Understanding the Calorie Count
The calorie content of a Jersey Mike's Philly cheesesteak sub is not a single, fixed number. It varies based on several factors, primarily the size and the type of bread used. For instance, a regular size sub contains far fewer calories than a giant size sub, making portion control a major consideration for managing your calorie intake. The official nutrition information can also be influenced by slight variations in ingredient preparation, which is a standard disclaimer for most restaurant chains.
Calorie Breakdown by Sub Size
Jersey Mike's offers several sizes for their subs, which directly impacts the number of calories you consume. The most common sizes are Regular (approximately 7-inch) and Giant (approximately 14-inch). The choice of bread also plays a role in the final tally. The calorie counts for the #17 Steak Philly sub can differ slightly between white and wheat bread, though the primary difference is based on the quantity of ingredients.
- Regular Sub: A regular size #17 Philly Cheesesteak on white bread typically contains around 640 calories. If you opt for wheat bread, the calories increase slightly to about 730.
- Giant Sub: The Giant size is approximately double the regular and comes with a much higher calorie count. The #17 Steak Philly on white bread is around 1189 calories, while the same sub on wheat bread reaches about 1270 calories.
- Sub in a Tub: For those seeking a lower-carb, lower-calorie option, the "Sub in a Tub" is an excellent alternative. The #17 Steak Philly in a tub (no bread) has significantly fewer calories, approximately 440.
Other Factors Affecting Calories
The calorie count for your sub can also be altered by several customization options. While the standard #17 comes with steak, cheese, and onions, additional toppings and condiments will change its nutritional profile.
- Cheese: The type of cheese can subtly affect the calorie and fat content. The standard is white American cheese, but some locations may offer provolone or other options.
- Condiments: Adding mayonnaise, extra oil, or other sauces will add calories. For example, oil can add over 200 calories to some subs.
- Extra Meat: Ordering extra meat, a common request, will significantly increase the total calories and protein.
- The 'Mike's Way' dressing: This includes lettuce, onion, tomatoes, spices, oil, and red wine vinegar. The oil is the main calorie contributor, so requesting the sub without it is a simple way to reduce calories.
Comparison Table: Philly Cheesesteak Calories
| Sub Size | Bread Type | Approximate Calories | Protein (g) | Total Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | White | 640 | 41 | 22 | 1820 | |
| Regular | Wheat | 730 | 45 | 28.5 | 2261 | |
| Giant | White | 1189 | 76 | 41 | 2245 | |
| Giant | Wheat | 1270 | 84 | 43 | 3575 | |
| In a Tub | N/A | 440 | 35 | 27 | 1620 |
Healthier Alternatives and Customizations
For those who love the taste of a Philly cheesesteak but want a lighter meal, there are several ways to customize your order to reduce the calorie and fat count.
- Order a 'Sub in a Tub': This is the most effective way to cut down on calories, as it removes the bread entirely. It's also a great choice for those following a low-carb diet.
- Hold the Oil: The oil in the "Mike's Way" dressing adds a significant number of calories. Skipping it can lead to a substantial reduction.
- Request Light Cheese: While not a massive change, requesting less cheese can also help shave off a few calories.
- Add Extra Veggies: Load up on extra onions and peppers. These add flavor and volume without adding significant calories.
Conclusion
The number of calories in a Jersey Mike's Philly cheesesteak sub depends entirely on your customization. A standard Regular sub on white bread contains about 640 calories, which can be a reasonable portion for a single meal, especially when accompanied by a healthy side like a salad. For a much lower-calorie meal, the "Sub in a Tub" is the best option. Being mindful of your size selection and customizing your ingredients will allow you to enjoy this flavorful sandwich while managing your nutritional goals effectively.
Visit the official Jersey Mike's website for their full nutrition information.
