Sometimes, you’re out running errands all day, and hunger hits hard. While we all try to make healthy choices, sometimes fast food is the best (or only) option—so a quick stop at any drive-through it is.
I wanted to include fast food in my Eating Out articles because we’ve all been there. And why not include the restaurant that proudly “has the meats?”
The reality is that plenty of vegetarians grab fast food now and then. And there’s no reason to power through hunger just to wait until you get home hours later. As long as it’s occasional, it won’t make or break your overall health.
Besides, you can always load up on extra veggies later!
What to Expect at Arby’s as a Vegetarian
Arby’s isn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for vegetarians—and they’re not shy about it. They’ve made it clear they have no plans to add plant-based options, so don’t expect to find a veggie burger or even a simple bean-based swap.
Like most fast-food chains, Arby’s doesn’t use separate fryers or cooking surfaces for vegetarian items. So, if you’re uncomfortable with mozzarella sticks fried in the same oil as chicken, keep that in mind.
And because Arby’s leans so hard into its meat-centric identity, even customizing menu items to be vegetarian-friendly is pretty limited.
So, what can you eat here? Let’s take a look.
Limited Time
Arby’s switches up its limited-time menu pretty often, so if you’re curious, it’s worth checking their menu for updates.
Right now, they’re leaning into a seafood theme with Surf & Turf, Crispy Fish, Fish ‘n Cheddar, and King’s Hawaiian Fish Sandwiches on offer—not exactly vegetarian-friendly.
On the sweeter side, their current limited-time dessert is an Andes Mint Chocolate Shake, which actually sounds pretty good.
Arby’s Classics
Most of their menu is variations of beef on bread, sometimes chicken, and sometimes cheese.
The Greek Gyro is probably your best bet here. Order it without the beef and ask for extra tzatziki and veggies. It comes with lettuce, tomato, and red onion by default, but you can also add a slice of cheese for a little extra protein.
Sides and Snacks
Arby’s sides are where you’ll find the most vegetarian-friendly options—mostly fried, but hey, at least they exist.
- Potato Cakes – Essentially, their version of a hash brown patty. Comes with your choice of sauce.
- Curly & Crinkle-Cut Fries – Both are technically vegan-friendly (depending on your sauce choice), but note that the curly fries are not gluten-free.
- Mozzarella Sticks – Classic battered and fried mozzarella sticks served with marinara sauce.
- Jalapeño Bites – Whole jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese, battered, and fried. Served with Bronco Berry Sauce—a sugary-spicy dip that’s probably more about the sugar than the spice.
From what I can tell, all of Arby’s dips and sauces are vegetarian, but very few are vegan-friendly. Then again, neither are most of their breads.
Desserts
If you’re craving something sweet, Arby’s has you covered.
You’ll find a few shakes, salted caramel chocolate chip cookies, and fried fruit turnovers on the menu—simple, but enough to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Secret Menu: Any Vegetarian Surprises?
Arby’s does have a secret menu, but—no surprise—it’s very meat-heavy. Case in point: the Meat Mountain, which is exactly what it sounds like.
The only remotely vegetarian-friendly “secret” item I could find is fried onion strings. They were once part of a sandwich but seem to have stuck around as an off-menu add-on if you ask for them.
Things to Watch Out For as a Vegetarian
🔹 Shared Cooking Surfaces & Fryers
Arby’s does not use separate fryers for vegetarian items, so cross-contamination is likely. You’ll have to decide what you’re comfortable with.
🔹 Lack of Protein-Rich Vegetarian Options
No beans, tofu, or plant-based protein sources here. If you’re looking for something even remotely filling, the Greek Gyro (sans beef) with extra toppings is your best bet.
🔹 Very Limited Meal Options
You won’t find a balanced vegetarian meal at Arby’s—expect more of a snack than an actual meal.
Final Thoughts: Is Arby’s a Good Choice for Vegetarians?
Overall, vegetarian options at Arby’s are pretty limited.
You won’t find a balanced meal here, but you can grab something to hold you over—whether it’s a snack, a side, or a sweet treat.
Bottom Line:
Arby’s isn’t vegetarian-friendly, and they don’t plan to be. The company has even stated outright that they won’t be adding meat-free options to the menu.
Best Bets for Vegetarians:
- Greek Gyro (no beef, extra toppings)
- Curly Fries, Mozzarella Sticks, or Jalapeño Bites (if you’re okay with shared fryers)
- A dessert like a cookie or shake
If you’re looking for something more substantial, Taco Bell, Subway, or even Sonic will have better vegetarian choices.
No shade to Arby’s—they know their audience, and we ain’t it!
But if you ever do find yourself here, at least now you know what to order.
Jennifer Hanes MS, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian, mom, wife, and vegetarian in North Texas. She has dedicated Dietitian Jenn to be a source of information, ideas, and inspiration for people like her, vegetarians that live with people with different dietary beliefs and/or needs in a multivore household.