How much sodium is in a Jimmy John's sub?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the official Jimmy John's nutrition guide, some menu items contain a staggering amount of sodium, with certain 8-inch French subs packing close to 2,000 mg—or nearly a full day's worth of sodium intake—in a single meal. Navigating the menu requires careful consideration, as the sodium can vary dramatically between sandwiches based on the bread, size, and protein choices.

Quick Summary

Sodium levels in Jimmy John's subs vary widely, from around 580mg for a Little John to nearly 3,000mg for a larger Italian-style sandwich, heavily depending on size, bread, and ingredients like cured meats and cheeses. Customization is key to controlling intake.

Key Points

High-Sodium Suspects: Italian-style subs like the Spicy East Coast Salami can contain over 3,000mg of sodium in a single sandwich due to multiple cured meats and cheeses.
Significant Daily Intake: Some 8-inch subs deliver more than a full day's recommended sodium limit of 2,300mg for most adults.
Lower Sodium Options Exist: A Turkey Tom on French bread contains around 1,160mg of sodium, a much better choice than the high-end Italian subs.
Little Johns Are Key: The smaller 'Little John' size offers significantly less sodium, with the Little John 4 (Turkey) having only 580mg.
Customization is Crucial: Modifying your order by choosing an Unwich® (lettuce wrap) or asking for no cheese or mayo are effective ways to reduce sodium.
Official Data is Best: Always verify sodium information using the most recent official Jimmy John's nutrition guide.

High Sodium Surprises and How to Find the Numbers

Many consumers believe a sub sandwich is a healthier option than, say, a burger, but the reality is that many fast-food sandwiches are loaded with sodium. Cured meats, cheeses, and condiments are significant contributors to this high sodium count. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that most adults limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day. With some Jimmy John's 8-inch subs containing over 1,500mg, a single sandwich can account for the majority of a person's daily allowance before even adding a side or drink.

Jimmy John's provides an official nutrition information sheet that is the best resource for accurate and up-to-date sodium figures. Consulting this guide allows customers to make informed decisions and understand exactly what is in their meal. For example, cured and processed meats are a primary source of sodium in subs, as are the various cheeses and sauces like Kickin' Ranch®.

Where the Sodium is Hiding

Beyond the primary ingredients, several elements can unexpectedly add to a sub's sodium count:

The Bread: While less impactful than the fillings, the French bread still contributes to the overall sodium content.
Cured Meats: Salami, ham, and capocollo are all preserved with salt, making them a major source of sodium.
Cheeses: Many cheeses, especially provolone, are high in sodium.
Condiments: Mayonnaise, while adding flavor, also contributes sodium. Skipping or requesting lighter amounts can help.

Sodium Content Comparison: Jimmy John's Subs

To illustrate the wide range of sodium content across the menu, here is a comparison of several popular 8-inch French bread sandwiches, based on recent nutrition data.


Sandwich (8" French)	Primary Ingredients	Approximate Sodium (mg)
Spicy East Coast Salami	Two servings of salami, capocollo, provolone	3,250
Italian Night Club®	Salami, capocollo, ham, provolone	2,850
Slim 5	Salami, capocollo, provolone	1,980
The Pepe®	Ham, provolone	1,570
Slim 4	Turkey breast	1,250
Big John®	Roast beef	1,110
The Veggie®	Provolone, avocado spread	1,160
Turkey Tom®	Turkey breast, mayo	1,160

Note: Sodium values can vary slightly based on recipe changes or location. The official nutrition guide is the most accurate source.

How to Customize Your Sub to Reduce Sodium

Managing your sodium intake at Jimmy John's is possible by making strategic choices. For instance, opting for a smaller 'Little John' version of a sandwich can significantly cut the sodium. The Little John 4 with turkey has only 580mg of sodium, a fraction of its 8-inch counterpart.

Lower Sodium Strategies

Choose an Unwich®: The lettuce wrap option removes the bread entirely, which, while not a major source, still helps reduce overall sodium. It also allows for a lower-carb meal.
Order a 'Plain Slim': These basic sandwiches contain only one type of protein and/or provolone cheese. The Slim 4 (Turkey) and Slim 6 (Provolone) are lower-sodium options compared to the meat-heavy Italian subs.
Hold the Cheese and Sauces: Provolone cheese and mayonnaise are notable sources of sodium. Asking for no cheese or no mayo can make a difference. Opting for mustard, which is lower in sodium, is another option.
Go Veggie (Carefully): The Veggie sub's sodium count is similar to many meat options due to the provolone and avocado spread. However, ordering an Unwich version and holding the cheese can significantly reduce the sodium.
Choose a 'Little John': As mentioned, the smaller portion size of a Little John automatically means less sodium from all ingredients.

Conclusion

Understanding the sodium content of a Jimmy John's sub is crucial for making informed dietary choices. Many popular options, particularly those with multiple cured meats and cheeses, can easily exceed a person's recommended daily sodium limit in a single sitting. By consulting the official nutrition guide and making strategic customizations like choosing smaller sizes, opting for an Unwich, or skipping high-sodium add-ons, you can enjoy a Jimmy John's sandwich while better managing your sodium intake. Making small changes can lead to significant health benefits over time. For the most precise and current information, always refer to the company's official nutritional data.

For the latest nutritional information, consult the official Jimmy John's resources available on their website.

Check out the official Jimmy John's Nutrition Info page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The highest sodium sub is often an Italian-style sandwich with multiple cured meats. The Spicy East Coast Salami sub, for instance, has been reported to contain over 3,000mg of sodium.

The lowest sodium options are typically the 'Little John' sandwiches, which are smaller. The Little John 4 with turkey has one of the lowest sodium counts on the menu, at 580mg.

You can reduce sodium by choosing a smaller size like a Little John, opting for an Unwich (lettuce wrap), asking for no cheese, or requesting no mayo.

Yes, an Unwich® is generally lower in sodium because it removes the bread, which contributes to the overall sodium count. For instance, the Bootlegger Club Unwich has 1,180mg of sodium, compared to 1,890mg for the 8-inch French bread version.

Yes, removing cheese, especially provolone, can reduce the sodium in a sub. Cheese is a significant source of sodium in many Jimmy John's sandwiches.

Some 'Plain Slims' are lower in sodium because they contain only one type of protein and/or cheese, without the additional condiments found on 'Originals'. However, you should always check the specific nutrition facts.

It is challenging, but possible. You must be very selective and rely on customization. Ordering a Little John Unwich with a single meat or just vegetables, and avoiding high-sodium additions like cheese and mayo, is the best strategy.