If we were to guide ourselves by every restaurant/business “beliefs, mission, or story”, almost every one of them should offer their vegan public numerous options. Why? Because all of them talk about how they support their customers and want to form the most powerful bond with them. Well, Chili’s promises something similar, however, the vegan options at Chili’s are lacking.
Even though a lot of their products do not contain meat, they are cooked in shared fryers and may be exposed to all allergens/animal products. So, what’s left for all the vegan folks out there?
We’re in the business of making people feel special. In everything we do, we have to ask ourselves if we’re putting the Guest first and making sure they’ll come back for more. Our Cultural Beliefs bring that passion to life and shape who we are as a company and as the people who live and breathe inside of it.
Chili’s Website
Vegan Options at Chili’s You Should Consider
So, there are a fair amount of menu choices available at Chili’s that fit within a vegan diet, if you are ok with them being cooked in the same oil as animal products. However, let’s take a look together at the list below so that we will be ready to order without hesitating.
Please, keep in mind that the following products are vegan by ingredients, but the fried items are made in a shared fryer where milk and other animal ingredients may be present. Also, all of the items below, except for the Fried Pickles and Flour Tortillas, are gluten-free considering their ingredients.
All fried ingredients are cooked in shared fryers and maybe exposed to all allergens/animal products. For this reason guests with food allergies should avoid fried items.
Chili’s Website
Chilli’s Vegan Appetizers & Salads
- Bottomless Tostada Chips & Salsa;
- Fresh Guacamole & Chips;
- Fried Pickles without Ranch Dressing;
- Caribbean Salad ordered with Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette;
- House Side Salad without Croutons and Cheese, ordered with Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette.
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Kids Menu
- Side Corn on the Cob;
- Side Fresh Pineapple;
- Side Fries;
- Side Mandarin Oranges;
- Side Steamed Broccoli.
Chilli’s Vegan Sauces & Dressings
- Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette;
- House BBQ Sauce;
- Original BBQ Sauce;
- Salsa.
Vegan Sides & Extras
- Avocado Slices;
- Black Beans;
- Corn Tortillas;
- Flour Tortillas;
- Fresh Pineapple;
- Fries;
- Garlic Dill Pickles;
- Mandarin Oranges;
- Mexican Rice;
- Pickles;
- Roasted Asparagus;
- Steamed Broccoli;
- Sweet Corn on the Cob.
Last but not least, please keep in mind that fried items at Chili’s may be cooked in a fryer that other items containing milk are cooked in too. In addition, fried items do include their house tortilla chips option. So, be sure to ask for non-fried vegan options if you are concerned about potential cross-contamination in the fryer.
What Do You Think About the Vegan Options at Chili’s?
All in all, this Tex-Mex bar and grill chain has over 1500 locations worldwide. The majority of their restaurants are in the U.S., but they do have outposts in Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. So, almost wherever you are, you can give the vegan options at Chili’s a try! You can find all the information you need, like locations, hours, and online to-go ordering on Chili’s website.
In addition, you have allergies, food sensitivities, or other dietary restrictions, you may want to take a closer look at Chili’s menu items and their allergen information.
Finally, tell us your opinion about their products and their services in the comment section below. Also there you can ask your further questions and even compare their offer with other restaurants’ like: the vegan options at CHICK-FIL-A or McDonald’s vegan options.
Deniece McGhee says
Thanks! Great information. I had no idea there were so many options at Chilis!
Cathy Paulino says
Thanks for the information! I live in a small, rural town in Texas and restaurants are often a nightmare… this will help.
Memoria James says
How do you know the flour tortillas are vegan? Flour tortillas are usually made with lard or vegetable shortening. Also if you cannot have tortilla strips, why can you have flour tortillas? Corn tortillas are better options than flour. Is it because it is fried in oil or something? I am a vegetarian, so I am fully aware of what is allowed in a vegan diet.
Samantha Sutera says
Both the santa fe and explosion salads come with a ranch dressing which is not vegan. The explosion salad also comes with cheese quesadillas. For those true vegans, you should also know that the carribean salad comes with a honey lime vinaigrette. I’ve worked there for a year. My go to is the margarita fresh mex bowl without chicken or rice and with extra avacado slices.
Paige Caddy says
The CBV isn’t vegan. The only one without dairy or eggs is the honey lime vinegarette
Dana Ouellette says
I got the quesadilla explosion salad last night and asked for no meat and no tortillas. Just a heads up – mine came out with cheese sprinkled on top of it. It may be worth asking the waiter about that before ordering.
Haley Shepherd says
Are you sure the pretzel sticks are vegan? I’m going today and would love to try them but I’m not seeing them listed on the vegetarian menu.