American fast-food restaurant chain, Jack in the Box, feels like it’s been around forever – and it kind of has. Launching back in the 1950s and growing to serve over 2,200 restaurants in 21 states and Guam, it was a pioneer of the drive-thru. At one point, it even had a boy band known as ‘The Meaty Cheesy Boys.’ These days, better known for its affordable hamburgers and meat-stuffed tacos, it hasn’t quite caught on to the vegan craze just yet, but don’t worry, Vegan Unlocked has got the inside scoop on its vegan-friendly items. With our editor’s picks, the Vegan Unlocked secret menu, and the full vegan menu, you can hunker down and satiate your hunger – and at any time you fancy because they’re open 24 hours a day.
The Vegan Unlocked Research Team trawled through all 108 items on the Jack in the Box menu and found one delectable custom creation and three on-menu options.
In total, Jack in the Box earned 1.3 of 5 stars having few vegan options. So, while it’s certainly not a pioneer of plant-based cuisine, you can still eat vegan at Jack in the Box and won’t have to walk away with your stomach rumbling.
This score is calculated based on the number of vegan offerings on Jack in the Box’s menu “as is” or with an easy substitution, a restaurant vegan customizability score and finally, the number of vegan options vs non-vegan options. Learn more about how Vegan Unlocked Ratings are calculated.
Secret Menu
When a fast-food chain like Jack in the Box is so well-known for its meaty menu items, finding vegan-friendly options may feel a little challenging. However, with a little imagination and know-how, anything is possible. We sent in our team of vegan researchers to put their creative minds to the test, and they came up with a delicious customized vegan Jack in the Box creation. Remember, sometimes you can just swap out meat for more veggies or add some salsa to zhuzh up an otherwise bland burger!
Keen to keep things a little more simple? Scroll on for Jack in the Box’s vegan menu items and our editors’ top picks just below this section.
Hash brown pita:
Order the chicken fajita pita and hold the chicken, cheese, and grilled onions (bare with us here) and replace these items with jalapenos, a side of hash browns, and some fire-roasted salsa, to add a little zing to your palate. This spicy little number is full of flavor and packs a punch!
All the Vegan Options on Jack in the Box’s Menu
What else is vegan at Jack in the Box?
Meals
- Chicken(less) Teriyaki Bowl: If you love Japanese cuisine and fresh veggies glazed in a rich teriyaki sauce, then order this with no chicken.
- Jr. Jumbo Jack: Get in some of your five-a-day with this burger order; hold the beef patty, buttery sauce, and mayo, and add some jalapenos, and you’re on your way to flavor town.
- Southwest chicken(less) salad: Immerse yourself in the southwest with this sumptuous salad; with grape tomatoes, roasted corn, spicy corn sticks, lettuce, and black beans, what’s not to love? Order this without chicken, cheese, or creamy dressing to make it vegan.
Sides, Appetizers, Add-ons
- Side Salad with low-fat balsamic vinaigrette
- French fries
- Curly fries
- Hash browns
- White rice
- Apple sauce
Vegan Sauces
- Sweet n’ sour dipping sauce
- Fire roasted salsa
- Low-fat balsamic vinaigrette dressing
- Barbecue dipping sauce
- Teriyaki dipping sauce
- Taco sauces
- French mustard
- Strawberry jam
- Soy sauce
- Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo dipping sauce
Editor’s Picks: What Ranks Top in the Jack in the Box Vegan Menu?
The item with the most flavor potential is the southwest chicken salad without chicken, cheese, or dressing. While Jack in the Box doesn’t have a huge vegan offer, its sauce selection is vast, and you can really get creative with them. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some taco sauces or Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo dipping sauce. If you fancy something more subtle, choose the low-fat balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
The best breakfast item is the hash brown pita. Filled with carby goodness and layered with flavor, this will really kick-start your day.
The vegan must-have at Jack in the Box is curly fries. Crispy curls of potato with a hint of spice, these fries are a moreish, cheeky snack for any time of the day.
Note: Vegan Unlocked is a tool dedicated to helping people find plant-based options. We are not an allergen resource and want to encourage our friends with allergies to proceed with caution. We cannot control and don’t always know when cross contamination takes place. See Jack in the Box allergen menu here. As far as cross-contamination of vegan foods with animal products, this is completely up to your comfort level as an individual. Read our stance on cross contamination here.
Frequently Asked Jack in the Box Questions:
Are Jack in the Box curly fries vegan?
If you’re a fan of this kind of fried potato, you’re in luck. Jack in the Box curly fries are vegan.
Are Jack in the Box churros vegan?
No, Jack in the Box churros contain both egg and milk, so, unfortunately, they’re a no-go for vegans.
Are Jack in the Box hash browns vegan?
Yes! This classic breakfast staple is vegan, so munch away.
You can find out more information about eating Jack in the Box by visiting their website here.
Dining at Jack in the Box soon?
Be sure to tag Vegan Unlocked and share your vegan meal or custom creation to be entered into our monthly giveaway!
Jack in the Box’s Vegan Menu Was Brought to You By…
Madaline Dunn
Madaline is a vegan journalist, writer, and editor specializing in sustainability, current affairs, and social justice and the ways in which they intersect. Her work focuses on innovation and progress, prioritizing rigorous investigation. When she’s not writing, she’s in the kitchen experimenting with new plant-based recipes, reading a good book, or thinking about her next cup of coffee.
Cristina Garrido
Cristina is a vegan cook and recipe developer. She’s worked in several vegan kitchens, as a collaborator for different cooking blogs and now works as a consultant helping restaurants interested in making their menus more vegan-friendly. She’s passionate about cultural foods and culinary innovations. Her non-food related interests include thrifting, sustainability and exploring her new adoptive country, Portugal.
