A Deep Dive: What is Jersey Mike's gluten-free bread?

According to reports, Jersey Mike’s began offering its gluten-free sub rolls nationwide in 2017 to accommodate diners with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. But beyond its availability, what is Jersey Mike's gluten-free bread, and how safe is the preparation process?

Quick Summary

Jersey Mike's uses Udi's certified gluten-free, individually wrapped sub rolls and follows strict protocols to minimize cross-contact. Most subs can be adapted for a gluten-free diet, with some menu exceptions to note.

Key Points

• Bread Provider: Jersey Mike's uses certified, individually wrapped gluten-free sub rolls supplied by the well-known gluten-free brand, Udi's.

• Key Ingredients: The bread is made from a blend of non-wheat flours like rice and sorghum, with egg whites and binders providing structure.

• Cross-Contact Precautions: Staff follow specific protocols to minimize contamination, including changing gloves, wiping surfaces, and using separate knives and parchment paper.

• Menu Limitations: Some menu items, like the Meatball and Chicken Parm subs, are not gluten-free and should be avoided.

• Celiac Safety: While precautions are taken, it is not a 100% gluten-free kitchen, and highly sensitive individuals should communicate their needs clearly.

• Bread Alternatives: The "Sub in a Tub" option offers a no-bread, low-carb alternative for any sub.

Sourcing and Composition of Jersey Mike's Gluten-Free Bread

For years, Jersey Mike's has partnered with the reputable brand Udi's Gluten Free to supply its sub rolls. This is a critical detail for those with gluten sensitivities, as Udi's is known for specializing solely in gluten-free products, which significantly reduces the risk of gluten contamination at the manufacturing level. The sub rolls arrive at the stores individually wrapped and are fully baked off-site. This practice ensures that no gluten-containing flour from the standard bread is ever present in the same preparation area as the raw gluten-free dough.

Looking at the typical ingredients for a standard Udi's white sandwich bread provides insight into the composition of these rolls. The recipe often includes a blend of non-wheat flours and starches, along with binding agents to provide the texture and structure that gluten usually offers. Key ingredients include:

• Rice flour
• Brown rice flour
• Sorghum flour
• Pea starch
• Modified tapioca starch
• Dried egg whites
• Canola oil
• Sugar and invert cane syrup
• Yeast and salt
• Cellulose, guar gum, and xanthan gum for binding

The presence of egg whites means the bread is not vegan, but it is free from dairy, a common allergen. This transparency in sourcing and ingredients is a key aspect of Jersey Mike's offering.

Cross-Contact Prevention for Celiac-Safe Dining

For individuals with celiac disease, simply having a gluten-free bread option is not enough. The risk of cross-contact—when tiny particles of gluten transfer from one food to another—is a major concern. Jersey Mike's addresses this by implementing specific, company-wide protocols for handling gluten-free orders.

When a customer orders a sub on gluten-free bread, the staff is trained to take the following steps:

• Change Gloves: The sandwich maker will put on a fresh pair of gloves to prevent transferring any crumbs or ingredients from a previous sandwich.
• Clean Surface: The prep surface is wiped down, and a sheet of parchment paper is placed down as a protective barrier.
• Dedicated Tools: A designated, clean knife is used to cut the individually wrapped gluten-free roll.
• Safe Toppings: Many stores use squeeze bottles for mayo and other condiments to avoid dipping into communal jars where gluten-containing utensils might have been. However, customers should still ask for fresh toppings from the back if there's a risk of contamination from shared bins.
• Final Packaging: The completed gluten-free sub is often labeled "GF" and placed in a clean bag.

It is crucial for customers with high sensitivity to communicate their needs clearly when ordering, as the ultimate safety can depend on the individual staff member's adherence to the protocol, especially during busy periods.

Gluten-Free Menu Options and Limitations

While nearly any cold or grilled sub can be made on gluten-free bread, there are a few notable exceptions. The Meatball and Cheese (#15) and Chicken Parm (#18) are not gluten-free, even with the alternative bread, due to their ingredients containing wheat-based breadcrumbs. Customers also have the option to bypass bread entirely by ordering any sub as a "Sub in a Tub," which is the sandwich ingredients served on a bed of lettuce. This is an excellent alternative for those who want to avoid bread altogether or have concerns about cross-contact.

Jersey Mike's also offers other gluten-free items, including a variety of individually packaged chips and Udi's gluten-free cookies.

Comparing Gluten-Free Dining Experiences: Jersey Mike's vs. Competitors

Feature	Jersey Mike's	Typical Competitor (e.g., Firehouse Subs)
Bread Source	Udi's Certified Gluten-Free	Varies by chain; may be house-made or third-party
Bread Preparation	Individually wrapped, baked off-site	Potentially baked on-site, higher risk of cross-contact
Cross-Contact Protocols	Standardized, includes changing gloves, wiping surface, dedicated knife, and parchment paper	Varies significantly by location and staff training; can be inconsistent
Availability	Nationwide availability for regular and giant sizes	May be limited to specific locations or roll out slowly
Menu Limitations	Avoid #15 Meatball and #18 Chicken Parm; wraps contain gluten	Specific items vary, requires checking allergen menus
Other GF Options	Sub in a Tub, select packaged chips, Udi's cookies	Typically salads, sometimes packaged chips and desserts

Taste and Nutritional Considerations

The flavor of Jersey Mike's gluten-free bread, being an Udi's product, is a matter of personal preference. Some people find it delicious, especially when toasted, while others report it can be dry or chewy compared to traditional bread. The individual pre-packaged nature means it doesn't have the fresh-baked aroma of their standard rolls, but the trade-off is the significant reduction in cross-contact risk.

From a nutritional standpoint, gluten-free breads made from alternative flours can differ from their wheat-based counterparts. A single regular-size gluten-free bread roll may contain around 140 calories, 3g of fat, and 22g of carbohydrates, though exact figures can vary depending on the specific product and size. The ultimate nutritional profile of a sub depends on the chosen fillings and condiments. Opting for lean meats and plenty of fresh vegetables can create a balanced, nutritious meal. For an even lighter option, a "Sub in a Tub" with oil and vinegar is a low-calorie alternative.

Conclusion

For individuals adhering to a gluten-free diet, including those with Celiac disease, Jersey Mike's offers a reliable and well-considered fast-food option. By using certified, individually wrapped Udi's bread and implementing specific protocols to prevent cross-contact, they have positioned themselves as a safer choice than many competitors. While not a 100% gluten-free facility, the measures taken, such as fresh gloves, clean surfaces, and dedicated knives, demonstrate a strong commitment to accommodating customer needs. However, due diligence and clear communication with staff are still recommended, particularly for those with a high level of sensitivity. Ultimately, knowing what is Jersey Mike's gluten-free bread—a safe and convenient Udi's product—empowers diners to make informed choices without sacrificing a classic sub shop experience.

For more information on Udi's, you can visit their official website for product details and ingredients.(https://www.udisglutenfree.com/)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jersey Mike's gluten-free bread made of?

Jersey Mike's gluten-free sub rolls are supplied by Udi's and contain ingredients such as rice flour, sorghum flour, pea starch, tapioca starch, canola oil, dried egg whites, and binders like xanthan gum.

Is Jersey Mike's gluten-free bread safe for people with celiac disease?

Jersey Mike's follows strict cross-contact protocols, such as using fresh gloves and dedicated tools, but since it is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, there is always a small risk. Customers with celiac disease should clearly communicate their needs to the staff.

Are the gluten-free sub rolls at Jersey Mike's dairy-free?

Yes, Udi's gluten-free bread is dairy-free, making it a suitable option for those with a dairy intolerance or allergy. However, it does contain egg.

Do all Jersey Mike's locations carry gluten-free bread?

Yes, Jersey Mike's gluten-free bread has been available nationwide at all locations since 2017.

Can I get a hot sub on gluten-free bread?

You can order many hot subs on gluten-free bread, with exceptions for the Meatball and Chicken Parm. Some people find the bread texture holds up better with cold subs, but it is an available option.

What happens when I order a sub on gluten-free bread?

When you order a gluten-free sub, staff will put on fresh gloves, clean the surface, lay down parchment paper, and use a dedicated knife for preparation to prevent cross-contact.

What other gluten-free options are available at Jersey Mike's?

In addition to the sub rolls, you can order any sub as a 'Sub in a Tub' on a bed of lettuce. They also offer individually packaged gluten-free chips and cookies.