Veggie options at quick-service restaurant chains: an update on menu items at popular fast food and quick casual restaurant chains

Vegetarian Journal, April-June, 2008 by Jeanne Yacoubou

She assured us that "there are no animal products in the preparation of our rice or beans; however, when we plate the beans on some entrees, they are sprinkled with cotija cheese that is made with animal rennet. The cotija cheese can be eliminated upon request." According to Mendez, the anejo cheese served at Baja

Fresh also contains animal rennet, although the jack and cheddar cheeses, as stated in the manufacturer ingredient specifications, do not.

With the exception of the tortilla soup, which has a chicken base, Mendez said, "We do not use any other type of chicken or beef broth." There is no carmine in any menu item at Baja Fresh.

Based on standard product formulations, Mendez told us that the ranch dressing and the mayonnaise contain eggs. (The ranch dressing also contains butter.) The sour cream, flour tortillas, and the Salsa Crema contain milk or whey. The flour tortilla also contains L-cysteine, but Mendez did not specify its source. The corn tortilla does not contain L-cysteine and appears free of all animal ingredients. The guacamole and the sour cream do not contain gelatin.

Baja Fresh offers a 'Bare Style' burrito in a bowl without the tortilla. There is also a Grilled Veggie Burrito consisting of a blend of grilled peppers, chilies, and onions, layered with freshly simmered black or pinto beans, melted jack and cheddar cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Patrons may custom order either of these dishes to be free of animal products.

Other all-vegetable possibilities include customized nacho dishes with beans, guacamole, lettuce, and selected salsas. The side salad may be customized without the cheese. The rice side dish is free of animal ingredients.

Mendez emphasized that "variations [in ingredients] may occur due to differences in suppliers, ingredient substitutions, recipe revisions, or product assembly at the restaurant level. Baja Fresh does not assume responsibility for a patron's particular food sensitivity and encourages anyone with food sensitivities or special dietary needs to consult with a medical professional."

Burger King

In December 2006, Burger King declined our request for information regarding food ingredients in their menu items. This entry on Burger King is based on information published on the Burger King website that we read in October 2007.

Burger King offers a BK Veggie[R] Burger. The current ingredient statement on the Burger King website specifies, "This is NOT a vegan product." (Capitalization is Burger King's). The BK Veggie[R] Burger contains egg whites as well as dairy-derived calcium caseinate. The natural flavors are listed as being derived from "non-meat sources." The nutrition page at the Burger King website contains a footnote on the Veggie Burger stating, "Burger King Corporation makes no claim that the BK Veggie[R] Burger or any other of its other products meets the requirements of a vegetarian or vegan diet. The patty is cooked in the microwave." No further information is given except that it may be ordered with or without cheese or with or without mayonnaise.