Jack In The Box is one of those pervasive fast-food restaurant chains in the States, and much like its competition, its vegan selection is rather limited.
Fear not, however - as a vegan, you won't starve here since we're bringing you a guide to vegan options at Jack In The Box.
Just keep in mind that fast food is still fast food, so don't expect to eat healthy here.
Quick Summary
- For vegans seeking dining options at Jack in the Box, the menu offers a variety of plant-based choices like teriyaki bowls, vegetable sandwiches, and seasoned fries.
- The restaurant also provides vegan-friendly drink options, including a range of sodas and juices, catering to diverse preferences.
- A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information revealed that while regular Teriyaki sauce doesn't inhibit Escherichia coli, a 0.5% CV- or TM-containing Teriyaki sauce can effectively inactivate it within 7 days.
- Personally, I find the vegan options at Jack in the Box surprisingly satisfying, especially the seasoned curly fries and the teriyaki bowl with extra veggies.
10 Vegan Options at Jack in the Box
When it comes to the plant-based menu, Jack in The Box offers the following options:
1. Teriyaki Bowl
It's a chicken dish, but it can be made vegan if you skip the meat and order extra veggies instead.
Teriyaki sauce itself is vegan-friendly, so you can dig in without stressing about the ingredients.
According to one of the studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information website that evaluated the effectiveness of Teriyaki sauce at controlling Escherichia coli, Teriyaki sauce alone did not reduce or inhibit any of the target pathogens or indigenous bacteria. In contrast, 0.5% CV- or TM-containing teriyaki sauce inactivated all inocula without recovery within 7 days (p<0.05) [1].
2. Vegetable Sandwich
It's nothing fancy or terribly creative, but it's a decent vegan breakfast or snack option. You can request any vegetables or toppings, including the ones in the teriyaki bowl.
3. English Muffin
Another plant-based option that would go well with a side salad or some vegan toppings is to request a butter-free version.
4. Seasoned Curly Fries
I remember the first time I tried the Seasoned Curly Fries - they were a game-changer. These curly cut fries are seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and spices, offering a unique taste compared to regular fries. They're deep-fried to a perfect crisp and are delightfully thin.
5. French Fries
Unlike fries in some other fast food places, Jack in the Box's fries are a safe pick for vegans.
6. Potato Wedges
On my last visit, I opted for the Potato Wedges, which are usually served with bacon bits and cheddar cheese. I requested them plain, and they were a great choice for a healthier option. These wedges aren't deep-fried like regular fries, making them a lighter yet satisfying choice.
7. Hash Browns
If you are a fan of potato snacks, you won't be lacking vegan options at Jack in The Box. Aside from being crispy and super-delicious and crispy, their hash browns are also vegan-friendly.
8. Spicy Corn Sticks
Along with regular and curly fries, potato wedges, and hash browns, here's another side dish that you can order without worrying about animal-derived ingredients.
9. Side Salad With Low-Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
This would be a perfect match with any of the menu items on the list. To make it vegan, order this side salad without croutons.
10. Condiments and Dipping Sauces
- Frank's RedHot Buffalo Dipping Sauce
- Sweet N' Sour Dipping Sauce
- Teriyaki Dipping Sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Fire Roasted Salsa
- Hot Taco Sauce Packet
- Kikkoman Soy Sauce Packet
- Grape Jelly
- Strawberry Jam
- Pancake Syrup
Other sauces, for example, Barbecue Dipping Sauce and Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, contain some animal ingredients, like eggs, milk, and honey.
Drinks & Sodas
- Barq's Root Beer
- Coca-Cola
- Diet Coke
- Dr. Pepper
- Fanta Orange
- Fanta Strawberry
- Gold Peak Classic Blend Tea
- Jumpin' Jack's Splash (Regular and Diet)
- Powerade Mountain Blast
- Minute Maid 100% Apple Juice
- Mello Yello
- Minute Maid Orange Juice
- Minute Maid Lemonade
Are Their Tacos Vegan?
No, while the tortilla ingredients are plant-based, the filling contains meat, which makes them not vegan- or vegetarian-friendly.
Do They Offer Vegan Burgers?
Yes, but it comes in the form of vegan sandwiches. Jack in the Box is another fast-food chain trying to please its plant-based customers. Their first meatless offer, the Unchicken Sandwich, is being tested at a limited number of locations.
According to an article from the Thrillist website:
"You're only going to find the sandwich in Reno, Nevada, and Monterey, California for the time being. The announcement doesn't say what the company's plan is for expanding availability"
- Dustin Nelson, thrillist.com[2]
FAQs
How Do Vegan Options at Jack in the Box Compare Nutritionally to Non-Vegan Items?
Vegan options at Jack in the Box often have lower calories, saturated fats, and cholesterol compared to their non-vegan counterparts. However, it's important to consider the overall nutritional value, including protein content and the presence of essential vitamins and minerals.
What Are the Environmental Benefits of Choosing Vegan Options at Fast-Food Restaurants?
Choosing vegan options at fast-food restaurants like Jack in the Box can significantly reduce your environmental impact by lowering carbon emissions and water usage associated with animal farming. Plant-based diets are generally more sustainable and eco-friendly compared to meat-based diets.
Can You Customize Menu Items at Jack in the Box to Make Them Vegan?
Yes, many menu items at Jack in the Box can be customized to be vegan by removing meat, cheese, and other animal-derived ingredients. Asking for additional vegetables or plant-based sauces can enhance these customized vegan meals.
What Do Nutrition Experts Say About the Vegan Options at Jack in the Box?
Nutrition experts often view vegan options at Jack in the Box as a healthier alternative due to their lower saturated fat and cholesterol levels. However, they also advise paying attention to the overall nutritional balance, including protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
How Do Jack in the Box's Vegan Options Compare to Other Fast-Food Chains?
Jack in the Box's vegan options are somewhat limited compared to some other fast-food chains that offer a wider variety of plant-based burgers, salads, and sides. However, they are continuously evolving, and customization options can help create a satisfying vegan meal.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28285115/
- https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/jack-in-the-box-unchicken-sandwich-plant-based-2020
About The Author
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