Here’s Every Vegan Option at Zaxby’s

“Fast-food chicken” is probably the most opposite phrase to “vegan restaurant” you could ever utter. That said, I was actually surprised by some of the choices we have as vegans at Zaxby’s. It’s not that bad.

Vegan options at Zaxby’s:

• Side Salad
• Tater Chips (No Ranch)
• Crinkle Fries
• Celery Sticks (No Ranch)
• Texas Toast
• Sauces
• Beverages

More details on all these below. I’ll also answer some common questions about Zaxby’s onion rings, bread, fried pickles, and more! And I’ve got a clever tip for something you should take to Zaxby’s with you to use as a dip!

I’ll end with a whole-food plant-based guide to Zaxby’s, in case you’re trying to avoid processed and fried food, too.

Zaxby’s Vegan Menu

To make this vegan menu, I consulted Zaxby’s official allergen menu on their website. I’ve also sent follow-up emails to clarify specific details.

I have 13 years of experience reading ingredient lists as a vegan, so I feel pretty confident with the list I’ve compiled. That said, I’ve noted where I was unable to confirm specific details.

1. Side Salad

The Zaxby’s Side Salad typically comes vegan. You may still want to specify “no cheese or croutons” in case your location adds those, though.

The side salad contains greens, red cabbage, carrots, Roma tomatoes, and cucumbers.

I believe the only vegan dressing is Lite Vinaigrette, but you can ask at your location if you want to scope out other options.

Note: The Mediterranean dressing contains milk.

2. Tater Chips (No Ranch)

These are basically just potato chips—but they look a little fresher and zestier than bagged Lay’s chips or something. Be sure to ask for “no ranch” because they typically come with it for dipping.

Note: It is possible that these are fried in a shared fryer with chicken. If this is a concern for you, be sure to ask at your location.

3. Crinkle Fries

French fries are the (mostly) reliable bastion of vegans eating at chain restaurants. The Zaxby’s fries are vegan, indeed, and they’re crinkle-cut, which is fun!

Note: It is possible that these are fried in a shared fryer with chicken. If this is a concern for you, be sure to ask at your location.

4. Celery Sticks (No Ranch)

Mmm… Celery. (Haha.) You might want to ask if they have any peanut butter. If so, this could actually be a pretty good side. (Or just bring your own peanut butter—problem solved.) The “Basket of Celery” comes with like 20 sticks, so it’s a good amount.

5. Texas Toast

I recommend asking to confirm that this is dairy-free at your location. That said, the allergen menu on the Zaxby’s website says it’s dairy-free and egg-free. So this garlicky treat should be good to go!

6. Sauces

You could ask for any of these vegan sauces for dipping your fries, chips, celery, or Texas Toast:

• Wimpy
• Tongue Torch
• Nuclear
• Insane
• Sweet & Spicy
• Teriyaki sauce
• BBQ sauce

Note: The Marinara sauce and the Original sauce contain milk. The Zax sauce contains egg.

7. Beverages

Plenty of vegan-friendly drinks:

• Apple Juice
• Sweet Tea
• Unsweet Tea
• Coca-Cola
• Diet Coke
• Coke Zero
• Dr Pepper
• Diet Dr Pepper
• Fanta
• Mello Yello
• Sprite
• Lemonade
• Hi-C Fruit Punch
• Cherry Coke
• Barq’s Root Bear

Are Zaxby’s Onion Rings Vegan?

Zaxby’s Onion Rings are not vegan. They contain dairy.

Is Zaxby’s Bread Vegan?

Zaxby’s bread is vegan. The allergen menu on their website specifies that the Texas Toast does not contain dairy or eggs.

Are Zaxby’s Fried Pickles Vegan?

Zaxby’s Fried Pickles are not likely to be vegan. Often, fried pickles contain egg in the batter. That said, the Fried Pickles are not included in Zaxby’s current allergen menu on their website, so I have contacted Zaxby’s about this, and I’m waiting to hear back.

Are Zaxby’s Spicy Fried Mushrooms Vegan?

Zaxby’s Spicy Fried Mushrooms may be vegan. They are not included in Zaxby’s current allergen menu on their website, so I have contacted Zaxby’s about this, and I’m waiting to hear back.

Whole-Food Plant-Based Options

What if you’re not just trying to eat vegan at Zaxby’s but also whole-food plant-based (WFPB)? Can you fill up as a vegan while also avoiding fried and processed foods here?

Here’s how I’d do a WFPB meal at Zaxby’s:

• Side Salad
• Celery Sticks (No Ranch)
• Bring peanut butter to dip the celery in

Like I said above, they might have peanut butter on hand. But I’d bring my own to be sure.

All the other vegan options at Zaxby’s are fried or processed, so yes, the WFPB options are extremely minimal!

Two More Recommendations for Your Plant-Based Journey

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