Jack in the Box Is Testing Its First Sandwich with Plant-Based Chicken

Today, fast-food chain Jack in the Box launched the Unchicken Sandwich, its first meatless option, at test locations in Reno, NV and Monterey and Salinas, CA. The sandwich is made with a patty produced by Tyson-owned Raised & Rooted brand. While the retail line of Raised & Rooted contains animal products such as eggs, the bespoke patty at Jack in the Box is completely plant-based, a Tyson spokesperson confirmed to VegNews.  

“Jack in the Box is delivering industry leading innovation with the first plant-based chicken sandwich at retail in the US,” Jennifer Kennedy, Chief Product Officer at Jack in the Box, said. “We are excited to meet the growing demand for meatless alternatives with our new Unchicken sandwiches providing indulgent taste, crispy crunch, and savory flavor in a new plant-based option.”

The limited-time sandwich (served with non-vegan mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato on a vegan bun) is available in Spicy and Classic flavors in both à la carte and combo formats and is priced comparably to its other menu items at $6.99 for the combo option. The Unchicken Sandwich will be available until December 12, or while supplies last. 

Jack in the Box is the second major fast-food chain to test meatless chicken on its menu. Last August, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) added vegan Beyond Fried Chicken to its menu at one Atlanta location—where it sold out in less than five hours. In February 2019, KFC expanded the test to 70 locations in Charlotte, NC, Nashville, TN, and surrounding areas before expanding the test further to more than 50 locations in Southern California in July 2020.