Navigating the menu at popular sandwich chains can be a challenge for vegans, but there are indeed tasty options available for those who adhere to a plant-based lifestyle. Jimmy John’s, a popular American sandwich shop, has begun offering vegan options to cater to the growing demand for plant-based meals. With a little know-how, you can customize your order and enjoy a satisfying vegan meal at Jimmy John’s.
While the menu might not explicitly list vegan-specific items, fear not! By decoding the menu and understanding which ingredients are plant-based, you’ll be able to create an array of delicious and satisfying sandwiches. You’ll also discover several vegan-friendly sides and snacks that will complete your meal.
Key Takeaways
Vegan options at Jimmy John’s are available through customization of sandwiches.
Many sandwich fillings and toppings are plant-based for vegans to enjoy.
Be mindful of non-vegan items to avoid while navigating the menu.
What Are Vegan Options at Jimmy Johns
Wondering about vegan options at Jimmy John’s? You’re in luck! This popular sandwich chain offers a variety of choices for vegans. Let’s take a look at some of the options available for you.
First up is the Vegetarian Unwich. This lettuce-wrapped sandwich is perfect for those who want a lighter option. The best part is you can customize it to your liking! Request it without mayo and cheese, and load it up with all the veggies you love, like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sprouts.
Another great choice is the 8″ Veggie Sub. Order it on their 9-grain wheat bread, but make sure to skip the mayo and cheese again, as they are not vegan. Feel free to add any of their fresh vegan toppings, such as avocado spread, onion, and bell peppers. Jimmy John’s also has an array of flavorful sauces like the BBQ, mustard, and hot peppers that are vegan-friendly.
For a simple and satisfying snack, try their Plain Slims. Choose the Plain Slim 1 Ham & Cheese and ask for it without the ham and cheese; essentially, you’re left with a tasty baguette loaded with your choice of veggies and sauces. Don’t forget to try their Jimmy Mustard, as it adds a zesty tang to your sandwich.
To make your meal complete, you can pair your sandwich with a side of Jimmy Chips. Some of the available vegan-friendly flavors include Regular, Jalapeño, and Thinny Chips. If you’re in the mood for a beverage, their soda fountain offers vegan options like Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and Sprite.
Remember, communication is key! Always inform the staff that you’re vegan and confirm which options are suitable. With these choices, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal at Jimmy John’s.
Decoding the Menu
When you visit Jimmy John’s, the menu might not initially appear to be vegan-friendly. But don’t worry, with a little creativity, you can find delicious options that cater to your vegan lifestyle.
First, take a look at their bread options. While the 9-grain wheat sub and 9-grain sliced bread contain honey, making them unsuitable for vegans, you still have a great choice: the Unwich. The Unwich is a lettuce wrap that can be used as a substitute for bread in any sandwich. This option is not only vegan, but also low in calories and carbs.
As for the sandwich fillings, focus on the fresh, delicious veggies Jimmy John’s offers. Stack up your Unwich lettuce wrap with tasty vegetables like lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, onions, and sprouts. For spreads, mustard and oil & vinegar are great vegan choices to add flavor to your sandwich. Unfortunately, Jimmy John’s avocados are made into guacamole using a dairy-based mix, thus, they are not vegan-friendly.
When it comes to sides and extras, the standard chips and pickles are vegan. While the Jimmy Chips regular potato chips are safe, make sure to double-check the ingredients on other flavored chip options, as they may change over time.
If you have any concerns about allergens or specific ingredients, Jimmy John’s has an allergen menu available for your reference. You can also refer to vegan guides found online that provide a comprehensive list of vegan-friendly options at various restaurant chains, including Jimmy John’s.
Remember, you can always ask the staff for assistance in choosing vegan ingredients and customizing your order. Enjoy your vegan Unwich at Jimmy John’s!
The Sandwich Fillings and Toppings
Vegans Choice of Bread
As a vegan, selecting the right bread for your sandwich is crucial. At Jimmy John’s, you have a couple of bread options to choose from. You can opt for the delicious 9-grain wheat sub or the equally tasty 9-grain wheat sliced bread. Both these options cater to your vegan needs and complement your toppings perfectly.
Veggie-Filled Unwiches
Perhaps you prefer to ditch the bread altogether and go for a fresh and healthy alternative. In that case, Jimmy John’s has got you covered with their Unwich option. An Unwich is essentially a lettuce wrap, where fresh, crunchy lettuce serves as your base for holding all your favorite vegan toppings!
Here are some great Unwich fillings to try:
Lettuce
Onion
Tomato
Cucumber
Avocado spread
Sprouts, such as alfalfa
The combination of these veggies offers a variety of tastes and textures, ensuring your sandwich is both flavorful and satisfying.
Vegan Sauces and Condiments
When it comes to sauces and condiments, it’s essential to keep your vegan preferences in mind. Fortunately, Jimmy John’s offers several mouthwatering options for jazzing up your sandwich. Make sure to try these vegan-friendly choices:
Oregano-basil seasoning
Grey Poupon mustard
Italian vinaigrette
Yellow mustard
Jimmy Peppers
Jimmy Mustard
These condiments not only enhance the taste of your sandwich but also keep your meal fully vegan. With these options, you can create the perfect vegan sandwich experience at Jimmy John’s. Enjoy your meal!
Vegan-Suitable Sides and Snacks
When you’re looking for vegan options at Jimmy John’s, don’t forget to explore their appetizing sides and snacks. In this section, we’ll cover a variety of vegan-friendly choices that you can enjoy along with your main meal.
Chips Galore
Whether you’re craving something salty or need a little crunch to go with your sandwich, Jimmy John’s offers a variety of vegan chips to satisfy your taste buds. Here’s a list of the vegan chips available:
Classic Jimmy Chips: These regular potato chips have a classic, simple taste that’s perfect when you need a satisfying snack.
Thinny Chips: If you’re watching your calorie intake, reach for these thin and light potato chips.
BBQ Jimmy Chips: For a smoky, barbecue flavor, these chips add a tasty twist to your meal.
Jalapeno Jimmy Chips: Spice up your snack with these fiery, flavorful jalapeno chips.
Pickled Goodies
If you’re a fan of pickles and other tangy flavors, Jimmy John’s has some vegan options that’ll be sure to please. Take a look at these pickled snacks:
Jumbo Kosher Dill Pickle: This large, delicious pickle is perfect for those who love the classic taste of a kosher dill pickle. It’s an excellent addition to your sandwich or as a snack on its own.
Pickles: If the jumbo size is too much for you, opt for the regular-sized pickles, available as a side with your meal.
Hot Peppers: Craving something spicy? Add some heat to your meal with these jalapeno peppers. They’re a great way to liven up your vegan sandwich or provide some extra kick to your snack.
What to Avoid for Vegans at Jimmy Johns
When dining at Jimmy Johns as a vegan, there are certain ingredients you’ll want to steer clear of to ensure your meal stays plant-based. Most of these items involve animal products or derivatives, so be sure to pay attention when customizing your order.
Firstly, be mindful of non-vegan ingredients that may seem harmless but actually contain hidden animal products. Check for items like Caesar dressing which may contain anchovies, and other common ingredients such as gelatin or casein.
Provolone cheese, being a dairy product, is something vegans should avoid at Jimmy Johns. While cheese may be a tempting addition to your sandwich, it’s important to remember that it is made from cow’s milk and is not compatible with a vegan diet.
Similarly, mayo is another ingredient to skip as it contains eggs. Often used as a spread or in sauces at sandwich shops, it can easily be replaced with an alternative spread like mustard, avocado, or hummus for added flavor and creaminess.
Aside from provolone, other cheeses will also be off-limits for vegans, as cheese is an ingredient derived from milk. Be sure to opt-out of any cheese selections when customizing your sandwich to ensure it aligns with a plant-based lifestyle.
As mentioned, both egg and eggs must be avoided due to the animal-derived nature of this ingredient. This also means steering clear of any egg-containing products like mayo and certain salad dressings.
Milk, dairy, and honey are three additional ingredients that vegans should watch out for at Jimmy Johns. These can often be found in dressings, spreads, or even breads, so always be sure to double-check the ingredient list and ask your server if you’re unsure of any items.
By keeping this information in mind and avoiding these non-vegan ingredients, you can confidently enjoy a delicious and satisfying vegan meal at Jimmy Johns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there vegan bread options at Jimmy John’s?
Currently, Jimmy John’s does not offer vegan bread options. Their bread contains eggs and dairy. However, you can still enjoy their sandwiches by ordering an Unwich, which is a lettuce wrap, instead of bread.
What vegan ingredients are available at Jimmy John’s?
Jimmy John’s offers a variety of vegan ingredients to customize your sandwich. These include lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, spinach, oregano-basil, avocado spread, and various condiments such as mustard, oil, vinegar, and Italian vinaigrette.
Is the Gourmet Veggie Club sandwich vegan?
The Gourmet Veggie Club sandwich is not entirely vegan, as it contains provolone cheese and mayo. However, you can easily customize it by asking for no cheese and substituting the mayo for a vegan-friendly condiment like mustard or oil and vinegar.
How can I customize a vegan Unwich at Jimmy John’s?
To create a vegan Unwich at Jimmy John’s, start with a lettuce wrap and then add your choice of vegan ingredients such as avocado spread, veggies, and condiments. This allows you to enjoy a fully vegan, low-carb, and gluten-free meal.
Are Jimmy Chips dairy-free and vegan?
Yes, some of the Jimmy Chips are dairy-free and vegan. The regular, BBQ, and jalapeno flavored chips do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. However, the salt and vinegar flavor contains lactose, making it unsuitable for vegans.
What are some vegan alternatives to Jimmy John’s?
If you’re looking for vegan sandwich alternatives, consider trying options from chains like Subway, which offers more vegan-friendly bread and plant-based protein options. Additionally, you can check out local cafes or sandwich shops, as many of them now offer plant-based and vegan-friendly options.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
