How does the Vegan Unlocked rating system work?

So you’ve stumbled across Vegan Unlocked. And you’re curious! First, we want to thank you for being here. We couldn’t do it without your support! 

You may be wondering what it is that differentiates Vegan Unlocked from other vegan websites. And the proof is in the data. We don’t simply copy and paste outdated vegan options from other websites. Instead, we hire skilled researchers to comb through each and every ingredient on restaurant menus. Then we get creative!

Our “secret menu” feature you’ll see on all of our restaurant pages comes from our skilled vegan research team stitching together meals, sides, and add-ons to create custom plant-based dishes. This comes easy to them because they are real-life vegans! No vegan options on the menu? No worries! Whether we’re swapping beef for potatoes, holding the cheese or building our own vegan burgers, odds are we can find you something to eat just about anywhere.

The formula

Here is where we truly go above and beyond. Our data team then creates a custom restaurant score based on the following: 

• The amount of vegan offerings on the menu “as is”
• The amount of vegan options on a menu with simple modifications
• The number of custom vegan creations we brainstormed
• And the ratio of vegan to non-vegan menu items.

We then assign a rating and label to each restaurant. Our rating system goes as follows:

5 stars: Vegan paradise!

This is a restaurant in which you’ll have a plethora of options to choose from. The vegan selection in this restaurant is almost on-par with the non-vegan selection!

4 stars: Vegan-forward menu

Here, you’ll have plentiful options. This likely means that the restaurant has a few dedicated vegan dishes, as well as high customizability on the menu. 

3 stars: Vegan-friendly menu

You’ll have a few options to choose from and a bit of variety as a vegan. They may be delicious options! But you’ll likely be able to count out your available choices on one hand. This is a typical range for American fast food restaurants.

2 stars: Few options 

Now, we’re treading into scarcer territory. This restaurant may or may not have a dedicated vegan item, and has moderate customizability. They likely aren’t your first choice, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. There are still a few items you can find.

1 star: Little to no vegan options

If a restaurant is scoring in the 1 range, they need to step it up! You may be able to order a couple of appetizers, sides or salads, but hope is beginning to dwindle. You might find one, if any, dedicated vegan menu items.

Curious to See How the Top Restaurants Rank?