Building Your Vegan Sandwich at Jimmy John's
Creating a vegan sandwich at Jimmy John's is primarily an exercise in customization. The key is to start with a vegan base and then load up on the extensive selection of fresh, plant-based toppings. The most popular approach is to order the Gourmet Veggie Club (#6) and ask for it to be made vegan by omitting the provolone cheese and Hellmann's mayo. Alternatively, you can build a custom sandwich from scratch.
Vegan-Friendly Breads and Wraps
The foundation of your sandwich is crucial. Thankfully, Jimmy John's offers two solid vegan choices for your base.
- French Bread: This is a classic and reliable vegan option, baked fresh in-store throughout the day.
- Thick-Sliced Wheat Bread: A slightly heartier alternative that is also completely vegan.
- Unwich Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb or gluten-free option, the Unwich is a lettuce wrap that can be filled with vegan-friendly ingredients.
Fresh and Flavorful Vegan Toppings
After selecting your bread or wrap, it's time to build your sandwich with fresh vegetables. Jimmy John's offers a wide array of plant-based toppings to ensure your creation is packed with flavor and texture.
- Avocado Spread
- Cucumber
- Lettuce
- Onion
- Tomato
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Jimmy Peppers (hot peppers)
- Pickles
- Celery
Vegan Chips and Condiments to Complete Your Meal
No sandwich is complete without a side and some sauce. Jimmy John's provides several options to round out your vegan meal.
Chips
Most of the Jimmy Chips are vegan, with one key exception. Always double-check the allergen information if you are unsure, but typically these are safe bets:
- Regular Jimmy Chips
- BBQ Jimmy Chips
- Jalapeño Jimmy Chips
- Thinny Chips
Note: The Salt & Vinegar Jimmy Chips contain dairy and should be avoided.
Condiments and Extras
To add extra flavor, choose from these vegan-friendly sauces and seasonings:
- Avocado Spread
- Yellow Mustard
- Jimmy Mustard
- Grey Poupon
- Oil & Vinegar
- Oregano-Basil seasoning mix
- Kosher Dill Pickle
Comparison of Vegan and Non-Vegan Sandwich Customization
| Item | Vegan-Friendly? | Non-Vegan Ingredients to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Gourmet Veggie Club (#6) | Yes (with modifications) | Provolone Cheese, Hellmann's Mayo |
| French Bread | Yes | None |
| Wheat Bread | Yes | None |
| Avocado Spread | Yes | None |
| Jimmy Chips (Regular, BBQ, Jalapeño, Thinny) | Yes | None (for these specific flavors) |
| Jimmy Chips (Salt & Vinegar) | No | Dairy |
| Cookies | No | Eggs, Dairy |
| Hellmann's Mayo | No | Egg |
| Kickin' Ranch | No | Dairy |
How to Order a Vegan Meal at Jimmy John's
Ordering a customized vegan meal at Jimmy John's is a simple process. Follow these steps to ensure your sandwich is made just right:
- Start with the Veggie Club: Order the #6 Gourmet Veggie Club.
- Request Vegan Modifications: Clearly state that you want it made vegan by removing the provolone cheese and mayonnaise.
- Add Vegan Spreads: Ask for avocado spread to be added instead of mayo.
- Enhance with Extra Veggies: Request extra cucumber, peppers, onions, or any other vegan vegetable to add more substance.
- Choose Your Condiments: Pick from the list of vegan condiments like mustard, oil & vinegar, or oregano-basil seasoning.
- Add a Side: Complete your meal with a bag of vegan chips and a kosher dill pickle.
While this process adds an extra step, the staff are generally helpful and can accommodate these simple requests. Being specific with your order is the most reliable way to ensure you receive a truly plant-based meal. For strict vegans, it is worth noting that cross-contamination is a possibility due to shared prep surfaces and equipment, though the risk can be mitigated by asking the staff to change gloves and use fresh paper.
The Final Verdict: A Simple and Satisfying Vegan Option
For those seeking a quick and fresh vegan meal, Jimmy John's provides a functional solution through customization. By knowing which ingredients to select and which to avoid, you can craft a flavorful sandwich or lettuce wrap, complemented by vegan chips and condiments. Although the menu doesn't feature pre-packaged vegan entrees, the flexibility to build your own meal makes it a viable fast-food option. The abundance of fresh vegetables and vegan-friendly bases means a satisfying and filling meal is within reach for any plant-based eater.
For an extra boost of flavor, don't underestimate the avocado spread and Jimmy Peppers. These ingredients can transform a simple veggie sandwich into a much more exciting meal. Jimmy John's commitment to using fresh ingredients daily means that even a customized vegan meal tastes vibrant and is prepared quickly, making it a reliable choice for a meal on the go.
