Can You Get Lettuce Instead of Bread at Jimmy Johns? All About the Unwich

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Since 2003, Jimmy John's has offered a popular menu item called the Unwich® for customers seeking a low-carb or gluten-free alternative to their traditional bread. The Unwich® is a lettuce-wrapped sandwich, confirming that, yes, you can get lettuce instead of bread at Jimmy John's.

Quick Summary

The Unwich® is Jimmy John's signature lettuce-wrapped sandwich, allowing customers to replace any sandwich's bread with a fresh lettuce wrap. This offers a low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free alternative. All sandwiches, including classics and clubs, are available as an Unwich® for the same price as the bread version.

Key Points

Unwich® Is the Lettuce-Wrap Option: Jimmy John's offers a lettuce-wrapped sandwich called the Unwich® to replace the traditional bread.
Any Sandwich Can Be an Unwich®: You can order any item from the Original, Favorite, or Club menus as a lettuce wrap instead of a sub.
It's a Low-Carb and Keto Solution: The Unwich® is specifically designed as a low-carb alternative, with most options containing 10 grams of total carbs or less.
Unwich® is Gluten-Free: For those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease, the Unwich® is a popular and safe option, though cross-contamination can occur.
You Can Customize Your Unwich®: All standard sandwich fillings and add-ons like meat, cheese, and vegetables can be included, with specific sauces and spreads recommended for low-carb diets.
Ordering is Simple: Just request your sandwich "Unwich® style" when ordering in-store or select the option online.

Your Guide to Ordering the Jimmy John's Unwich®

For those seeking a healthier, lower-carb, or gluten-free sandwich option, Jimmy John's has the perfect solution: the Unwich®. It's a simple, and delicious way to enjoy your favorite sandwich fillings without the bread. The process of ordering one is straightforward, whether you're in-store, online, or on the phone. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Unwich® and how to make it your own.

How to Order Your Unwich®

Getting a lettuce-wrapped sandwich at Jimmy John's is incredibly easy. When you place your order, simply state that you would like your sandwich made "Unwich® style". You can also specify this when using their online ordering platform. No matter which sandwich you choose from the menu—whether it's an Original, a Favorite, or a Club—it can be prepared as an Unwich®.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to get your lettuce-wrapped creation:

Choose your sandwich. Pick any sandwich from the menu, from the classic Turkey Tom® to the hearty Gargantuan.
Ask for an Unwich®. Explicitly mention "Unwich®" to the cashier or select the lettuce wrap option when ordering online.
Customize your fillings. You can add or remove toppings just as you would with a regular sandwich. This is a great opportunity to customize your meal for specific dietary needs, such as adding avocado for healthy fats or extra veggies for more bulk.
Enjoy. The staff will tightly wrap your fillings in fresh lettuce, typically using fresh leaves to hold it all together.

Popular Unwich® Options and Nutritional Insights

Many Jimmy John's sandwiches make for fantastic Unwiches®, and understanding their nutritional impact can help you make an informed choice. The main benefit of swapping bread for lettuce is a significant reduction in carbs and calories.

Commonly chosen Unwiches® include:

Turkey Tom® Unwich®: Features lean turkey breast and provolone cheese, wrapped in lettuce with fresh-cut veggies.
Beach Club® Unwich®: Contains turkey breast, provolone, and avocado spread for a richer flavor.
J.J.B.L.T. Unwich®: A simple yet satisfying classic with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
Hunter's Club® Unwich®: Piles on double portions of roast beef and provolone.

For those following a ketogenic diet, the Unwich® is a very suitable choice. Most Unwich® options contain 10 grams of total carbs or less, making them fit within common keto guidelines. For instance, a Big John® Unwich® has as low as 3 grams of net carbs, showcasing the effectiveness of the swap.

Unwich® vs. Original Sandwich: A Comparison

To highlight the benefit of opting for the lettuce wrap, here is a comparison of two popular sandwiches, both with and without bread. Note that specific calorie and nutrient counts can vary, but this gives a general idea of the difference.


Feature	Bootlegger Club® (with bread)	Bootlegger Club® Unwich® (lettuce wrap)
Calories	680	330
Fat	23g	20g
Carbohydrates	71g	5g
Protein	44g	31g
Sodium	1,890mg	1,180mg

This table clearly demonstrates how simply swapping the bread for a lettuce wrap can dramatically lower the carbohydrate and calorie count, while still providing a substantial amount of protein.

Beyond the Basic Unwich®: Customization and Add-ons

One of the best aspects of the Unwich® is its flexibility. You can customize your order to create the perfect meal that aligns with your dietary preferences. Here's how to make it even better:

Boost the protein: Add extra portions of meat or cheese to any Unwich® to make it more filling without increasing the carb count. All meat and cheese options at Jimmy John's are low-carb.
Load up on veggies: Pile on low-carb vegetables like cucumber, onion, and peppers. These add crunch and nutrients without adding significant carbs.
Include healthy fats: Avocado spread is an excellent addition for both flavor and healthy fats, which are key for ketogenic diets.
Choose the right sauces: Not all sauces are low-carb. Stick to options like mayo, mustard, or oil and vinegar to keep the carb count down. Kickin' Ranch® is also available, but be mindful of the added carbs.

Considerations for those with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance

While the Unwich® is an excellent gluten-free alternative, it's important for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance to be aware of potential cross-contamination. Jimmy John's uses shared preparation areas, and while employees take care to use fresh lettuce leaves, there is a risk of gluten exposure. If you have a severe allergy, it's best to communicate your concern to the staff directly so they can take extra precautions, like changing gloves or preparing the Unwich® in a dedicated area if possible.

Conclusion

In short, the answer to "Can you get lettuce instead of bread at Jimmy Johns?" is a resounding yes. The Unwich® offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy your favorite sandwich flavors while adhering to dietary restrictions like low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets. By knowing how to order and customize your Unwich®, you can craft a satisfying and healthy meal that fits your specific needs.

For more information on the menu and nutritional details, you can visit the official Jimmy John's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

An Unwich® is Jimmy John's signature lettuce-wrapped sandwich, where fresh lettuce leaves are used to hold the sandwich fillings in place instead of traditional bread.

Yes, you can order any sandwich on the menu as an Unwich®. Simply tell the cashier or select the option when ordering online.

Yes, the Unwich® is an excellent option for those on a ketogenic diet. Most versions are low-carb, and you can customize them with low-carb meats, cheese, and condiments like avocado spread.

The Unwich® is a naturally gluten-free alternative to bread. However, customers with severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease should be mindful of cross-contamination risks from shared kitchen surfaces.

Yes, ordering an Unwich® typically costs the same as ordering the corresponding sandwich on bread.

Yes, avocado spread is available as an add-on and is a keto-friendly way to add healthy fats and flavor to your Unwich®.

For the lowest carbohydrate counts, opt for the 'Plain Slims' series or simple favorites like the Big John® Unwich® or Turkey Tom® Unwich®, which contain only meat and cheese inside the lettuce wrap.