Does Jollibee Gravy Contain Pork? Examining the Popular Sauce

Jollibee’s signature gravy is a beloved condiment served with popular menu items like Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti But does this top Filipino fast food chain’s famous gravy contain pork?

In this article, we’ll investigate the ingredients behind Jollibee gravy and determine whether pork products are used. We’ll also overview why gravy is a Jollibee staple, examine nutrition facts, and summarize what vegetarians need to know.

Why is Gravy Integral to Jollibee’s Menu?

For the uninitiated Jollibee is the largest fast food chain in the Philippines known for foods like fried chicken, spaghetti, and sweet-style burgers. Jollibee first opened in 1978 and now has over 5,800 locations worldwide.

The chain’s gravy is served with various signature dishes:

• Chickenjoy – Jollibee’s famous fried chicken entree.

• Jolly Spaghetti – Sweet-style spaghetti topped with hotdog slices and ground meat.

• Palabok – Thick rice noodles with a shrimp-based sauce, also paired with meat.

• Burgers – Gravy can be added to Jollibee’s Champ burger and other sandwiches.

This versatile gravy complements both savory and sweet flavors on the menu. It has a salty, meaty taste that goes well with the sweeter parts of Filipino food that Jollibee serves.

But what exactly is in this popular condiment? Let’s break it down.

Key Ingredients in Jollibee Gravy

Jollibee doesn’t share their exact gravy recipe, but they do say what the main ingredients are:

• Flour
• Milk powder
• Butter
• Bouillon cubes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Water

The roux made from flour and butter thickens the gravy. Milk powder adds creaminess and a light beige color. Bouillon cubes provide savory, meaty flavor through concentrated broth.

Notably absent from the list is any pork products like fat, lard, or meat. Jollibee gravy seems to get its pork-like taste solely from the bouillon seasoning rather than actual pork.

Nutrition Profile of Jollibee Gravy

Here are the basic nutrition facts for Jollibee gravy based on a 1/4 cup (60g) serving:

• 90 calories
• 18g carbs
• 2g protein
• 4.5g fat
• 780mg sodium

With 0 grams of sugar, the gravy isn’t as sweet as Jollibee’s other menu items. But it still packs a hefty dose of sodium from all the bouillon seasoning.

Overall, gravy counts as one of the more savory, protein-providing sides at Jollibee. But the flour, milk powder, and bouillon do drive up the carbohydrate content compared to a meat-based gravy.

Is Jollibee Gravy Vegetarian and Halal?

Since Jollibee gravy contains no discernable meat products, it can be safely consumed by vegetarians. There are no animal-based ingredients like lard, tallow, or chicken fat used for flavoring.

The gravy is also halal-certified in regions like Singapore. Halal regulations prohibit pork and mandate that animals must be slaughtered according to Islamic law. Jollibee gravy contains no pork and uses vegetable-based bouillon for flavor instead of pork bones or meat.

However, Jollibee gravy served in the Philippines and United States may not be certified halal. Some locations could potentially use non-halal bouillon cubes containing pork flavoring. Check with your local Jollibee for halal certification specifics.

Potential Trace Ingredients to Watch For

While main gravy ingredients like flour, milk, and bouillon are vegetarian, some minor components may not be:

• Natural flavors – Gravy flavorings are typically vegetarian but sometimes contain animal derivatives.

• Beef extract – Some bouillon cubes use beef extract for flavor.

• Alcohol – Extracts and flavorings may use alcohol filtered through animal-based ingredients.

• Sugar – Some white sugar is processed with bone char from cattle bones.

So while Jollibee gravy contains no overt animal products, strict vegetarians should check labels for additives like natural flavors or alcohol-based extracts. Or look for confirmation that the gravy is certified vegetarian or halal.

The Verdict: Jollibee Gravy Does Not Contain Pork

• Jollibee gravy is made from flour, milk powder, butter, bouillon cubes, and seasonings.

• No pork or meat products are included in the main ingredients.

• The gravy gets its savory, meaty taste from bouillon seasoning rather than actual pork.

• Jollibee gravy served in the Philippines and US may not be halal certified due to potential beef-based bouillon.

• Trace ingredients like natural flavors could contain animal derivatives, so vegetarians should verify.

The bottom line – Jollibee gravy contains no identifiable pork products according to the company. But as with any menu item, it pays to ask questions if you have specific dietary needs or concerns.