Going on a road trip this summer? Here’s how to find vegan food on the road, from must-have apps and fast-food hacks to packing snacks and supporting local plant-based businesses.
Summer is here, and that means one thing: road trip season. Whether you’re packing up the car for a beach getaway or heading to the mountains for a breath of fresh air, nothing beats the freedom of the open road, but if you’re living a plant-based lifestyle or just trying to make more compassionate choices while traveling, finding vegan-friendly meals between gas station stops and roadside diners can feel a little daunting.
Don’t worry. We’ve got you! With a little prep (and a lot of snacks), you can make your trip delicious, stress-free, and kind to animals. Here’s how to road trip the vegan way this summer from a seasoned vegan road-trip pro:
1. Let Apps Do the Work for You
Your phone is your best friend when it comes to plant-based pit stops. Apps like HappyCow, abillion, Vanilla Bean, and even Yelp and Google Maps can help you find vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants wherever you are. Pro tip: search keywords like “vegan,” “plant-based,” or “vegetarian-friendly” along your route before you’re hangry and miles from the next town.
2. Pack a Snack Stash
Not every exit will have a Whole Foods or cute vegan café. That’s why stocking your car with easy, shelf-stable snacks is key. Think:
- Mixed nuts and dried fruit
- Vegan jerky (mushroom or soy-based)
- Crackers and hummus (make sure you have a cooler)
- Granola bars (check the labels for honey or dairy)
- Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges)
- Chips, Oreos, pretzels
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (old school, always good)
Not only does this keep you fed in a pinch, but it helps you avoid last-minute stops at places with no plant-based options beyond an almost-wilted gas station salad (yes, I’ve sadly been victimized by these sad salads).
3. Customize Fast Food
Look, sometimes fast food is the only option between you and the next national park. The good news? Many chains have vegan-friendly options if you know how to order:
- Chipotle: Sofritas or veggie bowl with rice, beans, salsa, and guac
- Taco Bell: Swap beef for beans and go fresco (yep, everything can be vegan-ized!)
- Subway: Veggie Delight with all the veggies and oil/vinegar instead of mayo
- Burger King: The Impossible Whopper (hold the mayo) and fries (a vegan’s best friend)
- Starbucks: Grab oatmeal with fruit, or a bagel with avocado spread
Even if the menu doesn’t scream “vegan,” most places are happy to customize if you ask politely. (Kindness is the vibe—on your plate and in your tone!)
4. Plan Overnight Stays Around Food
Booking a hotel or Airbnb? Check what’s nearby first. Being within walking distance of a grocery store or vegan-friendly spot can make mornings easier and cut down on emergency granola bar dinners.
If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, even better! You can cook quick meals with ingredients from a local store or farmer’s market, giving you more control over what’s on your plate and reducing waste.
5. Support Local, Compassionate Businesses
Small towns and hidden gems are part of what makes road trips magical. Don’t count them out when it comes to vegan food! Many local cafés or restaurants are eager to accommodate you if you ask. Supporting these businesses keeps local communities moving toward a more sustainable, animal-friendly future.
6. Don’t Stress Perfection
Let’s be real: the road can be unpredictable. You might end up in a place where your only option is fries and a side salad, and that’s okay. Veganism isn’t about being perfect. It’s about doing the best you can to reduce harm and live compassionately. So if you find yourself without many options, give yourself grace, get creative, and keep going.
Every bite matters, every choice adds up.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Traveling plant-based is easier than ever, and with a little planning, you can enjoy your summer adventure without compromising your values. By choosing compassion on the go, you’re helping move the world toward a kinder, more sustainable future—for animals, people, and the planet.
So fill up your tank or charge up your battery, cue the playlist, and don’t forget the snacks!
Looking for more plant-based inspiration? Check out World Animal Protection US’s FREE online community, Plant-Powered Changemakers, for tips, tricks, and ways you can protect animals every day!
