Finding vegan food at a fast-food restaurant can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when there’s no dedicated plant-based menu.
If you’re on the road and need a quick bite, Jack in the Box may not be the most vegan-friendly spot, but with a few modifications, you can put together a meal.
This guide breaks down everything that is vegan by default, what can be customized, and which sauces are safe for plant-based eaters.
Vegan Main Course Options
Jack in the Box doesn’t offer a dedicated vegan burger or plant-based protein, but there are still a couple of ways to get a filling meal.
Impossible Burger (Availability Varies)
Some Jack in the Box locations offer the Impossible Burger, which is one of the only fully vegan-friendly menu items. However, its availability is not consistent across all locations, so it’s best to ask before ordering.
If your location has it, be sure to confirm that the bun is vegan, as Jack in the Box uses different buns at different locations. Some may contain dairy or eggs, so double-check with your server.
Custom Chicken Teriyaki Bowl (Order Without Chicken)
While the standard Chicken Teriyaki Bowl isn’t vegan, you can order it without chicken and ask for extra vegetables instead. This will give you a hearty serving of:
- Steamed rice
- Mixed vegetables
- Teriyaki sauce (which is vegan)
This is a great customizable option if you’re looking for something more balanced than fries and snacks.
Vegan-Friendly Sides
If you’re looking for a light meal or snack, Jack in the Box offers several fried potato options that are vegan.
French Fries, Hash Browns, Potato Wedges, and Seasoned Curly Fries
All of these are vegan-friendly as they’re made from potatoes and cooked in vegetable oil.
However, keep in mind that they share fryers with meat products, so there is a risk of cross-contamination.
For a dipping sauce, check out the list of vegan sauces below.
Side Salad (Order Without Cheese or Croutons)
The side salad at Jack in the Box is not fully vegan as listed, but you can order it without cheese and croutons to make it plant-based. The salad contains:
- Iceberg lettuce
- Romaine lettuce
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Grape tomatoes
The only vegan salad dressing available is the Low-Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette, as other dressings contain dairy.
Vegan Dessert Option
Jack in the Box doesn’t offer any traditional desserts that are vegan, but there is one small snack that works.
Chiquita Apple Bites
This is a kids’ menu item, but it’s simply pre-packaged apple slices, making it a safe vegan choice. To make it more fun, you can pair it with grape jelly, strawberry jam, pancake syrup, or apple sauce for a bit of extra sweetness.
Vegan Sauces at Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box offers a surprisingly large selection of vegan-friendly sauces, which can help add flavor to your meal.
Dipping Sauces & Condiments
- Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce
- Sweet N’ Sour Dipping Sauce
- Teriyaki Dipping Sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Fire Roasted Salsa
- Hot Taco Sauce Packet
- Kikkoman Soy Sauce Packet
- Barbecue Dipping Sauce
Sweet Sauces for Apple Slices
- Grape Jelly
- Strawberry Jam
- Pancake Syrup
- Tree Top Apple Sauce
These sauces can be used to enhance fries, salads, or apple bites, depending on what you’re ordering.
Final Thoughts
Jack in the Box isn’t the most vegan-friendly fast-food chain, but if you find yourself there, you can still put together a meal.
If you’re lucky enough to be at a location that serves the Impossible Burger, that’s your best option.
Otherwise, you’ll be relying on customized items like the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl without chicken, side salads without cheese or croutons, and fried potato sides.
With a little creativity and the right sauce choices, you can make the most of what’s available.
However, if you’re looking for a more substantial vegan meal, planning ahead or choosing a different restaurant might be a better option.
