Jack in the Box vs Popeyes (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of menu prices, calories, and value. 111 items at Jack in the Box vs 40 items at Popeyes.
Quick answer: As of April 2026, Jack in the Box averages $3.75 per item across 111 menu items, while Popeyes averages $8.00 across 40 items. Jack in the Box is $4.25 cheaper per item (53% difference). Jack in the Box has lower average calories (563 vs 649 per item).
Quick Comparison
| Metric | Jack in the Box | Popeyes | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Price | $3.75 | $8.00 | Jack in the Box |
| Menu Items | 111 | 40 | Jack in the Box |
| Avg Calories | 563 | 649 | Jack in the Box |
| US Locations | 2,169 | 5,001 | Popeyes |
| Secret Menu | 7 | 1 | Jack in the Box |
Jack in the Box is 53% cheaper on average than Popeyes ($4.25 less per item).
Cheapest Items
Jack in the Box
Popeyes
Lowest Calorie Options
Jack in the Box
Popeyes
Deep Comparison: Jack in the Box vs Popeyes
Calorie Value (cents per calorie)
Jack in the Box delivers 1.37¢/cal on average, while Popeyes delivers 1.06¢/cal. Popeyes gives more calories per dollar — a key metric for value-per-meal seekers.
Menu Category Overlap
Jack in the Box and Popeyes share 1 menu categories (4% Jaccard overlap). Shared categories: desserts. Low overlap — these chains serve mostly different food categories.
Price Differences by Shared Category
Where these chains overlap, here is who undercuts whom on average price:
- desserts: Jack in the Box avg $1.34 vs Popeyes $1.29 — Popeyes is 4% cheaper
What Fits in Your Budget
- $10 budget: Jack in the Box fits 3 items (5 cal), Popeyes fits 0 items
- $15 budget: Jack in the Box fits 3 items (1150 cal), Popeyes fits 0 items
- $20 budget: Jack in the Box fits 3 items (820 cal), Popeyes fits 0 items
Where They Rank in Our 414-Chain Dataset
Jack in the Box ranks #33 of 414 on price (cheaper than 92% of tracked chains). Popeyes ranks #233 of 414 (pricier than 56% of chains).
Calorie Distribution (items under 500 cal)
At Jack in the Box, 35% of menu items with calorie data come in under 500 calories. At Popeyes, 54% are under 500 calories. Popeyes offers more lower-calorie options proportionally.
Bottom Line
- Budget pick: Jack in the Box ($3.75 avg vs $8.00)
- More variety: Jack in the Box (111 items)
- More locations: Popeyes (5,001 US locations)
- Best calorie value: Popeyes (1.06¢/cal)