If you’re a vegan and go to Sonic Drive-In, you might not know what to order. The foods that Sonic is known for are burgers, hot dogs, and dairy shakes, which aren’t exactly vegan-friendly. But you can still find some simple foods on the menu that are Sonic Drive-In Vegan friendly.
There isn’t a veggie burger or dairy-free ice cream right now, but you can still get a small snack or a cool drink if you know what to choose. Here are eight vegan choices and some tips to make it easier to place your order.
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Understanding Sonic Drive-In Vegan Menu
There are meat, cheese, or dairy-based sauces on most of Sonic’s main meals. Building a veggie sandwich can be hard because bread often has dairy in it. Milk or cream is often in desserts.
Along with drinks and a few small items, sides are the best vegan options. If this is important to you, you might want to ask the staff if the things are cooked on the same equipment as non-vegan foods.
Related Menus
1. French Fries
Why They’re Vegan:
Sonic’s French Fries are made from potatoes and fried in vegetable oil. They don’t have milk, eggs, or other animal products.
How to Order:
Simply say, “I’d like an order of French Fries.” If you’re worried about cross-contamination, ask if they cook fries in the same fryer as meat. Usually, fries are a safe and easy vegan choice.
2. Tater Tots
Why They’re Vegan:
Tater Tots are small pieces of potato shaped into “tot” form and fried. They don’t contain dairy or meat.
How to Order:
Ask for Tater Tots with a vegan dipping sauce like ketchup or mustard. They are crispy and salty snacks that vegans can easily enjoy.
3. Apple Sauce Pouch
Why It’s Vegan:
The Apple Sauce pouch is just pureed fruit. No dairy, no honey, no animal ingredients. It’s often given as a side in kids’ meals.
How to Order:
Ask for an Apple Sauce by itself for a simple, fruity snack. It can be a light dessert or a healthier side.
4. Fruit-Flavored Slushes (Without Cream)
Why They’re Vegan:
Sonic’s basic Slush mix is typically just ice, sugar, and fruit-flavored syrup. Cherry, Blue Raspberry, and other similar fruit flavors do not contain dairy. Stay away from “CreamSlush” versions that add ice cream.
How to Order:
Say, “I’d like a [Fruit Flavor] Slush with no cream, please.” These drinks are cool, sweet, and great for a hot day.
5. Limeade and Lemonade
Why They’re Vegan:
Limeade and Lemonade contain water, sugar, and fruit juice. There are no animal products here. They’re a tangy, thirst-quenching choice.
How to Order:
Say, “I’ll have a Limeade” or “I’d like a Lemonade.” If you choose a Cherry Limeade, make sure the cherry syrup is vegan. Usually, fruit syrups are okay.
6. Fountain Sodas
Why They’re Vegan:
Basic sodas like Coke, Sprite, or Dr Pepper typically contain no animal products. They’re safe for most vegans.
How to Order:
Simply ask for the soda you want. For example, say, “I’ll have a large Coke.” Avoid floats or adding ice cream, because ice cream has dairy.
7. Fritos Corn Chips (If Available)
Why They’re Vegan:
Plain Fritos are made from corn, oil, and salt—no dairy, meat, or other animal products.
How to Order:
Ask for plain Fritos on the side if Sonic is offering them as a topping or on a special menu item. They’re crunchy and salty snacks that can add to your vegan choices.
8. Vegan-Friendly Condiments
Why They’re Vegan:
Simple condiments like ketchup, yellow mustard, and hot sauce do not contain animal products. Salsa, if available, is often vegan too. Just steer clear of ranch or honey mustard.
How to Order:
Ask for ketchup, mustard, or hot sauce packets. Use them to dip your fries or tots for extra flavor without breaking your vegan rules.
Important Tips for Ordering Vegan at Sonic
- Check for Cross-Contamination:
Fries and Tater Tots are usually vegan, but they might be cooked with chicken, fish, or dairy foods. If this is important to you, ask the staff. Each location has different rules, and some people are okay with shared fryers while others are not. - Avoid Dairy in Surprising Places:
You might think Onion Rings are safe, but Sonic’s have dairy in them. The bread and buns also usually contain dairy, so making a vegan sandwich is hard. It’s better to choose foods you know don’t have dairy. - Keep It Simple:
Keep your choices simple to avoid hidden animal ingredients. Basic sides like fries, tots, apple sauce, plain slushes, and lemonades are usually the best options. - Ask About Seasonal Items:
Sometimes Sonic offers new flavors or special deals for a limited time. If you see something different, ask the staff what’s in it or look it up online. Some syrups or toppings might have hidden animal ingredients. - Use Online Resources:
Sonic’s website has ingredient lists and allergen information. Checking online before you order can help you feel sure about your choices.
Looking Ahead For Sonic Drive-In Vegan
Right now, Sonic doesn’t have a fully vegan burger or any plant-based meat, just like many other fast-food places. But as more people ask for vegan options, the menu may grow in the future. For now, your best bet is to stick with fries, tater tots, fruit slushes, and simple drinks.
Final Thoughts
While Sonic Drive-In may not have a lot of vegan options, you can still find a few quick snacks and drinks. French fries, tater tots, apple sauce, fruit slushes, limeade, lemonade, regular sodas, the occasional Fritos, and simple condiments are all choices that fit a vegan diet.
If you know what to order and what not to order, you can get a small veggie treat at Sonic. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and keep things easy. We hope that Sonic and other fast food chains will add more main meals that are vegan-friendly over time. This will make going out to eat even easier.