Popeyes Vegetarian & Sides Menu With Prices & Calories 2026
Popeyes Vegetarian & Sides Menu
The Supporting Cast That Steals the Show
Popeyes built its name on fried chicken, but the sides menu is where the chain quietly proves it can do more than just protein. From the cult-favorite Cajun Rice to the tangy Coleslaw and the fan-debated Red Beans & Rice, the Popeyes sides lineup has its own loyal following — and it’s also the easiest place on the menu for vegetarians to build a satisfying meal without touching a single piece of chicken.
The Popeyes vegetarian and sides menu 2026 covers everything from classic comfort sides to the handful of genuinely meat-free options scattered across the menu. Whether you’re rounding out a combo, feeding a vegetarian in the group, or just trying to figure out which side is actually worth the upcharge, this page breaks it all down — prices, calories, and which ones we’d recommend you skip.
This page covers every major Popeyes side and vegetarian-friendly item with prices and calories for 2026 — with full descriptions, the complete price table, and answers to the questions people ask most. Everything you need to decide before you order is right here on pop-menu.net.
Popeyes Vegetarian & Sides Menu With Prices & Calories 2026
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Vegetarian? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cajun Fries (Regular) | $2.49 | 340 cal | Yes | |
| Cajun Fries (Large) | $3.49 | 480 cal | Yes | |
| Red Beans & Rice | $3.49 | 260 cal | Contains pork seasoning | |
| Coleslaw | $2.69 | 220 cal | Yes | |
| Mashed Potatoes & Cajun Gravy | $2.6 | 130 cal | Gravy may contain meat drippings | |
| Mac & Cheese | $2.99–$4.99 | 570 cal | Yes | |
| Buttermilk Biscuit | $1.29 | 150 cal | Yes | |
| Cajun Rice | $2.69 | 160 cal | Contains chicken broth/giblets | |
| Green Beans | $2.4 | 930 cal | YesApple Juice$2.00110 calYes | |
Popeyes Sides — Full Item Descriptions
🍚 Cajun Rice $2.69 | ~160 Calories A Louisiana classic
rice cooked with bell peppers, onion, and a Cajun spice blend for a savory, slightly smoky flavor. Important note for vegetarians: Popeyes Cajun Rice is traditionally prepared with chicken broth and giblets, so it is not vegetarian-friendly despite having no visible meat. Always confirm with your local restaurant, as recipes can vary slightly by region.
🫘 Red Beans & Rice $3.49 | ~260 Calories
A hearty, stewed side made from red beans simmered in a seasoned broth and served over rice. Like the Cajun Rice, this side typically includes pork seasoning as part of its traditional preparation, so it does not qualify as vegetarian at most locations.
🥗 Coleslaw $2.69 | ~220 Calories
Crisp shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy, slightly sweet dressing. It’s a cooling counterpoint to the heat of the Spicy Chicken Sandwich or Ghost Pepper Wings, and it’s one of the most reliably vegetarian-friendly sides on the entire menu.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes & Cajun Gravy $2.69 | ~130 Calories
Classic mashed potatoes topped with Popeyes’ signature Cajun-spiced gravy. The potatoes themselves are vegetarian, but the gravy is typically made with meat-based stock, so strict vegetarians should request it plain or substitute a different side.
🧀 Mac & Cheese $2.99–$4.99 | ~570 Calories
Creamy, cheesy, and one of the richer options on the sides menu. Fully vegetarian and a popular choice for kids’ meals or anyone wanting something more indulgent than fries. The calorie count is the highest of any side on this list, so it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re tracking intake.
🍞 Buttermilk Biscuit $1.29 | ~150 Calories
Flaky, buttery, and arguably the most iconic side on the Popeyes menu after the fries. Fully vegetarian and a frequent feature in value deals — the Tuesday 2-Piece Chicken + Biscuit deal is built around this item.
🫛 Green Beans $2.49 | ~30 Calories
The lightest item on the entire menu by a wide margin. Simple seasoned green beans, fully vegetarian, and the obvious pick for anyone trying to balance out a heavier order.
🧃 Apple Juice $2.00 | ~110 Calories
Not a side in the traditional sense, but worth including for vegetarian and kid-friendly meal building. A straightforward, fully vegetarian beverage option.
Popeyes Vegetarian & Sides — Best Value Picks for 2026 Not sure where to start? Here are the standout picks for vegetarians and side-seekers alike:
Best fully vegetarian side: Cajun Fries — bold flavor, low price, and no hidden animal-based ingredients. The safest and tastiest pick on the menu. ✅
Best low-calorie side: Green Beans at just 30 calories — the lightest way to round out any order.
Best value side: Buttermilk Biscuit at $1.29 — small price, big flavor, and a staple of Popeyes’ best combo deals. 💰
Best indulgent pick: Mac & Cheese — fully vegetarian and the richest option if you’re not counting calories.
Best one to double-check: Cajun Rice and Red Beans & Rice — both delicious, but typically prepared with meat-based broth or seasoning, so confirm with staff if you’re strictly vegetarian.
Popeyes Entrees — Best Value Picks for 2026
Cajun Fries
$2.49
Red Beans & Rice
$5.99
Coleslaw
$2.69
Buttermilk Biscuit
$1.29
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
$6.99
Apple Juice
$2.0
FAQs — Popeyes Vegetarian & Sides Menu
Does Popeyes have any vegetarian sides?
Yes. Cajun Fries, Coleslaw, Mac & Cheese, Buttermilk Biscuits, and Green Beans are all vegetarian-friendly at most Popeyes locations. However, recipes can vary slightly by region, so it's always smart to ask staff directly if you have strict dietary requirements.
Is Popeyes Cajun Rice vegetarian?
No, in most locations Cajun Rice is prepared using chicken broth and giblets, which makes it unsuitable for vegetarians despite containing no visible chicken pieces.
Is Popeyes Red Beans & Rice vegetarian?
Typically no. The dish is traditionally seasoned with pork, so it does not meet vegetarian standards at most Popeyes restaurants.
Does Popeyes have a fully vegetarian entrée, not just sides?
As of 2026, Popeyes does not offer a dedicated vegetarian entrée in the US. The vegetarian-friendly options are concentrated almost entirely in the sides menu, so a vegetarian visit usually means building a meal from sides like fries, biscuits, mac & cheese, and coleslaw rather than a center-of-plate item.
What is the healthiest Popeyes side?
Green Beans, at roughly 30 calories, are by far the lightest option on the sides menu. Coleslaw and Mashed Potatoes without gravy are also relatively light choices.
Can I customize a side to make it vegetarian?
In many cases, yes. For example, asking for Mashed Potatoes without the Cajun Gravy removes the main concern around meat-based stock. Always confirm directly with the location, since exact recipes and substitutions can differ.
Are Popeyes sides gluten-free?
Some, like Green Beans and Coleslaw, are generally considered gluten-free, but cross-contact in fryers and kitchens is common, so they should not be treated as fully allergen-safe. Check with your local restaurant for the most accurate allergen information.
