Are French Fries Vegan in the UK in 2024?
Last updated on December 16th, 2023
French fries are a beloved side dish that pairs well with burgers, hot dogs, pizza, sausages, chocolate cake and pretty much anything else you can think of. But are French Fries vegan in the UK?
In this post, I’ll answer that question and also talk about different types of french fries and whether they are vegan or not.
Are French Fries Vegan?
The answer to this question is: it depends. Generally, French fries are vegan, but not always. It can vary depending on the cooking method and any additional ingredients that are used.
Most fries are made by cutting potatoes into thin strips and then frying them in oil. If the oil used is plant-based, such as vegetable oil or sunflower oil, then the French fries will be vegan. Pretty simple!
However, some restaurants may use animal-based oils, such as beef tallow or lard, to fry their French fries. In this case, the French fries would not be vegan.
Another potential issue is cross-contamination. Some restaurants may use the same fryer to cook both French fries and non-vegan items, such as chicken nuggets or fish. In this case, the French fries may come into contact with animal products and would not be considered vegan by many vegans.
In summary, French fries can be vegan, but it’s important to check the cooking method and ask about cross-contamination to be sure.
What French Fry Brands are Vegan in the UK
If you’re looking for vegan French fries, there are several brands that you can check out in the UK. These vegan fries include:
- McCain: McCain offers several vegan French fry options, including their Crispy French Fries and Thin and crispy Southern Fries.
- Tesco: Tesco’s own-brand French fries are vegan, as are their frozen Sweet Potato Fries and Chunky Oven Chips.
- Asda: Asda offers a variety of vegan French fry options, including their Crispy Skin-On Fries.
- Waitrose: Waitrose offers several vegan French fry options, including their Essential Frozen Straight Cut Oven Chips.
By checking the ingredients and cooking methods of these brands, you can be sure that you’re choosing vegan French fries.
Let me answer a few more questions about vegan fries in the UK.
Are McDonald’s French fries vegan in the UK?
Yes, McDonald’s French Fries are vegan in the UK. But be careful because this isn’t the case everywhere! So check the country you’re in to be on the safe side.
This is what it says on McDonald’s website to confirm their French fries are vegan.
‘McDonald’s UK French Fries are made by McCain’s using Russet Burbank, Pentland Dell and Shepody potatoes, which are chosen for their quality, taste and long shape when cut. The fries are not coated in any fats or substances from an animal. Once at the restaurant, our fries are simply cooked in dedicated frying vats in a non-hydrogenated blend of sunflower and rapeseed oil which is 100 percent suitable for vegans.’
Are Five Guys French fries vegan in the UK?
Five Guys French fries are vegan in the UK. They are cooked in peanut oil, which is plant-based, and do not come into contact with any animal products during cooking.
Are KFC fries vegan in the UK?
KFC fries are not vegan in the UK. They are cooked in vegetable oil but they are cooked in the same oil as chicken and this causes cross-contamination so many will not consider this vegan.
Are frozen French fries vegan?
Frozen French fries can be vegan, but once again it’s important to check the ingredients and cooking method. As mentioned earlier, some frozen French fries may be cooked in animal-based oils or come into contact with non-vegan items during cooking.
Are sweet potato fries vegan?
Sweet potato fries can be vegan and sometimes a healthier option, but it’s important to check the cooking method and any additional ingredients used. Some sweet potato fries may be coated in non-vegan ingredients, such as honey or butter.
Conclusion
In summary, French fries can be vegan in the UK, but it’s important to check the cooking method and any additional ingredients used. By choosing vegan French fry brands or asking about the cooking.
Now you know about fries why not take a look at Vegan Fast Food Burgers In The UK – Which One’s Best?
Meet the Author
Meet Sinead O’Carroll: Vegan explorer, sustainability advocate and the founder of The Wondering Wandering Vegan. Embracing veganism since 2018 and vegetarianism since 2005, Sinead is armed with a Vegan Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle qualification, and is on a mission to share her passion for cruelty-free living.
With a taste for adventure and a heart for eco-conscious choices, she’s here to prove that vegans never miss out on flavour, fun or style. Join her in enjoying the delights of a vegan-friendly world! 🌱✈️🌍
Want to know more? Check out Sinead’s About page here.
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