Arby’s is a fast-food restaurant chain known for its roast beef sandwiches and curly fries. However, for those following a vegan lifestyle, it can be challenging to find suitable options on the menu. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether Arby’s fries are vegan or not.
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for vegan and plant-based options in fast-food restaurants. Many chains have responded to this demand by introducing new menu items that cater to vegans and vegetarians. For example, Burger King now offers a plant-based Whopper, and Subway has introduced a vegan sandwich made with plant-based meatballs.
Arby’s has not yet introduced any vegan-specific menu items, but they have taken steps to make their menu more inclusive. In 2019, Arby’s announced that they would be testing a new vegan sandwich made with a plant-based patty. While this sandwich is not yet available nationwide, it is a promising sign that Arby’s is listening to their customers’ demands for more vegan options.
In this article, we will explore the ingredients of Arby’s fries and determine whether they are vegan-friendly or not.
What are Arby’s Fries Made of?
Arby’s fries are made from potatoes that are cut into a thin, curly shape and then fried. The potatoes are coated in a blend of spices, including paprika and cumin, to give them a unique flavor. The fries are then seasoned with salt before being served.
The ingredient list for Arby’s fries is relatively short and includes potatoes, vegetable oil (soybean and/or canola), enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), salt, corn starch, and spices. While the ingredient list is not extensive, it is essential to analyze each component to determine if Arby’s fries are vegan.
Are Arby’s Fries Vegan?
The short answer is yes; Arby’s fries are vegan. The ingredients in the fries do not contain any animal products, making them suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when ordering fries at Arby’s.
Cross-Contamination
While the fries themselves are vegan, they are cooked in the same fryer as other non-vegan items, such as chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks. This can lead to cross-contamination, which means that trace amounts of animal products may end up on the fries. If you have severe allergies or are following a strict vegan diet, it is essential to be aware of this possibility.
Seasoning
Arby’s fries are seasoned with a blend of spices that includes paprika and cumin. While these spices are vegan-friendly, some may have concerns about the other ingredients used in the seasoning. For example, some spice blends may contain animal-based ingredients such as anchovies or chicken fat. However, there is no indication that Arby’s uses any animal-based ingredients in their seasoning blend.
Oil
The vegetable oil used to fry Arby’s fries is a blend of soybean and/or canola oil. While these oils are vegan, some may have concerns about the environmental impact of these oils. Soybean and canola crops are often associated with deforestation and other environmental issues. However, Arby’s has taken steps to source their oil responsibly, including working with suppliers who use sustainable farming practices.
Other Vegan Options at Arby’s
If you are following a vegan lifestyle, Arby’s may not be the first place that comes to mind for a meal. However, there are a few other vegan-friendly options on the menu. For example, the side salad, potato cakes, and apple turnovers are all vegan. Additionally, Arby’s offers a Market Fresh Veggie Wrap, which can be made vegan by requesting no cheese or dressing.
Final Thoughts
Arby’s fries are a vegan-friendly option for those looking for a quick and tasty snack. While there are some concerns about cross-contamination and environmental impact, overall, the ingredients used in Arby’s fries are vegan. However, if you have severe allergies or are following a strict vegan diet, it is essential to be aware of the possibility of cross-contamination. Additionally, if you are looking for a full meal, Arby’s may not be the best option, as there are limited vegan-friendly options on the menu.
While Arby’s may not be the most vegan-friendly fast-food restaurant chain, it is still possible to find suitable options on the menu with a little research and careful ordering. The key is to be aware of the ingredients in each dish and to ask questions about how the food is prepared.
In conclusion, Arby’s fries are vegan-friendly and can be enjoyed as a snack or side dish. While there are some concerns about cross-contamination and environmental impact, overall, Arby’s fries are a suitable option for those following a vegan lifestyle. If you are looking for a full meal, however, you may need to get creative with the menu or consider other fast-food chains that offer more vegan-friendly options. With the growing demand for plant-based options, it is likely that more fast-food chains will continue to introduce new vegan items to their menus in the future.