Vegan Jack in the Box Restaurant Guide (Vegetarian + Dairy-Free Options)

With more than 2,200 fast food locations in the United States, Jack in the Box is springing up with leaps and bounds in the burger business. Is it possible that vegan Jack in the Box cuisine may be coming in the future?

Although its yet to offer an exclusive Jack in the Box vegan menu or a permanent plant-based burger option, we have to applaud the chain for its efforts in recent years. Not only has it been testing out the Impossible Burger, but also an Unchicken Sandwich at select locations. While the situation is not ideal, we’re happy to see some progress.

Whether you’re in dire need of a quick bite while on the go or meeting friends at the last minute, we know it’s stressful to have to figure out what’s vegan. To save you extra time and unnecessary stress, we’ve outlined all of the plant-based options for you (listed below). Keep reading and we’ll give you the lowdown on all vegan-friendly foods.

How to Navigate the Jack in the Box Menu

The choices are pretty scarce at this fast food restaurant, but the all-day breakfast options are surprisingly good. Our advice is to visit Jack in the Box for breakfast or a snack only. Finding options for lunch will only be disappointing and frustrating. Here’s what we would order:

• Breakfast – French toast sticks, hash browns, juice (apple or orange), strawberry jam, grape jelly, and pancake syrup
• Main Meal – Teriyaki Bowl (request no chicken) or Impossible Burger/Jack Unchicken Sandwich (if offered at that particular location)
• Side – Fries (curly or regular) or a side salad with low-fat balsamic vinaigrette 
• Beverage – Fountain soda, iced tea, juice (apple or orange), lemonades, and water
• Dessert – Applesauce

Is There a Jack in the Box Impossible Burger?

Unfortunately, it depends on where you’re located. There is no information on the Jack in the Box website (or on the online menu) containing the Impossible Burger. Our best advice is to call the location you wish to visit and ask if they have this vegan-friendly burger on the menu. If they do, don’t forget to ask for no mayo and no cheese. It’s also unknown if the bun that comes with this plant-based burger is vegan or not.

Does Jack in the Box Have a Vegan Chicken Sandwich?

Currently, the Jack’s Unchicken is being tested only in California (Salinas and Monterey) and Reno, Nevada. We’re not sure if it will be expanding the locations as this item is not shown on the website or online menu at this time.

Jack in the Box Vegan Menu Options

Below is a detailed list of all the current Jack in the Box menu items which are vegan-friendly. Generally, all of the potato products are vegan, some dressings and sauces, a salad, grain bowl (without meat) and a number of beverages. Make sure to ask if the location you visit is offering the Impossible Burger or Unchicken Sandwich, in case you’re in luck at that location, or just load up on extra veggies. Crossing our fingers that this list helps you find something to satisfy your hunger.

Bowls

• Teriyaki Bowl (request no chicken and add extra veggies)

Breakfast

• French Toast Sticks
• Hash Browns
• Pancake Syrup

Bread & Buns

• Flour Tortilla
• Gourmet Signature
• Pita Bread
• Regular
• Split Top
• Sourdough Bread

Dipping Sauces

• Barbecue
• Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo 
• Pancake Syrup
• Sweet & Sour
• Teriyaki

Dressing

• Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette

Kid’s Menu

• Applesauce
• Curly Fries
• French Fries

Packets

• Butter-flavored vegetable oil
• Gold n’ Sweet Whipped Spread
• Grape Jelly
• Hot Taco 
• Ketchup
• Mustard 
• Soy Sauce
• Strawberry Jam
• Teriyaki

Salad

• Side Salad (ask for no croutons)

Sandwich Sauces

• Ketchup 
• Mustard

Snacks and Sides

• Curly Fries
• French Fries
• Rice
• Spicy Corn Sticks

Note: Keep in mind that Jack in the Box cooks its fries in the same oil as other animal-based foods. It’s a personal choice whether or not you feel comfortable with that. We don’t judge!

Vegetable Toppings

• Black Beans
• Broccoli Florets
• Carrots
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Green Chilis
• Grilled Onions
• Jalapenos
• Lettuce (romaine and iceberg)
• Pickles
• Salsa
• Tomatoes

Vegan-Friendly Beverages

• Bottled Water
• Coca-Cola Fountain Drinks
• Coffee
• Gold Peak Iced Tea
• Minute Maid Apple Juice
• Minute Maid Lemonade
• Simply Orange Juice

Additional Accidentally Vegan Options

• Chocolate Syrup
• Cinnamon Sugar

Jack in the Box Q&A

What’s Not Vegan at Jack in the Box?

We’re sure you’re pretty familiar now with what’s usually vegan or not vegan at fast food restaurants, but here is our list of vegan menu items that are definitely not vegan at Jack in the Box. All of the foods below contain dairy and/or eggs. Be cautious, friends!

• Biscuits, Croissants, and Pancakes
• Dipping Sauces- House, avocado, honey mustard, and Jack’s Mystery 
• Egg Roll
• Mini Churros
• Onion Rings
• Packets – Secret sauce, mayonnaise, and garlic herb butter
• Sandwich Sauces – any sauce labeled “creamy”
• Seasoned Croutons
• Shakes & Desserts
• Stuffed Jalapenos

Historic Vegan Moments in Jack in the Box’s History

• October 2021 – Jack in the Box gives a trial run to the Impossible Burger at select locations.
• October 2020 – The Jack Unchicken Sandwich is created and tested in a couple of cities in California and in Reno, Nevada.

Fascinating Facts About Jack in the Box

• The first location opened in 1951 in San Diego, California. It’s been around for over 60 years!
• Robert O. Peterson, the founder, was one of the first to install a two-way intercom system at the Jack in the Box drive-thrus.
• This fast food restaurant has offered all-day breakfast since 1969.
• The tacos have weird brown spots because the tortillas are heated at a whopping 700 degrees while cooking.
• Dennis Hopper used to work at the La Mesa, California, Jack in the Box location before becoming famous.

Helpful Hints When Ordering Vegan at Jack in the Box

• Browse the Jack in the Box menu before ordering.
• If ordering Jack in the Box online or through a delivery service, make sure you clearly specify any substitutions you would like. Especially concerning sauces and meats. If you’re worried that your request may not be honored (or seen by the server at Jack in the Box), it might be a better idea to go there directly to order.
• Check out the Nutrition and Allergen Information page to make sure that you are purchasing a vegan-friendly item. The menu items offered at Jack in the Box do change and the informational charts seem to be updated regularly.
• Be careful when new and exciting seasonal products are offered at Jack in the Box. Double-check the allergens and ingredients PDFs to make sure the item is vegan before purchasing.

Creating a Kinder and More Accessible Jack in the Box

What are the chances of Jack in the Box vegan tacos? Any hope of a dairy-free dessert?

Jack in the Box has been jumping at a few chances to expand its vegan offerings. The Impossible Burger and Jack’s Unchicken Sandwich are signs of progress, although we hope that they will both become permanent menu options. Will these plant-based foods be offered at more locations sooner rather than later? We’ll have to wait and see.

More and more popular fast food burger and fry restaurants are bringing out vegan-friendly foods every day and the competition is escalating. It’s about time that all restaurants have at least one fully vegan-friendly meal offered without resorting to a sad salad or only fries and ketchup. You may not believe this, but your voice matters! We hope you’ll use your voice to make a difference and ask for more options!

You can always write to, call, or contact the managers of any location to make our requests.

What are your all-time favorite items on the new vegan menu at Jack in the Box? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

How to Order Vegan at Other Fast Food Chains

We have a whole series of fun and well-researched vegan fast food guides to help you find the best (and most satisfying) options at each location. Take a peek if you’re in need of a quick vegan meal on a road trip or with fast food-loving friends!

• Arby’s
• Burger King
• Carl’s Jr.
• Five Guys
• In-N-Out Burger
• McDonald’s
• Sonic Drive-In
• Wendy’s
• White Castle

Have you found any other menu options to be veganizable? Did you find something incredible that we missed? Let us know by tagging #worldofvegan and sharing your favorite vegan-at-Jack-in-the-Box creations with all of us!

This Jack in the Box vegan options article is not sponsored and we are in no way affiliated with Jack in the Box. At the time of this vegetarian options at Jack in the Box article, the foods mentioned above are vegan. Since restaurants constantly update their menus and add or take away items, please keep this in mind when ordering your food. There may be new items that are vegan at Jack in the Box and not listed or items listed here as vegan, which are no longer vegan. Take care to double-check.