add milkshakes to their menu.

According to the company, they have experimented with plant-based burgers but have not yet found one that meets their expectations. Until they can create a meat-free option that aligns with their quality standards, they won’t add it to the menu.

five guys’ limited vegetarian and vegan options

Even though Five Guys does not serve a dedicated veggie burger, they do offer a few vegetarian-friendly alternatives. However, these options may not satisfy those looking for a true burger experience.

• veggie sandwich – This consists of grilled vegetables (mushrooms, onions, green peppers) and fresh toppings on a bun. However, it does not contain a veggie patty, making it more of a sandwich than a burger.
• grilled cheese sandwich – A cheesy alternative, this item uses their regular burger bun turned inside out, toasted with mayonnaise, and filled with melted cheese.
• fries – Both their regular and Cajun fries are cooked in 100% peanut oil, making them safe for vegetarians and vegans.

While these options can work for some, many vegetarians and vegans feel excluded by the lack of a substantial meat-free burger on the menu.

five guys’ buns are not vegan-friendly

For vegans, the choices at Five Guys are even more limited. Their burger buns contain milk and eggs, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet.

Since most fast-food chains now offer at least one vegan-friendly bun, this has caused frustration among plant-based eaters who wish to enjoy a meal at Five Guys.

For those following a strict vegan diet, the only real options at Five Guys are the fries and a customized veggie sandwich without the bun or cheese. This makes it one of the least vegan-friendly fast-food chains.

why five guys hasn’t followed the plant-based trend

With the rise of Beyond Meat and Impossible Burgers, many fast-food restaurants have added meatless alternatives to their menus. However, Five Guys has refused to follow this trend.

• they prioritize simplicity – Five Guys keeps its menu limited to ensure consistency. Adding a vegetarian burger would require new equipment and procedures, which may disrupt their streamlined process.
• they don’t see enough demand – Despite the growing popularity of plant-based diets, Five Guys’ core customer base consists of people who visit specifically for premium beef burgers.
• they don’t want to risk quality – Unlike other chains that offer mass-produced veggie patties, Five Guys insists on making everything fresh. They haven’t found a plant-based patty that meets their quality standards.

customer reactions to the lack of vegetarian options

As more people switch to plant-based diets, many customers have expressed disappointment over Five Guys’ refusal to offer a veggie burger. Social media discussions often highlight frustration from vegetarians and vegans who feel excluded from the Five Guys experience.

Here are some mixed reactions from customers:

• “I love their fries, but as a vegetarian, I can’t eat anything else. So, I never go in.”
• “It’s their business, their choice. If you don’t like it, go somewhere else.”
• “McDonald’s and Burger King both added plant-based options, and guess what? No one eats them.”
• “I don’t get the outrage. They make burgers. That’s their thing. They don’t owe anyone a vegan option.”
• “It’s a shame because their food is great, but they’re ignoring a growing market.”

While some argue that Five Guys should adapt to changing dietary trends, others believe that the company should stay true to its roots and not cater to every demand.

should five guys reconsider their stance?

With more consumers opting for plant-based diets, there’s no doubt that the demand for meat-free options is increasing. Other burger chains, including Shake Shack, Burger King, and McDonald’s, have successfully added vegetarian and vegan burgers to their menus.

Five Guys has the potential to create a high-quality plant-based burger that aligns with their standards. If they can develop a fresh, made-to-order veggie patty, they could attract a wider customer base without compromising their identity.

However, given their slow and careful approach to menu changes, it’s unlikely that Five Guys will add a veggie burger anytime soon. They prioritize quality over trends, and unless they can perfect a plant-based patty, they will continue focusing on what they do best—making classic beef burgers.

conclusion: five guys stays true to its brand

Five Guys’ refusal to serve a vegetarian or vegan burger is not a matter of oversight—it’s a deliberate business decision. They are committed to their signature menu, and if they can’t offer a meat-free burger that meets their high standards, they prefer to leave it off the menu entirely.

While some customers feel left out, Five Guys has made it clear that they will only add new items when they are confident in their quality. For now, vegetarians and vegans will have to settle for fries and sandwiches, while burger lovers continue to enjoy what Five Guys does best—fresh, juicy beef burgers.