Vegan-Friendly Chains in the UK: What to Order at Pret, Itsu, & More

The UK has emerged as a global leader in vegan-friendly dining, with major food chains rapidly expanding plant-based menus to meet soaring demand. As of 2023, over 7% of Brits identify as vegan, and 39% actively reduce meat consumption, according to The Vegan Society. This shift has prompted even the most traditional chains to innovate, offering everything from grab-and-go lunches to gourmet vegan burgers.

This guide explores the best vegan options at 10+ UK chains, highlighting standout dishes, seasonal specials, and tips for navigating menus. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply curious, these accessible, nationwide spots make plant-based eating effortless.

1. Pret A Manger: The Vegan Breakfast & Lunch Pioneer

Flagship vegan options since 2016

Pret has been a trailblazer in vegan fast-casual dining, launching its first fully vegan shop in London in 2020. Today, nearly 40% of its menu is plant-based, with clear labelling and seasonal rotations.

Must-Order Items:

• Vegan Ham & Cheeze Toastie
  A cult favourite, featuring THIS™ plant-based ham and Violife cheese on sourdough.
• Vegan Breakfast Baguette
  Scrambled tofu, spinach, and vegan tomato chili chutney.
• Dark Chocolate & Almond Butter Cookie
  Rich, gluten-free, and made with oat milk.

Seasonal Picks:

• Vegan Christmas Lunch Sandwich (Winter): Sage-infused “turkey,” cranberry sauce, and stuffing.
• Summer Berry & Coconut Overnight Oats (Summer).

Pro Tip: Download the Pret Club app for discounts on vegan items like the £4.99 “Vegan Meal Deal” (sandwich + snack + drink).

Address: Locations nationwide. Flagship Vegan Shop: 9 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3EJ.

2. Itsu: Asian-Inspired Vegan Sushi & Bowls

Affordable, nutrient-packed vegan sushi

Known for its Japanese-inspired cuisine, Itsu introduced a dedicated vegan menu in 2021, featuring over 20 dishes. Its “Eat Beautiful” ethos emphasizes low-calorie, high-protein options.

Must-Order Items:

• Vegan Salmon Avocado Sushi
  Smoked carrot “salmon” paired with avocado and sesame seeds.
• Spicy Vegan “Chicken” Gyoza
  Mushroom and tofu dumplings with chili dipping sauce.
• Mighty Mushroom Hot Noodle Soup
  Umami-rich broth with shiitake, enoki, and udon noodles.

Underrated Gem:

• Vegan Chocolate & Raspberry Pot (Dessert): Dairy-free dark chocolate mousse with raspberry compote.

Pro Tip: Use the “Vegan” filter on the Itsu app to quickly locate plant-based options.

Address: 200+ locations UK-wide.

3. Leon: Fast Food, Naturally

Ethical, flavor-first vegan comfort food

Co-founded by chef Allegra McEvedy, Leon prioritizes “naturally fast food” with a dedicated LOVe (Leon Original Vegan) menu. All vegan dishes are certified by the Vegan Society.

Must-Order Items:

• LOVe Burger
  A juicy pea-protein patty with smoky BBQ sauce, crispy onions, and lettuce.
• Vegan Moroccan Meatball Aioli Wrap
  Spiced chickpea “meatballs” with harissa mayo and pickled carrots.
• Chocolate & Salted Caramel Pot
  Silky dessert made with coconut cream.

Seasonal Star:

• Vegan Festive Bake (Winter): Puff pastry filled with butternut squash, cranberries, and sage.

Sustainability Note: Leon uses 100% renewable energy and compostable packaging.

Address: 60+ locations, including major train stations and city centers.

4. Wagamama: Vegan Ramen & Asian Fusion

50% vegan menu since 2021

Wagamama’s “vegan vault” menu features 20+ dishes, from ramen to curries, all crafted with seitan, tofu, and jackfruit.

Must-Order Items:

• Vegan Katsu Curry
  Crispy seitan cutlet with coconut-curry sauce and sticky rice.
• Yasai Pad Thai
  Rice noodles with tofu, beansprouts, and tamarind sauce.
• Chilli “Squid”
  Mushroom-based vegan calamari with lime and chili sauce.

Secret Menu Hack: Ask for vegan “eel” sauce (made from soy and mirin) to drizzle over dishes.

Address: 150+ locations, including Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham.

5. Starbucks UK: Beyond Coffee

Expanding vegan bakery and snacks

Starbucks UK has steadily increased vegan options, partnering with brands like Beyond Meat and Oatly.

Must-Order Items:

• Vegan Breakfast Roll
  Beyond Meat sausage patty with tofu scramble and tomato relish.
• Chocolate & Hazelnut Danish
  Flaky pastry with dairy-free chocolate spread.
• Oat Flat White
  Creamy coffee made with Oatly barista edition.

Limited Editions:

• Vegan Turkey & Stuffing Panini (Christmas).

Pro Tip: Customize drinks with vegan whipped cream (available seasonally).

Address: 1,000+ locations nationwide.

6. Costa Coffee: Vegan Sweets & Savories

Budget-friendly plant-based bites

Costa’s vegan range includes wraps, cakes, and the iconic “Tuna” Melt Panini.

Must-Order Items:

• Vegan “Tuna” Melt Panini
  Marinated jackfruit with dairy-free cheese and sweetcorn.
• Plant-Based Bacon Bap
  Smoky rashers with ketchup in a toasted bun.
• Rocky Road Bar
  Dairy-free chocolate with marshmallows and biscuit pieces.

Coffee Pairing: Opt for coconut or almond milk in your latte.

Address: 2,700+ locations across the UK.

7. Zizzi: Vegan Italian Fine Dining

Artisanal vegan pizzas and pastas

Zizzi’s vegan menu includes cashew-based mozzarella and jackfruit “meatballs.”

Must-Order Items:

• Vegan Rustica Margherita
  Tomato, cashew mozzarella, and basil on a sourdough base.
• Jackfruit Pepperonata
  Spiced jackfruit with olives and vegan pesto.
• Chocolate & Raspberry Tart
  Gluten-free dessert with almond crumb.

Insider Move: Request vegan garlic bread (not listed on menus).

Address: 140+ locations, including Brighton, Glasgow, and Leeds.

8. PizzaExpress: Classic Vegan Pizzas

Dedicated vegan menu since 2017

PizzaExpress offers vegan versions of classics, using Violife cheese and meat substitutes.

Must-Order Items:

• Vegan Giardiniera
  Artichokes, olives, and spicy vegan sausage.
• Vegan Garlic Bread with Mozzarella
  Stuffed with dairy-free cheese.
• Dark Chocolate & Salted Caramel Tart

Dough Balls Hack: Swap butter for olive oil and garlic.

Address: 370+ locations UK-wide.

9. Greggs: The High Street Hero

Revolutionizing affordable vegan snacks

Greggs sparked a media frenzy with its 2019 Vegan Sausage Roll. Today, its vegan lineup includes bakes, sandwiches, and sweets.

Must-Order Items:

• Vegan Sausage Roll
  Puff pastry with Quorn sausage meat.
• Vegan Ham & Cheeze Baguette
  With plant-based ham and cheese.
• Vegan Glazed Ring Doughnut

Fan Favorite: Vegan Steak Bake (mushroom-based filling).

Address: 2,300+ bakeries nationwide.

10. Nando’s: PERi-PERi Vegan “Chicken”

Flame-grilled plant-based PERi-liciousness

Nando’s vegan menu features the Great Imitator range, including burgers and wraps.

Must-Order Items:

• The Great Imitator Wrap
  Plant-based chicken with PERi-PERi mayo and slaw.
• Vegan Spiced Grain Salad
  Quinoa, butternut squash, and avocado.

Sauces: All Nando’s sauces except yogurt-based ones are vegan.

Address: 400+ locations, including Cardiff, Belfast, and London.

Honourable Mentions: Emerging Vegan Chains

• Neat Burger (Lewis Hamilton-backed): Vegan smash burgers and shakes.
• Oowee Vegan (Bristol-born): Dirty vegan kebabs and loaded fries.
• Purezza (Fully vegan pizza chain): Nut-based cheeses and sourdough crusts.

Tips for Vegan Chain Dining

1. Check Apps: Chains like Pret and Starbucks update vegan options in real time.
2. Seasonal Menus: Holidays often bring limited-edition vegan items (e.g., Greggs’ Festive Bake).
3. Customize: Swap cheese for avocado or extra veggies at Subway or Burger King.

The Future of Vegan Chains in the UK

The UK’s vegan chain revolution shows no signs of slowing. Pret plans to make 50% of its menu vegan by end of 2025, while Wagamama aims for a fully plant-based menu by 2030. With convenience, affordability, and creativity driving this shift, even sceptics can enjoy guilt-free indulgences. Next time you’re on the go, skip the salad—opt for a vegan sausage roll or katsu curry instead.