Is Jimmy Johns Veggie Sandwich Vegan? A Detailed Guide

According to reports, the number of people following a vegan diet in the US has increased significantly over the past decade. As more diners seek plant-based options, a common question arises: Is Jimmy Johns Veggie sandwich vegan? The simple answer is no, not by default, but it can easily be made vegan with a few simple modifications.

Quick Summary

The standard Jimmy John's Veggie sandwich contains non-vegan cheese and mayonnaise. With easy customizations, like removing those ingredients, you can build a satisfying, dairy-free version, along with other plant-based menu items.

Key Points

• Not Vegan by Default: The standard Jimmy John's Veggie sandwich includes provolone cheese and mayonnaise, making it non-vegan.

• Easy to Customize: You can easily make the Veggie sandwich vegan by asking for it without cheese and mayo.

• Plenty of Vegan Toppings: Vegan-friendly additions include avocado spread, cucumber, sprouts, lettuce, tomato, onion, and various peppers.

• Vegan Breads Available: Both the French bread and Thick-Sliced Wheat bread are generally considered vegan options.

• Side and Condiment Options: Vegan sides include most Jimmy Chips flavors (avoid Salt & Vinegar) and the kosher dill pickle. Avocado spread, mustard, and oil & vinegar are also vegan.

• Cross-Contamination Risk: Due to shared kitchen space, strict vegans with cross-contamination concerns should exercise caution.

Understanding the Jimmy John's Veggie Sandwich

The standard Veggie sandwich at Jimmy John's includes fresh vegetables, avocado spread, provolone cheese, and Hellmann's® mayo. Because provolone cheese and mayo are not vegan, the standard sandwich is not suitable for a vegan diet and requires customization.

How to Customize a Vegan Veggie Sandwich

Creating a vegan version is simple. Order the Veggie sandwich (often #6 or Gourmet Veggie Club) and request "no provolone cheese" and "no mayonnaise". You can then add vegan-friendly condiments and toppings.

• Start with the base: Order the "#6 The Veggie" or "Gourmet Veggie Club" sandwich.
• Remove non-vegan items: Request "no provolone cheese" and "no mayonnaise".
• Add flavor: Utilize their vegan condiments and toppings.

Vegan-Friendly Ingredients at Jimmy John's

Build a vegan sandwich or Unwich using these ingredients:

Breads and Wraps

• French Bread
• Thick-Sliced Wheat Bread
• Unwich (Lettuce Wrap)

Toppings and Fillings

• Avocado Spread
• Cucumber
• Alfalfa Sprouts
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Onion
• Jalapeno Peppers
• Jimmy Peppers (Hot Peppers)
• Kosher Dill Pickle

Sauces and Condiments

• Oil & Vinegar
• Yellow Mustard
• Jimmy Mustard
• Oregano-Basil Seasoning

Beyond the Veggie Sandwich: Other Vegan Options

Beyond the customized Veggie sub, other vegan items are available.

• The Veggie Unwich: A lettuce wrap version of the customized veggie sandwich.
• Jimmy Chips: Plain, BBQ, and Jalapeño flavors are vegan. Avoid Salt & Vinegar.
• Jumbo Kosher Dill Pickle: A classic vegan side.

Comparison of Vegan Options: Jimmy John's vs. Competitors

Here's how Jimmy John's vegan options compare to other chains.

Feature	Jimmy John's	Subway	Jersey Mike's
Standard Veggie Sandwich Vegan?	No, requires modification	Can be made vegan with customization	Can be made vegan with customization
Plant-Based Protein?	No standard offering	Offers options like Beyond Meatballs (some locations)	No standard offering
Vegan Cheese Option?	No standard offering	Varies by location	No standard offering
Vegan Condiments	Avocado spread, mustard, oil & vinegar	Varies, typically includes mustard, oil, vinegar	Varies, typically includes mustard, oil, vinegar
Ease of Customization	High, requires clear communication	Very high	Moderate
Sides	Vegan chips, pickles	Chips, some vegan cookies	Chips, limited vegan sides
Freshness of Ingredients	Known for fresh produce	Generally fresh	Emphasizes fresh slicing

What to Know Before You Go

Be aware of potential cross-contamination in a shared kitchen. Clearly communicate your order: "no cheese" and "no mayonnaise." Jimmy John's is not exclusively vegan but offers flexible, fresh, plant-based choices. Check the official Jimmy John's website for detailed ingredient and allergen information.

Conclusion

While not vegan by default, the Jimmy John's Veggie sandwich can easily be made plant-based by removing the cheese and mayonnaise. With numerous vegan-friendly toppings, condiments, and sides like the Unwich and select chips, Jimmy John's provides viable options for a quick vegan meal. Remember to customize your order clearly for a fresh and satisfying experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Jimmy John's Veggie sandwich vegan if I just order it as is?

No, the standard Veggie sandwich is not vegan because it comes with provolone cheese and mayonnaise, both of which are animal products.

What do I need to say when ordering a vegan Veggie sandwich at Jimmy John's?

To make the Veggie sandwich vegan, you must specifically request that they hold the provolone cheese and mayonnaise.

Are the Jimmy John's breads vegan?

Yes, both the French bread and the Thick-Sliced Wheat bread at Jimmy John's are generally considered vegan. For a lighter option, you can also get an Unwich (lettuce wrap).

Does Jimmy John's have a vegan mayo or cheese option?

No, Jimmy John's does not currently offer a vegan mayo or cheese substitute. The avocado spread is the best creamy, vegan alternative.

Which Jimmy Chips are vegan?

The Regular, BBQ, Jalapeño, and Thinny Jimmy Chips are all vegan. The Salt & Vinegar chips contain dairy and should be avoided.

Are there other vegan options besides the customized Veggie sandwich?

Yes, you can also order a Veggie Unwich (lettuce wrap) and various vegan sides like the dill pickle and most chips.

How can I add more flavor to a vegan Jimmy John's sandwich?

You can add more flavor by requesting extra avocado spread, yellow mustard, Jimmy Mustard, oil & vinegar, or oregano-basil seasoning.