Even If You Order KFC Mashed Potatoes Sans Gravy They Aren't Vegetarian - Here's Why

Dining out when you have any kind of dietary requirement can be complicated at the best of times, but even more so at fast food restaurants. Being able to produce a consistent product across all outlets relies heavily on processes and ingredients that wouldn't be used in home cooking, which is how you end up with mashed potatoes that aren't vegetarian.

KFC's mashed potatoes contain multiple ingredients that should be flagged by vegetarians, even if you skip the gravy. The nutritional guide for the potato mix itself includes mono- and diglycerides, which are used to emulsify fats; calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate, which contributes to a creamy texture and extended shelf life; and the rather vague natural flavors.

While it's true that these ingredients can be derived from non-animal sources, they commonly come from meat, poultry, or seafood, as well. And there's no way to know unless it's specifically stated. The fact that KFC does not list the mashed potatoes as a vegetarian option would indicate that these additives aren't strictly plant-based. In fact, the only KFC side dishes promoted as vegetarian at the fast-food chain are green beans, corn on the cob, and, perhaps surprisingly, BBQ baked beans.

Even if you are on the lookout for these additives in a fast food meal, the ambiguity of the sources can make it impossible to know exactly what you're eating. There's no obligation for disclosure unless the ingredient contains one of the key allergens — such as eggs, milk, or fish. This means that even plant-based foods can contain animal-derived ingredients.

McDonald's fries are famously no longer vegetarian, thanks to the addition of a beef flavoring in the frying oil. While to their credit, this beef flavor is listed in the ingredients for these items, other parts of the menu aren't as clear. McDonald's actually publicly states that it doesn't promote any of their products as being vegetarian or vegan. So the natural flavors and emulsifiers in the hotcakes, for example, might not be vegetarian-friendly.

Cross-contamination may also be an issue for you, depending on how strictly you avoid any meat products. A read through of the Burger King nutritional information guide reveals that none of the chain's products meet the requirements of a vegetarian diet — not even the Impossible Whopper. To achieve the flame-grilled taste that BK is known for, these plant-based burgers are cooked on the same grill as the regular meat patties.