Mercy For Animals Ranked Top US Burger Chains

A new report evaluated the 25 largest US burger chains based on their plant-based menu options.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Vegetarian

Bold vector editorial illustration of a plant-based burger patty with lettuce and tomato on a wooden board, representing sustainable food choices. — Mercy For Animals' latest industry report identifies the top US burger chains prioritizing plant-based menu expansion, highlighting wide performance gaps. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe major burger chains should offer more plant-based menu options?

Mercy For Animals released The Patty Battles Report, which scored the 25 largest burger chains in the United States on their commitment to plant-based menu items. While six chains earned high marks for their variety and accessibility, many others fell into the lowest performance tier.

Why it matters

The report aims to encourage major fast-food companies to integrate more plant-forward policies into their standard US operations. By evaluating ingredients and menu placement, the organization seeks to challenge industry concerns regarding consumer demand.

The report assessed chains on a scale of 1 to 30 points, with 15 serving as the threshold for an upper-tier ranking. Thirteen chains scored 9 points or fewer, indicating a lack of commitment to plant-based options.

The players

Mercy For Animals

This is a non-profit organization focused on preventing cruelty to farmed animals and promoting plant-based food choices.

McDonald's

This is the world's largest fast-food restaurant chain by revenue and global location count.

Burger King

This is a global hamburger fast-food chain known for its signature flame-grilled menu offerings.

The details

Chains earned points for including plant-based patties, cheese, buns, and desserts, as well as for their menu placement, pricing, and promotional efforts. Top-performing brands included Bareburger, BurgerFi, Fatburger, White Castle, Red Robin, and Burger King.

2019: Burger King began selling the Impossible Whopper in the US.
2021: The McPlant rollout began in the UK and Ireland.
November 2021: McDonald's began a US McPlant pilot test.
2022: McDonald's ended its US McPlant pilot.
October 7, 2026: Mercy For Animals published The Patty Battles Report.

Culture Shift

The Patty Battles Report highlights the ongoing divergence in fast-food industry strategies regarding the transition to sustainable, plant-based alternatives. This shift reflects broader societal moves toward reducing reliance on traditional animal agriculture.

Consumers looking for plant-based alternatives may find more consistent options at the six top-rated chains identified in the report. Those visiting chains with lower rankings may encounter fewer menu choices or limited access to plant-forward patties and sides.

The takeaway

The gap between top-performing chains and those with little to no plant-based commitment suggests that consumer options vary significantly by brand. Diners can check specific menu offerings online to determine if their local fast-food spot accommodates plant-forward preferences.