As a vegan, it can be slightly uncomfortable when a friend asks if you want to go out for lunch. One cannot help but wonder if there are bits of dairy, gelatin or egg hidden in the “vegan/vegetarian” option at a café or restaurant. However, if you are out and about and go to one of these restaurants, you can rest assured knowing that you will be safe with one of these delicious options:

McDonald’s:

McDonald’s offers a leaf lettuce salad with diced apples, grape tomatoes and chili tortilla lime chips on the side. In terms of dressings, one can choose between the cilantro lime glaze and Newman’s Own low-fat balsamic vinaigrette to top off the yummy, vegan salad. For a drink, one can order iced tea, lemonade, drip coffee or orange juice to complete the meal.

Chipotle:

Chipotle prides itself in catering to the needs of a diverse customer base which includes vegans. Chipotle offers a vegan burrito option made  up of a soft or crispy corn tortilla, white or brown cilantro-lime rice, black and pinto beans, fajita vegetables, salsa and romaine lettuce. But have no fear! Chipotle’s famous guacamole is also vegan, so one can get a filling, well-rounded meal at Chipotle without the risk of consuming gelatin, dairy or meat.

Subway:

Like Chipotle, Subway is proud of the fact that it can cater to the dietary needs of a wide range of customers, including vegans. Subway’s vegan bread choices include 9-grain wheat, ciabatta, hearty Italian, honey oat, Italian (white), roasted garlic and sourdough. One can choose to add avocado, banana peppers, cucumbers, falafel, green peppers, lettuce, onions, olives, pickles or tomatoes. Finally, the vegan-friendly condiments include deli brown mustard, fat free sweet onion, red wine vinegar and yellow mustard. If you are craving something sweet to finish off your meal, go ahead and splurge on raisins, apple slices or Baked Lays to treat yourself without risking the exposure to dairy, meat or eggs.

Chick-Fil-A:

Chick-Fil-A does not sound like the ideal place for a vegan to find a quality meal, but it is  still possible to eat there and get a well-balanced vegan meal. One can order a salad without cheese and add black bean relish, broccoli florets, strawberry slices, grape tomatoes, harvest nut granola, honey roasted sunflower kernels, red and green apple pieces and shredded carrots. After, one can choose between light Italian dressing and reduced fat raspberry vinaigrette dressing to have a delicious and substantial meal.

Panera Bread:

Panera Bread offers a wide range of delicious vegan options that will satisfy anyone at any time of day. For breakfast, one can have an everything or blueberry bagel and a cup of coffee to start the day off right. For a snack, one can choose between a French baguette side portion and a fruit cup to ensure a good source of energy without the risk of consuming dairy. For lunch or dinner, one can choose between the Mediterranean Vegetarian Sandwich without cheese and the Soba Noodle Bowl with edamame.

Although it may not always seem easy to eat out at fast-food restaurants as a vegan, it is definitely possible and the options are fabulous.

Photo courtesy of spicytasty.com