Your Guide to Vegan Options at Joe and the Juice
Joe and the Juice is a global brand celebrated for its fresh juices, healthy sandwiches, and vibrant atmosphere. For vegans and those exploring plant-based eating, the menu offers more than just the basics. From satisfying sandwiches to rich smoothie bowls and customizable drinks, there are plenty of options to fuel your day the vegan way.
The Vegan Sandwich Selection
While Joe and the Juice is most known for its juices, its toasted sandwiches are a major draw. Thankfully, they offer a dedicated, popular vegan sandwich that is a crowd-pleaser.
- The VAVO (Vegan Avocado): The VAVO is a permanent fixture on the menu for vegans and vegetarians alike. It features Joe's signature thin-pressed bread filled with fresh avocado, tomato, spinach, and a tangy vegan pesto. It's a satisfying and flavorful option that holds its own against the meat-and-cheese alternatives. You can enjoy this sandwich with confidence, knowing it's designed to be entirely plant-based from the start.
Nutrient-Packed Vegan Bowls
For those seeking a heartier, fork-and-knife meal, Joe and the Juice offers a few fantastic bowls that are naturally vegan and brimming with superfood ingredients. These are perfect for a substantial lunch or a filling breakfast.
- Açaí Bowl: This bowl is a classic for a reason. It features a base of blended açaí, topped with fresh avocado, strawberries, banana, and a sprinkle of goji berries and crunchy granola. It's a refreshing and antioxidant-rich option that feels both indulgent and healthy.
- Spirulina Bowl: A vibrant green alternative to the açaí, the Spirulina Bowl is packed with kale, spinach, dates, and cacao nibs. It’s a nutrient-dense powerhouse designed to give you a natural energy boost. The mix of sweet dates and bitter cacao provides a complex flavor profile that keeps it interesting.
- Green Vegan Bowl: A truly savory option, this bowl is a mix of kale, avocado, vegan pesto, spinach, pickled red onion, edamame, and broccoli, all finished with pumpkin seeds and cranberries. It's a textured, filling, and nutrient-dense meal.
The Juices, Shakes, and Coffees
The majority of the beverage menu at Joe and the Juice is vegan-friendly, with many items being purely fruit and vegetable-based.
- Juices: Nearly all of the signature juices are vegan by default. Options like Joe's Green Mile (spinach, kiwi, avocado, lemon, apple), Iron Man (apple, strawberries, kiwi), and Go Away Doc (carrot, ginger, apple) are all safe choices. Just double-check for any surprise additions if you're concerned, but most are straightforward blends.
- Vegan Shakes: Joe and the Juice offers specific, protein-packed shakes that are made with non-dairy ingredients. The Re-Build 2.0, for instance, is a creamy blend of vanilla, cacao powder, chocolate almond drink, banana, and dates, providing a hefty amount of protein. They often feature more than 23g of plant protein.
- Coffee: All coffees and teas can be made vegan by substituting dairy milk for one of their plant-based alternatives. They typically offer almond, cashew, and oat milks, giving you several ways to enjoy your favorite caffeine fix.
Customizing Your Order
To ensure your order is 100% vegan, some customization may be necessary, especially for smoothies and coffee. For any shake not explicitly labeled 'vegan,' you should ask for a non-dairy milk base. The baristas are typically very helpful with these modifications. Always specify your dietary needs clearly when ordering to avoid any accidental cross-contamination. While they take precautions, their open-bar kitchen and shared equipment mean there is always a risk, particularly for those with severe allergies.
Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Options: A Comparison
| Item Category | Vegan Options | Non-Vegan Options (For Comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwich | VAVO (Vegan Pesto, Avocado, Tomato, Spinach) | Tunacado (Tuna Mousse, Avocado, Tomato, Vegan Pesto), Serrano (Serrano Ham, Mozzarella, Avocado, Tomato, Vegan Pesto), Avocado Sandwich (Avocado, Mozzarella, Tomato, Vegan Pesto) |
| Shakes/Smoothies | Re-Build 2.0 (Vegan), Red Supreme (Vegan) | Power Shake (Typically contains dairy protein) |
| Bowls | Açaí Bowl (Açaí, Granola, Banana, Avocado, Strawberries, Goji Berries), Green Vegan Bowl (Kale, Avocado, Edamame, Cranberries, Vegan Pesto), Spirulina Bowl (Spirulina, Cacao Nibs, Dates) | (No standard non-vegan bowls listed on recent menus) |
| Hot Drinks | Coffee/Tea with Almond, Oat, or Cashew Milk | Coffee/Tea with standard cow's milk |
Conclusion
Joe and the Juice is a solid destination for vegans seeking quick, fresh, and tasty food and drinks. With clearly labeled items like the VAVO sandwich, several robust vegan bowls, and a wide array of customizable juices and shakes, plant-based customers have an excellent selection. The brand has explicitly embraced vegan options, going far beyond a single, token item. While cross-contamination is a possibility due to shared equipment, most menu items can be confidently ordered as vegan. For a simple and delicious vegan meal on the go, Joe and the Juice is a reliable and healthy choice.
