Plant-based burgers are no longer a niche menu item—they’ve become a mainstay in the fast food industry. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just curious about reducing your meat consumption, there’s no shortage of options to explore. This ranking of the top 10 plant-based fast food burgers is based on a combination of blind taste tests, public reviews, and an analysis of key factors such as flavor, texture, nutritional value, and price. These burgers aim to replicate the traditional fast food experience while offering a meatless alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Topping the list is the Impossible Whopper from Burger King, which has earned widespread recognition for its flavor and accessibility. The Impossible Foods patty is made from soy and potato proteins, with heme added to mimic the taste of beef. Grilled and served with lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mayonnaise on a sesame seed bun, it comes close to the taste and mouthfeel of a traditional Whopper. Nutritionally, it has fewer grams of saturated fat than a beef patty, though sodium levels are high. This burger receives 4.5 out of 5 stars for flavor and overall execution. The only con is that it’s not cooked on a separate grill unless requested, which may be a concern for strict vegetarians or vegans.
Next is the Beyond Famous Star from Carl’s Jr., made with a Beyond Meat patty consisting of pea protein, coconut oil, and beet juice extract for color. Served with special sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions, this burger delivers on juiciness and a strong chargrilled flavor. It’s a solid contender for those who prefer a thicker patty with a beefier taste. At around $7 to $8, it’s competitively priced and earns 4 out of 5 stars. The primary drawback is its higher saturated fat content compared to some competitors.
Coming in third is the Beyond Guacamole Taco from Del Taco, which isn’t a traditional burger but deserves mention for its use of a Beyond crumbled beef alternative. The flavors are well-balanced, with the guacamole adding creaminess and the Beyond meat providing savory depth. It’s ideal for those seeking a plant-based fast food experience that diverges from the typical burger format. Rated 3.8 stars for originality and flavor.
At number four is the Shake Shack Veggie Shack, featuring a custom-blended patty made from mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, farro, and quinoa. It’s not meant to taste like meat but offers a wholesome, veggie-forward flavor with great texture. For those who prefer a patty that highlights vegetables rather than mimics beef, this is a standout. It earns 4 stars, with minor deductions for limited availability and higher price points depending on location.
Fifth place goes to the A&W Canada Beyond Meat Burger, which pairs the Beyond patty with classic fixings and the option to go fully plant-based with a vegan mayonnaise swap. Although this burger isn’t widely available in the U.S., it’s a benchmark in international fast food circles and gets a solid 3.7 stars based on flavor and execution. The appeal lies in its close approximation of a traditional burger experience.
The Dairy Queen Original Double Cheeseburger with Impossible Patty lands at number six, offering a no-fuss approach with simple ingredients and an easy customization process. The flavor is satisfying, and the double patty format adds heft. At around $5.99, it’s budget-friendly, but the texture may be slightly softer than expected. Rated 3.5 stars.
In seventh is the White Castle Impossible Slider, notable for being one of the first national fast food chains to offer a plant-based slider. Served with pickles and onions, it has nostalgic appeal and works well as a quick snack or mini meal. It scores 3.4 stars, with points off for portion size and sodium content.
The Hardee’s Beyond Thickburger follows in eighth place. Similar to the Carl’s Jr. version, it uses the same Beyond patty but features different seasoning and build. It’s satisfying but slightly inconsistent in execution, depending on location. Rated 3.3 stars.
Ninth is the Fatburger Impossible Burger, which is fully customizable and cooked to order. While the patty itself is flavorful, the overall build can be hit or miss depending on toppings. It earns 3.2 stars for flexibility but loses points for inconsistent flavor balance.
Finally, in tenth place is the Red Robin Impossible Cheeseburger, available with a wide range of toppings and served on a gourmet-style bun. While this full-service chain isn’t technically fast food, its burger bar setup allows for quick dining. It’s the priciest option on the list, and although flavor is excellent, the cost-to-value ratio brings its score to 3 stars.
Each of these burgers showcases the diversity of plant-based options now available at mainstream chains. From soy-based patties to pea protein blends, the innovation behind these menu items proves that plant-based eating has truly entered the fast food spotlight. Whether you prioritize taste, nutrition, or a meat-like experience, there’s a burger here to match your preferences.



