Vegan chicken sandwiches have officially earned their place on the fast food stage. As demand for plant-based protein continues to rise, major chains are stepping up with meatless versions of the crispy, flavorful classic. While availability can vary by region, a growing number of restaurants now offer vegan chicken sandwiches made with soy, pea protein, or other plant-based alternatives. Whether you’re following a plant-based diet full time or simply curious about meatless swaps, there’s never been a better time to explore these options—especially with the help of cashback apps that make them even more affordable.
Shake Shack has been testing a vegan chicken sandwich made in collaboration with NotCo, a food tech company that specializes in plant-based innovations. The patty is made from a unique blend of ingredients including chickpeas, soy protein, and coconut oil, designed to mimic the texture and juiciness of real chicken. While this sandwich is still in limited testing markets, early reviews have praised its crispy exterior and flavorful seasoning. Pricing typically sits around $8, comparable to Shake Shack’s regular chicken menu. You can earn cashback on your order by purchasing a Shake Shack gift card through Fluz.
Next on the list is the MorningStar Farms Incogmeato chicken sandwich, which has been featured at select fast food and quick-service spots. These patties are made from soy protein concentrate and wheat gluten, offering a meaty bite with a savory breaded coating. Certain chains like Veggie Grill have incorporated Incogmeato patties into their vegan chicken sandwiches, though availability is more common at niche or regional chains.
Burger King launched the Original Ch’King sandwich made with a plant-based patty in select test markets, using a vegan chicken substitute primarily based on soy and wheat protein. While the full rollout never went nationwide, local franchises and international Burger King locations—particularly in the UK and parts of Europe—still feature plant-based chicken menu items regularly. If you’re traveling, keep an eye out for Burger King UK’s Vegan Royale, which uses a patty from The Vegetarian Butcher.
Some restaurants go fully custom. Plant Power Fast Food, a California-based vegan chain, serves up several versions of a crispy chicken sandwich using proprietary pea protein patties. Their classic “Chicken” Sandwich is topped with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo and priced under $10. While Plant Power isn’t available nationwide, its popularity speaks to the growing demand for fast food that caters to fully plant-based eaters.
Comparing ingredients across these sandwiches reveals a few trends. Soy protein remains a staple for replicating meat-like texture, while pea protein is increasingly favored for its clean label and allergen-friendly properties. Coconut oil, wheat flour, and potato starch are also common components used to create the right crispiness and flavor. For more insights into the nutritional and environmental benefits of these ingredients, visit The Good Food Institute.Pricing across the board generally falls between $6 and $10, depending on the restaurant and region. While these sandwiches may cost slightly more than their traditional counterparts, you can reduce that difference using cashback apps. Fluz allows you to buy a gift card to merchants like Shake Shack and earn instant cashback. Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta offer occasional deals on food delivery platforms that feature these vegan menu items or provide savings through receipt uploads or linked loyalty programs.
