Navigating the Vegan Menu at Jersey Mike's
For those following a plant-based diet, ordering at Jersey Mike's requires a strategic approach. The menu is largely meat and cheese-heavy, but with a few simple modifications, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying vegan sub. The first step is always to specify "no cheese," as the two default vegetarian options, the #14 The Veggie and the #64 Grilled Portabella Mushroom, both come with dairy cheese.
Vegan-Friendly Breads and Wraps
One of the most important things to remember is that not all bread options are vegan. The standard white bread contains honey, so it must be avoided. The gluten-free bread also contains egg. Fortunately, several other options are available to build your sub on:
- Wheat Bread: A safe, classic choice.
- Seeded Italian Bread: A flavorful, vegan-friendly alternative to the standard white roll.
- Wraps: The white, wheat, spinach herb, tomato basil, and garlic herb wraps are all suitable for a vegan diet.
Toppings Galore: Building Your Vegan Masterpiece
The best way to create a hearty vegan sub is to load it up with as many vegetable toppings as possible. Jersey Mike's offers a wide array of fresh, plant-based ingredients for both hot and cold subs. Asking for "extra veggies" ensures a substantial sandwich that won't leave you hungry.
Cold Toppings
- Shredded Lettuce
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Green Bell Peppers
- Banana Peppers
- Jalapeño Peppers
- Dill Pickles
- Cherry Pepper Relish
- Avocado
- Black Olives (confirm ingredients regionally)
Hot Toppings
- Grilled Onions
- Grilled Green Bell Pepper Strips
- Fresh Portabella Mushrooms
Vegan Sauces and Condiments
What sets a sub apart is its sauce, and Jersey Mike's has plenty of vegan options to give your creation flavor. Their signature "juice"—a blend of red wine vinegar and olive oil—is a must-have for many and is completely vegan. Other options include:
- Yellow Mustard
- Spicy Brown Mustard
- Tomato Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Olive Oil Blend
- Oregano
- Salt
Customizing Your Order: A Comparison
To highlight the best vegan options, here is a comparison of two popular choices, ordered vegan.
| Feature | The Veggie (No Cheese) | Grilled Portabella Mushroom (No Cheese) |
|---|---|---|
| Sub Type | Cold Sub | Hot Sub |
| Key Ingredients | Assortment of cold veggies | Grilled portabella mushrooms, onions, and peppers |
| Recommended Bread | Seeded Italian or Wheat | Seeded Italian or Wheat |
| How to Order | Ask for the #14 The Veggie, explicitly requesting "no cheese." Then, add additional vegan cold toppings as desired, and ask for it Mike's Way (vinegar, oil, spices). | Order the #64 Grilled Portabella Mushroom sub, but request "no cheese." It comes with mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. |
| Key Vegan Hack | Customize with avocado for extra creaminess and richness, which helps make up for the lack of cheese. | Request the mushrooms and vegetables be grilled separately from any meat products to minimize cross-contamination concerns. |
Potential Cross-Contamination Concerns
While the ingredients themselves may be vegan, cross-contamination is a potential issue for strict vegans. Meat and cheese are sliced and handled on shared surfaces and using shared equipment. If cross-contamination is a serious concern, consider these steps:
- Request a clean knife for slicing the bread and handling your vegetables.
- Politely ask for fresh gloves to be worn by the sub-maker.
- Choose a "Sub in a Tub" which is served in a bowl instead of on bread, reducing the risk of contact with the cutting board.
- Request hot toppings be cooked on a cleaned grill if possible, though this may not be feasible during busy times.
Beyond the Sub: Vegan Sides and Drinks
Don't forget the extras to complete your meal. Most fountain drinks and bottled juices are vegan. Additionally, many chip options are plant-based, though this can vary by location. Always check the labels if you are unsure. Examples of vegan chip brands often found at Jersey Mike's include:
- Lay's Classic
- Baked Lay's Original
- Sun Chips Original
- Fritos
- Miss Vickie's Sea Salt
Conclusion: Can a Vegan Thrive at Jersey Mike's?
While Jersey Mike's doesn't have a designated vegan item on the menu, a satisfying and customizable vegan meal is well within reach for informed diners. The key is knowing which breads to choose, remembering to omit the cheese from the vegetarian options, and taking advantage of the wide variety of fresh, plant-based toppings and sauces. With this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the menu and build a delicious sub that meets your dietary preferences. A quick and clear request for customizations ensures a pleasant and cruelty-free dining experience, making Jersey Mike's a viable fast-food option for vegans on the go.
Vegan Guide to Jersey Mike's: 2022 Menu Options and Swaps - treehugger.com
How to Order Vegan at Jersey Mike's - Step-by-Step
- Choose a Base: Select a Seeded Italian or Wheat bread, or opt for any of the wraps. Alternatively, order a "Sub in a Tub" for a breadless bowl.
- Pick a Main: Go with The Veggie (#14) or the Grilled Portabella Mushroom (#64).
- Hold the Dairy: Explicitly state "No cheese" to the sub-maker.
- Add Veggies: Ask for extra of your favorite plant-based toppings from the cold and hot options list.
- Request Mike's Way: This adds vegan-friendly oil, vinegar, and spices.
- Sauce it Up: Choose vegan sauces like mustard or tomato sauce to finish your sub.
- Choose a Side: Add a bag of vegan chips for a complete meal.
FAQs
Q: What breads are vegan at Jersey Mike's? A: The Wheat and Seeded Italian breads are vegan, as are all the wraps. Avoid the standard white bread (contains honey) and the gluten-free bread (contains egg).
Q: Can I order a veggie sub with no cheese? A: Yes, you can order the #14 The Veggie sub and ask for it with no cheese. You can then add any of the vegan toppings and sauces to your liking.
Q: What about the Grilled Portabella Mushroom sub? Is that vegan? A: The #64 Grilled Portabella Mushroom sub can be made vegan by simply asking for it with no cheese.
Q: Are there any vegan sauces or dressings at Jersey Mike's? A: Yes, vegan options include the red wine vinegar and olive oil blend ("the juice"), yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, and tomato sauce.
Q: Are there any vegan side options? A: Many of the potato chip options are vegan, such as Lay's Classic, Fritos, and Sun Chips Original. Just be sure to check the ingredients label.
Q: Can I get a sub in a tub to make it a salad? A: Yes, ordering a "Sub in a Tub" with no cheese and filling it with all the vegan-friendly toppings is a popular and safe option for vegans, especially those concerned with cross-contamination.
Q: Are the mushrooms on the hot subs cooked separately? A: It is best practice to politely request that the mushrooms and other grilled vegetables be cooked on a cleaned area of the grill, especially during slower times, to minimize cross-contamination with meat and cheese.
Q: Does Jersey Mike's offer a dedicated vegan meat alternative? A: Currently, Jersey Mike's does not offer a dedicated vegan meat or plant-based patty, so vegan options rely on a variety of vegetable toppings.
Q: What should I say to an employee to ensure my order is vegan? A: State your order clearly and add the necessary modifications, for example: "I'd like a regular #14 The Veggie on seeded Italian bread, no cheese, Mike's Way, with extra avocado, please".
Q: Does the lettuce at Jersey Mike's contain any animal products? A: No, the shredded lettuce is a vegan-friendly vegetable option for your sub or salad.
Q: Is the guacamole vegan? A: Yes, Jersey Mike's avocado spread is vegan, making it a great addition for a creamier, richer vegan sub.
