Updated February 2024! McDonald’s menu has shifted in recent years due to general ingredient changes, some dairy supplier contracts, and now to “improve” burger quality. Some of these shifts were frustrating, like the introduction of real butter. But according to the company, their burger upgrades in late 2023 were more about technique than ingredients. So for the most part, their dairy-free options entered 2024 without changes. Please keep in mind that the quick dairy-free menu guide below is for the United States, but we have included some notes for Canada and the United Kingdom.
McDonald’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Custom Order, Allergen, and Vegan Notes
This menu guide includes dairy-free menu options first, followed by custom order components. Be aware of special order requirements in parentheses () next to the menu items, and see the Heads Up notes to help fill in the blanks. The information below is for the U.S. locations. Many items are the same in Canada, but there are some differences. We have included some notes for Canada and other countries in this guide.
Fryer Note: Some McDonald’s locations do reportedly use a separate fryer for their chicken, which was all made without milk at the time of our review. But it’s possible that they cook items containing milk in the same fryer. Verify at your location if possible fryer cross-contamination is a concern. McDonald’s uses a canola, corn, and soy oil blend for deep frying.
Butter Note: McDonald’s uses real dairy butter, and may butter the buns or grill, depending on the location. Some locations use only salt and pepper on the grill, but some do use butter. Always clarify no butter when placing your order, and inquire on cross-contamination issues with the grill if concerned. In the UK, they do offer Flora plant butter as an alternative.
Other Allergen & Dietary Notes: All menu items listed below are made without egg, peanuts, tree nuts, and “allergenic” soy, unless otherwise noted. Most items can be ordered without egg if you hold the mayonnaise or sauce. McDonald’s does not consider highly refined soybean oil to be a top allergen, per the FDA. Most of their menu does contain soybean oil. All of the main menu items listed below contain wheat, except for the oatmeal, plain eggs, and apple slices. Inquire if you want to order any components (proteins, sauces, etc); some are gluten-free by ingredients. For vegan options, see the Vegan Menu Guide at the bottom of this post.
Breakfast
- Egg McMuffin (no cheese, no butter)
- Bacon Egg McMuffin (no cheese, no butter)
- Sausage McMuffin (no cheese, no butter)
- Sausage McMuffin with Egg (no cheese, no butter)
- Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (prepared with water, no cream)
- Plain Scrambled Eggs (no butter)
Heads Up! In the United States, McDonald’s Hashbrowns do CONTAIN milk. In Canada, the UK, and some other countries, their Hashbrowns are dairy-free by ingredients. McDonald’s uses both salted butter and clarified butter to make their breakfast sandwiches. Make sure neither is used for dairy-free needs. The Hotcakes, Griddle Cakes (for the McGriddles), Folded Egg (used on other breakfast sandwiches), and Scrambled Egg Mix (for the burritos) do contain dairy.
Burgers
- Bic Mac (no cheese) (contains egg, soy)
- Double Bic Mac (no cheese) (contains egg, soy; limited offer)
- Hamburger
- McDouble (no cheese)
- McRib (seasonal)
- Quarter Pounder (no cheese)
- Quarter Pounder Deluxe (no cheese) (contains egg)
- Quarter Pounder Double (no cheese)
- Quarter Pounder with Bacon (no cheese)
Heads Up! It is not standard policy to use butter on the burgers, but some locations do butter all of the buns or use butter on the grill. Make sure to request NO Butter on all orders. McDonald’s used to use a Grill Seasoning, which was dairy-free, but now they reportedly season their patties only with salt and pepper. The Big Mac Sauce at McDonald’s is dairy-free, but does contain egg, soy, and wheat.
Chicken
- Chicken McNuggets
- McChicken Sandwich (contains egg)
- McCrispy Chicken Sandwich (no butter)
- Deluxe McCrispy Chicken Sandwich (contains egg)
- Spicy McCrispy Chicken Sandwich (contains egg)
- Spicy Deluxe McCrispy Chicken Sandwich (contains egg)
Heads Up! McDonald’s only lists butter on the basic McCrispy Chicken Sandwich, but some locations do butter all of the buns. Make sure to request NO Butter on all orders. Some McDonald’s locations do reportedly use a separate fryer for their chicken. But it’s possible that they cook items containing milk in the same fryer. Verify at your location if possible fryer cross-contamination is a concern. The fried chicken items in Canada are also made without milk, but their Brioche Buns do contain milk. Stick with a standard Sesame Seed Bun.
Fish
Heads Up! The Filet-O-Fish patty on the fish sandwich at McDonald’s does contain milk in the U.S., but it is made without milk in Canada and the UK. In those countries, you can order the fish sandwich without cheese.
Sides
- Apple Slices
Heads Up! In the United States, McDonald’s French Fries do CONTAIN milk. In Canada, the UK, and some other countries, the French Fries are dairy-free by ingredients. McDonald’s discontinued making salads in North America in 2023.
Dipping Sauces
- Honey
- Honey Mustard Sauce (contains egg)
- Sweet ‘N Sour Sauce (contains soy)
- Tangy Barbeque Sauce (contains soy)
- WcDonalds Savory Chili Sauce (contains soy; limited offer)
Heads Up! The Spicy Buffalo Sauce and Creamy Ranch Sauce at McDonald’s do contain milk.
Dessert
- Baked Apple Pie
Specialty Drinks
- Frozen Coca Cola
- Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry
Heads Up! McDonald’s North America has yet to add any dairy-free milk options for coffee, but some other countries have begun adding it to their McCafe menus. Austrian locations, for example, now serve oat milk.
Proteins
- Beef Patties
- Canadian Bacon
- Crispy Chicken Fillet
- Egg (no butter; not the Folded Egg)
- McChicken Patty
- Plain Scrambled Eggs
- Sausage Patty
- Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon
Heads Up! In the U.S., the seasonal Fish Filet Patty and Folded Egg at McDonald’s do contain milk. In Canada, the Fish Filet is made without milk. Verify that the protein you order is not cooked with butter.
Breads
- English Muffin
- Big Mac Bun
- Potato Roll
- Quarter Pound Bun
- Regular Bun
- Flour Tortilla
Heads Up! The Biscuits and Griddle Cakes at McDonald’s do contain milk. Verify that the bread you order is not buttered.
Vegetables
- Onions
- Pickles
- Roma Tomato
- Shredded Lettuce
Condiments
- Big Mac Sauce (contains egg, soy)
- Hotcake Syrup
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise (contains egg)
- Mustard
- Spicy Pepper Sauce (contains egg)
- Tartar Sauce (contains egg)
Heads Up! Canadians can also enjoy the Creamy Habanero Sauce (contains egg). But the Big Tasty Sauce in the UK contains milk.
Coffee Add-Ins
- French Vanilla Syrup
Heads Up! The Chocolate and Caramel Syrups and Drizzles all contain milk. Their frappe base also contains milk. At last check, their McCafe still does not offer any dairy-free milk beverages. But they are test marketing oat milk in Australia.
McDonald’s Vegan Menu Guide
To the best of our knowledge, the following are made without meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey. Inquire directly if concerned about sources for ingredients such as sugar.
Vegan Menu
- Apple Slices
- Baked Apple Pie
- Frozen Drinks
Vegan Dipping Sauces
- Sweet ‘N Sour Sauce
- Tangy Barbeque Sauce
- Hotcake Syrup
Vegan Burger Components
- Big Mac Bun
- English Muffin
- Flour Tortilla
- Quarter Pound Bun
- Regular Bun
- Onions
- Pickles
- Roma Tomato
- Shredded Lettuce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
Vegan Specialty Drinks
- Frozen Coca Cola
- Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry
- French Vanilla Syrup (for coffee)
McPlant: The Beyond Meat patty was discontinued in the U.S. in late summer of 2022. They still offer the McPlant in Australia, the United Kingdom, and several other European countries. The Double McPlant launched in the United Kingdom and Ireland at the beginning of 2023. It is made with vegan “cheese” and vegan sauce. Additional vegan menu items are available in these countries. The U.K. actually has a separate vegan menu.
Heads Up! The Potato Roll contains honey.
This Post is for Informational Purposes Only
Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, food sourcing, and restaurant protocols are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure they can accommodate your situation. This post is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as advice.
There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.
Each location of a chain restaurant has different management and staff, and some might have different owners. This means differences in processes, ingredients used, menu options, and food sourcing can occur. Always verify the safety of your order for your needs at your current location.
Where to Find McDonald’s
Website: www.mcdonalds.com
I WONDER WHICH LOCATION HAS FRIES W/ DAIRY
The fries I order in the US have been dairy free for years. Is listed as containing milk due to cross contamination from the shared fryer?
Response from Go Dairy Free
The fries at U.S. McDonald’s have contained milk in them for a few years. Milk is actually in the product itself. It is at all locations, unless a location you go to is sourcing French fries outside of their franchise network. It is hydrolyzed milk, which means it has been broken down and is easier to digest, so some people might not notice upset if digestive is their only milk issue.
Here are the current McDonald’s French Fries Ingredients in the US: Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Natural Beef Flavor [wheat And Milk Derivatives]*), Dextrose, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (maintain Color), Salt. *natural Beef Flavor Contains Hydrolyzed Wheat And Hydrolyzed Milk As Starting Ingredients.
One of the better sites for the lactose intolerant
It was great for me and I’m lactose intolerant so now I know to have at the golden arches the next time I go. So I am aware of what I’m getting and edit its ingredients for my diet. So I won’t feel like I’m going to be nauseous a half hour hour and a half to 2 hours after.
Filet O Fish almost killed me
I have severe food allergies and recently ordered 2 Filet o fish and specifically told them no cheese or mayo. After messing up my order once (they still put cheese on them), they corrected it and made them with ONLY the bun and fish. I began eating them and had a severe allergic reaction. Even without the cheese and mayo. Never going to McDonald’s again.
Response from Go Dairy Free
Justin, please note that the Fish Fillet Patty CONTAINS milk. We do not have the Filet O Fish listed as a dairy-free option above. In fact, we specifically state in the Heads Up section above that in the U.S. it contains milk. In Canada and the UK, the patty does not contain milk (at the time of writing), and can be custom ordered. Also, if you have a severe allergy, it’s important to be aware of a higher cross contamination risk with fried foods. I’m so sorry to hear that you had a reaction, and hope that you are doing okay.
Thank you!
Thanks so much for this site! We have a son with galactosemia, and every bit of help we can get with his non-diary diet is a huge blessing.
Also, I agree that the negative comments may be from people thinking they’re reviewing McDonalds and not this site. We had the same experience with McDonald’s fries and are still amazed years later that anyone uses milk or lactose to make French fries!
Hashbrowns are dairy free
The 2023 allergen info from McDonald’s lists the hashbrowns as milk free.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/good-to-know/allergen-booklet.html&ved=2ahUKEwiKjbDU3p__AhXXtokEHZxSDyIQFnoECB0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw1XgGMp-h1t6MuW6HJpNIdC
Response from Go Dairy Free
Lisa, the link you are referencing is for the UK allergen guide. Please make sure you read the notes in our guides. As we state “In the United States, McDonald’s Hashbrowns do CONTAIN milk. In Canada, the UK, and some other countries, their Hashbrowns are dairy-free by ingredients.” In the U.S. they contain milk, but not in some other countries. If you are in the U.S., make sure you reference the U.S. allergen information.
This site is amazing!
I’m very thankful for the people working on this website. As long as I stick to what they write I have no issues ordering from restaurants. I’m nursing my son who has CMPA and it was difficult until I came across this site.
As for people giving this page 1 star and commenting about the French fries I’d like to mention that in the above list they are not written as being dairy free. I’d just hate for this site that is extremely helpful to have negative reviews based on something they aren’t promoting.
Easy changes would make it better for those with dairy and egg allergies
The site information is very helpful. I appreciate that. Simple changes in the U.S., such as no milk in fries or hash browns as in other countries or no butter on buns, would make for a friendlier menu for those with allergies.
Really Helpful
As a Anaphylactic dairy allergy I always come to this site for useful advice and tips when ordering from the menu.
These Guidelines are a Go
My 4 year old loves McDonalds and I’ve never eaten with him. Using this site helped us on out last trip. I only had to make one food stop instead of two.
Learning lesson
Always ordered my fries no salt, but now I learned that they contain milk.
72 Comments
Wow! Thank you so much for this info! My stepdaughter has a severe milk intolerance. If she eats anything with milk in it she will puke it up 8 hours later. It’s gotten worse over time. She used to be able to have McDonald’s but we noticed anytime she had it she’d get super sick. We couldn’t figure out why as she only had a plain hamburger and French fries. Now we know! Shame on McDonald’s for not being open about this.
like nearly everyone who is lactose intolerant I’m fine with butter and tiny amount of lactose like in cheddar cheese. I can never find out how much lactose is in McDonald’s products especially the asterisk beside the word cheddar every time. It’s fair to say that sharp cheddar cheese has zero lactose same for Swiss cheese. Please create a category of very low lactose.
Recently cut out all diary but them thought I was afe to have McDonald’s fries. I got horribly sick and rashes from the milk. I think it’s horrible that their allergy tool fails to list Fries as having dairy yet milk os listed as a third ingredient. Shame on them.
I didn’t realize they had that glitch on their tool! We check the ingredients when updating too here on Go Dairy Free. I hope you are feeling better soon!
Is the Filet-o-fish burger dairy free if you ask to remove the cheese?
No, the fish patty contains milk. And I must say, quite odd that they even make a fish sandwich with cheese!
Hi, are the burger buns at mcdonalds usually dairy free? (Asking for the bun of the big mac and the kids burger buns). Also, their chicken nuggets dont contain dairy. Correct? Thank you,
Hi Cynthia, our list above was updated late last year and should cover your questions. To verify that they are current for your needs, there is a link to where you can drill down to ingredients on the McDonald’s website.
I read that they also butter the buns for every sandwich. So you’d have to special request.
What about the buns? Are THEY Dairy Free? I’m wondering because I know a LOT of commercially made bread is made with milk products and I would still LOVE to eat at McDonald’s!
I realize that regardless of the lack of dairy in these two items, cross-contamination is still possible with the McChicken and McNuggets. My question is, has anyone experienced allergies or adverse effects from either of these? Please be 100% sure.
Are the scrambled eggs cooked in butter?
My McDonald’s just announced that they are now cooking their grilled chicken in butter, putting butter on the buns, and added mik to their scrambled eggs.
Another breakfast option is oatmeal without cream. 🙂
Thanks, Katie! I thought their oatmeal automatically came with the cream added. I see on their website that the oatmeal itself is dairy free. I will update the listing.
After September, 2015 i started having allergies reaction to my Macdonald coffee
I had always drink my lite and sweet coffee
And never felt what i started feeling on my on my birthday last year sept 2015
It’s itching sensation all of over my body
Including my throat,my feet, my hands and my face.
Have you contacted McDonald’s about this Liliana?
Hi Liliana,
It’s my understanding that ordering a “light and sweet” coffee means that the coffee has added cream and sugar. Maybe try ordering a plain coffee?
where have you found that mcdonalds fries contain dairy ?
it would explain alot if they do but im running out of things to eat!!
Hi, Shelley,
Go to the McDonald’s Nutrition Calculator on their site, “add” French Fries to your “meal,” and calculate the nutrition. You will see a tab that says “Ingredients.” Click on it, and you will see this information, which I also added to the listing above:
“FRENCH FRIES
Ingredients: Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Natural Beef Flavor [Wheat and Milk Derivatives]*), Dextrose, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (Maintain Color), Salt. *Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients.
Contains: WHEAT, MILK.”
Hope this helps!
Last I checked, mayo contains dairy and is not on their dairy free sauce list..
Hi Jordan, mayo contains eggs not dairy. While it could feasibly contain milk in some form, I’ve yet to meet an unflavored mayo with dairy.
I order the egg McMuffin all the time. I just say, ” no butter pat” and “no cheese” please. I am severely sensitive but have been just fine eating it prepared that way.
The breakfast “McMuffins” contain butter. They are not safe to consume unless you special order. I’ve met a lot of resistance asking them to not toast the muffin in butter
I’m really glad resources like this exist. My lactose intolerance is getting worse. So, while I might not have been sensitive to the fries years ago, they could be a trigger down the line.
Now that I’m being more cautious and checking labels, its incredible how much dairy is in everything. Example – no idea the McMuffins were toasted in butter! I was about to order a sausage one without the cheese.
Yes! Alisa, please update your list to also ask for no butter on a McMuffin. I ordered a sausage McMuffin today for my allergic toddler. When I opened it, I realized it probably had butter on it given the color. I called (it was a drive-thru order) and they confirmed it. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch this the first time I ordered it for him – and that explains the reappearance of his eczema. ?