What Determines the Calorie Count?
The total number of calories in your Jersey Mike's #13 mini sub is not a fixed figure. The primary factors influencing the final calorie count are the type of bread, the standard ingredients, and any customizations, such as dressings or extra cheese. The standard Original Italian sub (#13) includes provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, and salami, and is served with 'The Juice'—a mix of red wine vinegar and olive oil blend—and spices.
The Importance of Bread Choice
The bread is one of the most significant contributors to the overall caloric and carbohydrate content. Jersey Mike's offers several bread options, each with a different nutritional profile. For the mini sub, the three most common choices are white, wheat, and rosemary parmesan bread. While the difference for a single sub might seem small, these variations add up if you are closely monitoring your daily intake.
The Impact of Dressings and Toppings
'Mike's Way' adds the olive oil blend and red wine vinegar. The olive oil blend in particular adds a notable amount of fat and calories. A mini sub served without oil and vinegar will have a lower calorie count than one prepared 'Mike's Way'. Customizing your sub with extra cheese, extra meat, or different dressings like mayonnaise will also increase the calorie count. For example, adding mayonnaise to a sub can add over 100 calories per mini sub, transforming a seemingly light meal into a more caloric one.
Nutritional Breakdown for the #13 Mini
To give a clearer picture, let's look at the approximate nutritional information for the #13 mini sub on different bread types. Note that these figures are based on estimates and may vary slightly depending on portion sizes and preparation. A standard Mini #13 on white bread with standard ingredients is a solid baseline for a typical order.
| Bread Type | Approx. Calories | Total Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Bread | 550 | 31.6 | 39 | 29 | 1530 | 
| Wheat Bread | 560 | 30 | 41 | 28 | 1510 | 
| Rosemary Parmesan | 590 | 31 | 47 | 29 | 1640 | 
Comparing the #13 Mini to Other Subs
Understanding how the #13 mini compares to other popular menu items can help you make more informed decisions. For instance, a mini Turkey Breast & Provolone sub (#7) is often lower in calories, making it a potentially lighter option. Conversely, other menu items like hot subs or those with multiple types of cheese and dressings can have significantly higher calorie counts.
- #7 Turkey Breast & Provolone Mini (White Bread): 340 calories without oil and vinegar. A much lighter alternative to the Italian sub.
- #1 BLT Mini (White Bread): 440 calories, placing it in a similar range to the Original Italian mini but with different macronutrient content.
- #9 Club Supreme Mini (Wheat Bread, with mayo): 550 calories, comparable to the #13 Original Italian with its own set of customizations.
How to Reduce Calories in Your Order
If you are aiming to lower your caloric intake, there are several ways to modify your Jersey Mike's order without sacrificing flavor entirely.
- Hold 'The Juice': Opting out of the olive oil blend will significantly reduce the fat and calorie content. You can request it without any dressing or add a light amount of red wine vinegar instead.
- Order 'In a Tub': Jersey Mike's offers any sub as a salad, served in a bowl without the bread. This can cut a substantial number of calories and carbohydrates from your meal.
- Skip the Cheese: Provolone cheese is a standard component of the #13. Removing it can reduce both the fat and calorie count.
- Be Mindful of Condiments: Add-ons like mayonnaise, ranch dressing, or extra oil can quickly increase calories. Be selective with your condiments.
Conclusion
The Jersey Mike's #13 mini sub contains an average of 550 calories, with slight variations based on the bread type. While this provides a substantial and flavorful meal, it is important to be aware of how customizations, particularly the oil blend, can affect the total nutritional impact. By making a few simple modifications, you can still enjoy the great taste of Jersey Mike's while better managing your calorie and sodium intake. For precise and up-to-date nutritional information, it is always recommended to consult Jersey Mike's official nutrition page or a reliable database like Nutritionix.