Where's the beef?

In the search for something new for their menus, burger chains have changed buns and toppings, but Jack in the Box is the first major QSR to substitute a ground-turkey patty for ground beef. The Turkey Jack, introduced in July, still piles on the fixings, adding two slices of cheese, lettuce, tomatoes,

red-onion slices, pickles, ketchup and onion-mayonnaise sauce. The sandwich is priced at $3.29. Customers also can substitute the turkey patty in Jack's Bacon Ultimate Cheeseburger, Chili Cheeseburger or other burgers for a 50-cent premium.

Tammy Bailey, director of menu marketing and promotions for the San Diego-based chain, says the new burger answers "customer demand not only for alternatives to beef and chicken, but also for exciting new choices and tastes." The Turkey Jack's 700 calories are the same as the chain's Big Cheeseburger, but higher than the 390-calorie Chipotle Chicken Sandwich introduced earlier this year for diners seeking lighter fare.