In the past, McDonald’s Italy used to have a vegetarian burger on their menu. Unbeatable, their original McVeggie was my absolute favourite McDonald’s Burger worldwide. But as it was only a temporary offer to celebrate EXPO 2015 in Milan, they discontinued it at some point but had another meat-free option available. The “new” McVeggie was not comparable to the phenomenal 2015 McVeggie, but still a good choice. Nonetheless, they discontinued this one as well. So, now in 2018, there is no meat-free burger available at McDonald’s Italy. And even besides Fries, the vegetarian food options at McDonalds Italy are very very limited. Like, you almost have no other choice (than eating somewhere else). However, I gave two of their current vegetarian options a try, the “Le Riche Cheddar” and the Mozzarella McBites. Quite ridiculous to eat two meals with cheese, but I simply had to try both (and didn’t want to go to a McDonald’s twice.)
As part of the sides, the “I Contorni”, you will find quite a few vegetarian options, such as “Le Riche Cheddar” (as well as “Le Riche Cheese & Bacon”), Patatine (regular fries), or Carotine Baby. Other options can be found as “Le Sfiziosita”, the Snacks, such as Crochette di Spinachi e Parmigiano Reggiano, an actual piece of Parmigiano Reggiano Parmesan Cheese, and Mozzarella McBites.
Fries with hot cheese sauce is actually something super delicious, such as the ones from Shake Shack, but the McDonald’s version, woof, what was a massive downgrade in comparison. For a price of 2,60€ per portion, you will receive your fries in a paper basket, covered in fine lines of warm cheese sauce. The proportion of the fries itself felt quite small; for the price, however, the cheese sauce was just not enough at all for all the fried potato fingers (if you want to have at least each of the fries dipped a bit in the cheese sauce). Unfortunately, the more significant disappointment was the Mozzarella McBites for 1,70€. They were hard, the cheese not melted at all, and they don’t even serve those four cheese balls with a sauce (like they do at McDonalds Spain). All in all, I can only “recommend” the Le Riche Fries, if you like hot cheese sauce, but would definitely recommend either ordering a second portion of cheese sauce, or another ketchup to dip the fries in.
More from the table: browse all McDonalds Italy and McDonalds posts, other cheese fries, the Food category and my Italy travel guides. For real Italian vegetarian bites, try Arancini in Sicily or bake Torta Russa di Verona and orange yogurt muffins yourself.
FAQ: Vegetarian food at McDonalds Italy
Does McDonalds Italy have a vegetarian burger?
Not at the time of writing in 2018. The McVeggie was a temporary offer for EXPO 2015 in Milan and later versions were discontinued as well. Menus change, so check the current menu.
What vegetarian options does McDonalds Italy offer?
Mostly sides and snacks: Le Riche Cheddar fries, regular fries, Carotine Baby, spinach and Parmigiano Reggiano croquettes and Mozzarella McBites.
How much are the Le Riche Cheddar fries?
They cost 2.60 euros per portion when I visited. Prices change, so check the current price.
Are the Le Riche Cheddar fries worth it?
In my opinion not really. The portion felt small for the price and there was not enough cheese sauce for all the fries.
Are Mozzarella McBites vegetarian?
They are a cheese snack on the vegetarian side of the menu at the time of my visit. If you need to be sure, ask the staff about ingredients.
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