Finding quick, affordable vegetarian meals on the road used to be a challenge, but today’s fast food scene offers a growing range of meat-free options that are both satisfying and accessible. Whether you’re commuting, juggling errands, or looking for a dependable drive-thru option between meetings, you no longer have to sacrifice convenience for a plant-based lifestyle.
Chains like Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Burger King are leading the way with flavorful, filling vegetarian meals—and with cashback apps like Ibotta, you can even save a little on the go.
Taco Bell remains one of the most vegetarian-friendly fast food chains in the country. Nearly every menu item can be customized to exclude meat, and they even offer a certified vegetarian menu. The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, and Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme are consistent favorites for both taste and value. Most items can be made fully vegan by substituting or removing dairy-based ingredients.
These low-cost choices are especially appealing to vegetarians who want hearty meals without spending more. Keep an eye on Ibotta for offers on Taco Bell purchases, which may include rebates on specific meals or bonus rewards for mobile orders. Check Taco Bell’s vegetarian menu for additional plant-based inspiration.
Chipotle takes a build-your-own approach, which gives vegetarians full control over their meal. The star of their meatless menu is sofritas, made from organic shredded tofu braised in spices. It’s available in burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads. With a generous serving of rice, beans, grilled vegetables, and guacamole, even a fully vegetarian bowl offers a high-protein, filling option for on-the-go meals. Chipotle’s Nutrition Calculator is a great tool for customizing meals based on dietary preferences. Ibotta frequently features Chipotle offers, often linked to receipt submissions after in-store purchases or through their app, making it easy to earn cashback on every order.
Burger King broke ground in the fast food industry when it launched the Impossible Whopper, a plant-based take on their iconic flame-grilled burger. Made with Impossible Foods’ meatless patty, this option appeals to both vegetarians and meat reducers alike. It’s served with the traditional toppings—lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mayo—and can be made vegan by omitting the mayo and requesting a non-broiler preparation. The Impossible Whopper is widely available, and occasionally featured in Ibotta promotions or bundled with sides and drinks for extra value. You can learn more about its ingredients and preparation on Burger King’s official site.
Subway also offers a few solid meatless options for sandwich lovers. The Veggie Delite sub features a mix of crisp vegetables on your choice of bread, and can be elevated with cheese, sauces, or a toasted finish. Select locations now offer a plant-based patty or Beyond Meatball Marinara, depending on region and availability.
As with Chipotle, Subway’s build-your-own format lets you stay in control of ingredients, portions, and calories. Ibotta offers for Subway may include rebates on subs, drinks, or full combo purchases, which can be claimed by uploading your receipt post-visit. You can browse meatless sandwich options on Subway’s menu.
Even Starbucks offers quick vegetarian meals and snacks for breakfast and lunch. Options like the Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Sous Vide Egg Bites or the Kale & Mushroom Egg Bites offer satisfying protein, while their protein boxes—featuring cheese, fruit, and nut combinations—are great for light, balanced meals. While not a traditional fast food stop, Starbucks is often a practical option for vegetarians in need of a quick bite, especially with Ibotta cashbacks occasionally available on their prepared food items. Check the Starbucks menu for regional vegetarian-friendly choices.
As fast food menus continue to evolve, so do the tools for saving money while eating well. Ibotta makes it easy to earn cashback on qualifying vegetarian meals by scanning receipts or linking loyalty accounts. For frequent takeout customers, these savings can add up over time—especially when paired with restaurant app deals or bundled meal promos.
