The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is one of the country’s most well-known pancake giants, beloved for its fluffy pancakes, crispy hash browns, and other breakfast staples. While traditionally centered on animal products, IHOP has expanded its offerings to accommodate conscious consumers, including vegetarians and vegans. Whether you’re a vegetarian who enjoys dairy and eggs or a vegan who avoids all animal products, IHOP has something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look.
Vegetarian Options for Those Who Consume Dairy and Eggs
For vegetarians who include dairy and eggs in their diets, IHOP’s menu offers an abundance of satisfying choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. While IHOP is best known as one of the country’s most well-known pancake giants, its diverse menu provides a variety of options to cater to every taste. Let’s explore the vegetarian-friendly menu items in more depth.
Breakfast Items
Breakfast at IHOP is a dream for vegetarians, with a plethora of beloved breakfast staples to start the day.
- Classic Buttermilk Pancakes: These iconic pancakes are fluffy, delicious, and customizable. Top them with butter, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrups for a sweet treat.
- Belgian Waffles: Another classic option, Belgian waffles can be paired with fresh strawberries, bananas, or a butter alternative for a lighter twist.
- French Toast: Made with thick slices of bread, IHOP’s French toast is golden and indulgent. Try it with brown sugar, maple syrup, or peanut butter for added flavor.
- Omelettes: Another beloved breakfast staple. IHOP offers a variety of omelettes packed with vegetables, cheese, and flavorful seasonings. Consider customizing yours with avocado, oven-roasted tomatoes, or red potato pepper hash for an extra boost. The spinach and mushroom omelette at IHOP is a great choice for vegetarian diners.
- Avocado Toast: This modern classic comes with creamy avocado spread on multigrain toast, topped with a sprinkling of cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Pair it with orange juice for a refreshing breakfast combo.
Lunch and Dinner Options
IHOP’s menu goes beyond breakfast, offering hearty vegetarian options for lunch and dinner as well.
- House Salad: A fresh and crisp salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Add balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy finish.
- Vegetarian-Friendly Burgers: While IHOP has introduced plant-based burgers like the Beyond Burger at select locations, their classic veggie burger is another solid choice. Pair it with French fries or onion hash for a satisfying meal.
- Plant-Based Cali Sandwich: A fresh sandwich featuring vegetables, creamy avocado, and cheese on multigrain bread. This sandwich is a great option for a decent meal packed with flavor.
- Vegetarian Soups: Some IHOP locations offer hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato soup, perfect for pairing with sourdough toast or English muffins.
Appetizers and Sides
- Mozzarella Sticks: Crispy and cheesy, these are perfect for sharing.
- Crispy Breakfast Potatoes: A flavorful side made with red potatoes, seasoned to perfection. The hash browns are also a delicious vegetarian side dish.
- Baked Potato: Available as a side or standalone item, the baked potato can be dressed up with cheese, sour cream, or butter for a comforting option.
Desserts
Vegetarians with a sweet tooth will find plenty to love at IHOP:
- Milkshakes: Rich and creamy shakes made with real ice cream in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
- Crepes: Delicate, thin crepes filled with fruit, sweet cream, or Nutella for a decadent treat.
- Sundaes: Ice cream sundaes topped with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and cherries are a perfect end to any meal.
Drinks
To complement your meal, IHOP offers a variety of beverages:
- Coffee and Specialty Drinks: From lattes to cappuccinos, these are perfect for a caffeine boost.
- Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice: A refreshing and healthy choice.
- Smoothies: IHOP does not have blended fruit smoothies at this time.
Social Media and Special Promotions
IHOP actively promotes its vegetarian-friendly items on social media, ensuring conscious consumers stay informed about menu updates and additions. Last year, IHOP’s new menu items and launch of plant-based meats showcased its commitment to offering better options for vegetarians.
Vegetarians who visit IHOP can count on a variety of delicious options, making it a best bet for a meal out with family or friends. Whether you’re craving pancakes, French fries, or a hearty salad, there’s something on the IHOP menu to delight your taste buds.
Vegan Options for Those Who Avoid All Animal Products
For vegans, IHOP has introduced several exciting additions to cater to a plant-based lifestyle. From vegan pancakes to plant-based meats, these options ensure that vegans can enjoy a satisfying meal at this iconic breakfast chain.
Vegan Breakfast Staples
JUST Egg Breakfast Sandwich
The plant-based breakfast sandwich, featuring mung bean-based JUST Egg, a vegan sausage breakfast patty, and a vegan bun, is one of the most forward-thinking additions to IHOP’s menu. However, it may not be available at all IHOP locations.
Plant-Based Cali Sandwich
This sandwich features fresh vegetables, a plant-based patty, and IHOP’s signature flavors, making it a highlight of their vegan offerings. This is also a great option for a vegan lunch!
Plant-Based Pancakes – Not Yet
Unfortunately plant-based pancakes are not yet available from IHOP. Hopefully soon there will be pancakes free from milk, eggs, and bone char, that will be a great choice for vegan diners.
Vegan-Friendly Lunch and Dinner Options
Impossible Burgers and Plant-Based Patties
IHOP’s vegan burgers, including the Impossible burger, are satisfying and flavorful. These plant-based options provide a protein-packed alternative to traditional pork sausage.
Light and Fresh Vegan Sides
Fresh Fruit and Salads
For a simple, wholesome side, fresh fruit or a house salad with balsamic vinaigrette are excellent options for vegans.
Crispy Hash Browns and Breakfast Potatoes
IHOP’s crispy hash browns and breakfast potatoes are vegan-friendly, but check with your local IHOP to confirm their preparation methods to avoid cross-contamination. Be sure to request that the hashbrowns are made without butter.
Creating a Vegan Meal at IHOP
While IHOP is famous for its beloved breakfast staples, creating a satisfying vegan meal is possible with a little creativity and customization. Although the restaurant chain offers fewer options for vegans compared to vegetarians, IHOP’s flexibility allows for assembling a plant-based meal using their day menus and side items. Here is a small vegan guide on how to customize your meal at IHOP.
Start with a base like the Plant Based Cali Sandwich or the New Vegan Breakfast Sandwich, introduced as part of the addition of Impossible Foods to the menu. These items reflect IHOP’s ongoing efforts to cater to the growing demand for vegan meals, following trends established by vegetarian brands like Sweet Earth. While not every location in the United States offers these options, some forward-thinking locations, like IHOP Flip’d in the Flatiron neighborhood of New York City, are leading the way.
Breakfast
For breakfast, consider pairing hash browns (made without butter), fresh fruit, and toast (without butter) for a customizable vegan meal. Add avocado or salsa for extra flavor. While IHOP’s brioche bun is not vegan-friendly, the plain English muffin might be a suitable alternative.
When it comes to lunch or dinner, try building a meal around sides like French fries, steamed broccoli, and a salad (hold the cheese and opt for a vinaigrette). Pair these with plant-based sausage or another vegan-friendly protein if available.
Desserts
Desserts might be trickier, but you can enjoy a vegan version of the popular treat by opting for fruit compotes or syrups to sweeten your meal. Drinks like orange juice, coffee (without cream), or tea are great vegan-friendly beverage options.
As IHOP continues to evolve, vegan options are expected to grow. Animal-rights advocacy from organizations like Animal Outlook and key figures such as Sherene Jagla, Chief Demand Officer, have influenced menu changes across the restaurant industry since the late 20th century. The IHOP website and vegan guides highlight upcoming additions of burgers and other plant-based items, signaling the potential for more inclusive menu options in the future.
By combining side dishes and making thoughtful substitutions, it’s possible to enjoy a decent vegan meal at this popular restaurant chain, even as part of IHOP’s current offerings. Keep an eye on new Impossible items and other plant-based developments, as IHOP strives to expand its menu for plant-based diners.
Navigating IHOP’s Menu as a Conscious Consumer
Challenges for Vegans and Vegetarians
Although IHOP has made significant changes, there are still limitations. For example, common fryer oil and prep areas may lead to cross-contamination. Speaking with the wait staff can help you ensure your meal aligns with your dietary preferences.
Forward-Thinking Locations
IHOP’s sister company, Flip’d by IHOP, offers a modern twist on the pancake house with grab-and-go plant-based options, making it easier to enjoy vegan meals.
IHOP’s Response to Changing Tastes
Menu Diversification
IHOP has introduced Impossible sausage patties, plant-based breakfast sandwiches, and more as part of its menu diversification efforts. These items represent a shift in the company’s flagship offerings to include plant-based alternatives.
Vegan Outreach and Partnerships
IHOP has collaborated with vegetarian brands like Sweet Earth and Impossible Foods to create delicious Impossible dishes. These partnerships are helping IHOP gain a significant seal of approval from conscious consumers.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Inclusivity
IHOP has come a long way in diversifying its menu to cater to vegetarians and vegans. While there are still some hurdles, the addition of plant-based pancakes, vegan sausage breakfast patties, and other plant-based options shows that this American institution is making a conscious effort to serve everyone.
FAQs
Q1: Are IHOP pancakes vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, IHOP’s classic pancakes are suitable for vegetarians who consume dairy and eggs.
Q2: Does IHOP have vegan pancakes?
Yes, IHOP now offers plant-based pancakes for vegan diners.
Q3: Are hash browns at IHOP vegan?
IHOP hash browns are typically vegan but confirm with your location to avoid cross-contamination.
Q4: What plant-based meats are available at IHOP?
IHOP serves Impossible sausage patties, vegan burgers, and a plant-based Cali sandwich.
Q5: Does IHOP provide vegan menu guidance?
Yes, IHOP has a vegan menu guide that highlights plant-based options across its offerings.
