Vegan Burgers vs Veggie Burgers: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever found yourself at a restaurant, staring at the menu and wondering if the veggie burger is vegan? You’re not alone! 

Many people mix vegan and veggie burgers, thinking they’re the same. Spoiler alert: they’re not! Let’s dive into the details and clear up this culinary confusion, shall we?

Vegan vs Veggie Burgers

First, let’s quickly go over the ingredients you’ll find in both burgers.

Both vegan and veggie burgers share common ingredients such as legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), grains (quinoa, brown rice), vegetables (mushrooms, carrots, beetroot) and nuts and seeds (sunflower seeds, walnuts).

Although some burgers are made from vegetables and others from ‘fake meat’, that’s not the key distinction. Let’s look at the ingredients that make vegan burgers different from veggie burgers:

Key Ingredient Differences

Buns

• Vegan burgers: These are served with vegan-friendly buns, which are made using plant-based dairy alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or flaxseed.
• Veggie burgers: Often come with traditional brioche buns, which contain milk or eggs. The rich, slightly sweet brioche flavours come from these animal products, making them off-limits for vegans.

Cheese

• Vegan burgers: Use vegan cheese alternatives such as nuts, soy, or coconut. Think cashew cheese or soy cheddar. These alternatives have come a long way and can melt and stretch like dairy cheese.
• Veggie burgers: Typically, they use regular cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella. Yum, for some, but not for vegans! Regular cheese is made from milk, which makes it non-vegan.

Mayonnaise

• Vegan burgers: Include vegan mayonnaise made from plant-based oils and proteins. It’s creamy and egg-free!
• Veggie burgers: Use regular mayonnaise containing eggs; a vegan no-no. Eggs are a key ingredient in traditional mayonnaise, giving it that thick, creamy texture.

Burger Sauce

• Vegan burgers: Vegan-friendly sauces often use cashew cream, coconut milk, or other plant-based ingredients. They are crafted to replicate the creamy texture and rich flavour of traditional burger sauces without dairy.
• Veggie burgers: Standard burger sauces usually contain milk or dairy products. Ingredients like buttermilk, cream or even cheese are often used, which vegans avoid.

Patty Binders

• Vegan burgers: Use binders like flaxseed meal or chia seeds. When mixed with water, these seeds form a gel-like substance that helps hold the patty together, much like eggs in a traditional recipe.
• Veggie burgers: May include milk and eggs to hold the patty together. Eggs act as a binder and help maintain the burger’s shape, while milk can add moisture and richness.

Special Considerations: Vegan Burgers Cooked with Non-Vegan Methods

Here’s a heads-up for vegans out there.

Some places might cook ‘vegan’ burgers on the same grill as meat burgers. Take, for example, the Plant Based Whopper burger from Burger King. It’s cooked on the same grill as meat burgers, which is blatant cross-contamination.

Many restaurants and fast-food chains have started offering plant based options, but the preparation methods can sometimes overlook strict vegan principles. Cross-contamination is a real issue and for those adhering strictly to vegan diets – it’s important to be aware of how and where your food is prepared. 

So, What Do You Do?

Veggie burgers might not always be vegan-friendly due to the inclusion of animal-derived products like eggs and dairy and the way they’re cooked. If you’re strictly vegan, always check the ingredient list and ask how the burger is prepared.

Exploring both options can be a delicious journey. Many restaurants are happy to modify veggie burgers to make them vegan – think no brioche bun, no mayo. However, if the patty contains dairy or eggs, it’s a no-go.

1. Try different vegan and veggie burgers from local UK-based vegan-friendly restaurants. Many places now offer innovative and delicious plant-based options that cater specifically to vegans.
2. Experiment with making your burgers at home. There are countless recipes online for both vegan and veggie burgers. By making your own, you can control exactly what goes into your burger and avoid unwanted animal products.
3. Ask questions at restaurants. Don’t be shy about asking your server about the ingredients and preparation methods of their veggie and vegan burgers. Most places are more than happy to accommodate dietary preferences.
4. Support vegan-friendly businesses. Look for restaurants and cafes that specialise in vegan cuisine. These establishments are often more careful about avoiding cross-contamination and using strictly vegan ingredients.
5. Join online communities and forums. There are plenty of online spaces where vegans share tips, recipes and restaurant recommendations. Sites like HappyCow can help you find vegan-friendly spots wherever you are in the UK.

Ultimately, whether you choose a vegan or veggie burger, the most important thing is to enjoy your meal and feel good about your choice. With more options available, it’s easier than ever to find a burger that fits your dietary needs and tastes delicious. So, get out there and start exploring the wonderful world of plant-based burgers! Bon appétit!