No, but Here's How to Order a Delicious Protein Bowl
For those seeking a high-protein, low-carb meal, the short answer is that Jersey Mike's does not have a pre-named "protein bowl" on its official menu. However, the company has officially embraced and promoted a customer-favorite menu hack called the 'Sub in a Tub'. This option allows you to order all the fillings of any sub—meats, cheeses, and toppings—served in a bowl, creating a satisfying and customizable meal that is essentially a protein bowl.
The 'Sub in a Tub' is a fantastic alternative for individuals following keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets, or simply for anyone looking for a lighter meal. It provides all the flavorful ingredients of a classic sub, tossed with fresh lettuce and your choice of condiments. You can load it up with extra meat for an even bigger protein boost and control the calorie count by managing your dressing and cheese choices. The best part? It's available for virtually any sub on the menu, including both hot and cold options.
How to Customize Your Jersey Mike's Protein Bowl
Ordering a 'Sub in a Tub' is a simple process, but customizing it to maximize protein and flavor is key. The steps are straightforward:
- Choose your sub. Pick any sub from the standard Jersey Mike's menu. Popular choices for a protein bowl include the #7 Turkey and Provolone, #8 Club Sub (turkey, ham, bacon), or the #13 Original Italian (ham, provolone, salami, pepperoni). Don't forget about hot subs, which also make excellent bowls. The #17 Mike's Philly or #44 Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak are protein-packed hot options.
- Request it "in a tub." Clearly state that you would like your order as a "Sub in a Tub." Some employees may even refer to it as a "bowl." This signals that you want the meat, cheese, and toppings served on a bed of fresh, shredded lettuce instead of bread.
- Specify your toppings. All the regular toppings are available, including tomatoes, onions, pickles, banana peppers, and jalapeños. You can also ask for the famous cherry pepper relish to add a sweet and spicy kick.
- Choose your dressing and seasonings. To get it "Mike's Way," ask for red wine vinegar, an olive oil blend, and spices. For a lower-calorie option, skip the oil blend and mayo, and add extra vinegar or spicy brown mustard. Many customers also opt for ranch or chipotle mayo to enhance flavor.
- Increase your protein. Ask for extra meat. The social media-famous protein bowls often include double the meat for a seriously high-protein punch.
Popular Protein Bowl Combos
- The Viral Club Sub Bowl: Start with a #8 Club Sub. Order it in a tub with extra turkey and ham. Add onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and provolone. Top with bacon, pickles, banana peppers, hot chopped pepper relish, and red wine vinegar. Request no mayo or oil blend for a lighter option.
- The Classic Italian Bowl: Take the #13 Original Italian and order it in a tub. Load it up "Mike's Way" with the Italian meats, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cherry pepper relish. A fantastic, flavorful choice.
- The Chicken Philly Bowl: For a hot bowl, order the #16 Mike's Chicken Philly in a tub. It includes grilled chicken, onions, and peppers, topped with melted white American cheese. For an even bigger protein hit, ask for extra chicken.
Comparison: Sub vs. Sub in a Tub
This table illustrates the general nutritional differences between a standard regular-sized sub and its 'Sub in a Tub' version, based on customer anecdotes and typical ingredient composition. Note that exact values vary depending on customization.
| Feature | Regular Sub (#7 Turkey & Provolone) | Sub in a Tub (#7 Turkey & Provolone) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 530+ | Approximately 310+ |
| Carbohydrates | Substantially higher (primarily from bread) | Significantly lower (mostly from vegetables) |
| Protein | Good source (25g-35g) | Excellent source (30g-45g with extra meat) |
| Satiety | Filling due to bread and fillings | Filling due to high protein and volume of vegetables |
| Dietary Suitability | Standard, not ideal for low-carb or keto | Keto-friendly, low-carb, gluten-free |
| Flavor | Classic sub flavor | Intense, focused flavors of the fillings and toppings |
Conclusion: The Perfect Protein-Packed Hack
While the search for a menu item explicitly named "protein bowl" at Jersey Mike's will come up empty, the popular 'Sub in a Tub' hack offers a delicious and satisfying solution. By ordering any sub of your choice without the bread and specifying your toppings, you can create a customizable, high-protein bowl that perfectly aligns with a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyle. This option maintains the freshness and bold flavors that Jersey Mike's is known for, proving that with a little inside knowledge, you don't have to sacrifice flavor for a healthier meal. The 'Sub in a Tub' is more than just a menu hack; it's a testament to the brand's versatility and a favorite among health-conscious customers.
For more nutritional information and menu details, you can visit the official Jersey Mike's website.