Is Jersey Mike's Meat Processed? A Look at Their Sourcing and Slicing

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to health organizations like the World Cancer Research Fund, any meat preserved by curing, salting, or smoking is technically processed. So, is Jersey Mike's meat processed? The answer isn't a simple yes or no, but a spectrum defined by sourcing and preparation that sets them apart from the competition.

Quick Summary

Jersey Mike's meat is technically processed through methods like curing and salting, but their commitment to higher quality ingredients and in-store slicing elevates them above typical fast-food deli meat.

Key Points

Technically Processed: The majority of Jersey Mike's cold cuts, such as ham and salami, are technically processed due to curing and preserving, fitting the official definition.
Fresh-Sliced: All cold cuts are sliced fresh in-store for each sandwich, which enhances flavor and texture compared to pre-packaged deli meat.
In-House Cooked Roast Beef: The roast beef is a standout as it's Certified Angus Beef cooked and sliced in-store daily, making it the least processed cold cut option.
Higher Quality Sourcing: The company uses high-quality, proprietary meats, including turkey and pork sourced as NAE (No Antibiotics Ever).
Not Unprocessed Whole Food: Despite superior practices, the meats are not equivalent to unprocessed whole foods and are typically high in sodium due to the curing process.
Better Option Among Competitors: Compared to many fast-food alternatives, Jersey Mike's sourcing and preparation place it on the higher-quality end of the processed meat spectrum.

What Does "Processed Meat" Actually Mean?

Before diving into Jersey Mike's specifics, it is essential to understand the definition of processed meat. Experts generally classify any meat that has been modified to extend its shelf life or alter its flavor through methods like curing, smoking, salting, or the addition of preservatives as processed. This broad definition includes many products we commonly find at a deli counter, including ham, salami, and pepperoni. The key takeaway is that not all processed meat is created equal; there's a significant difference between a hot dog full of additives and a high-quality, minimally processed cured meat.

The Jersey Mike's Difference: Slicing and Sourcing

One of the most notable differences at Jersey Mike's is their approach to preparation. Unlike many sub shops that use pre-packaged, pre-sliced meats, Jersey Mike's emphasizes freshness by slicing all cold cuts and cheeses for each order right in front of the customer. This practice not only enhances the flavor and texture but also provides transparency that customers appreciate. Beyond the fresh slicing, the company also focuses on the quality of its sourcing, which includes specific practices that have evolved over time.

The Roast Beef: Cooked On-Site Exception

Perhaps the most compelling case for a minimally processed item at Jersey Mike's is their famous roast beef. The company uses Certified Angus Beef, which is cooked and sliced fresh daily in their stores. The in-house cooking and preparation of the roast beef mean it is only lightly seasoned and trimmed, making it arguably the least processed cold cut option available on their menu.

Other Deli Meats: A Proprietary Approach

For their other cold cuts, such as ham, turkey, salami, and cappacuolo, Jersey Mike's uses privately labeled, proprietary brands. While these meats are still cured and preserved, which fits the technical definition of processed, the company claims they meet high-quality standards. For example, they have committed to using pork and turkey raised without antibiotics, a significant step toward improving ingredient quality. This focus on higher-tier sourcing is a differentiator from many other mass-market sandwich chains.

A Comparison: Jersey Mike's vs. Standard Deli Meat

To better understand the nuance, a comparison table can illustrate the differences between Jersey Mike's and more standard, pre-packaged deli meat found in many grocery stores or other fast-food establishments.


Feature	Jersey Mike's Approach	Standard Deli Meat Approach
Slicing	Sliced fresh in-store for each sandwich, in front of the customer.	Usually pre-sliced and pre-packaged, potentially weeks in advance.
Roast Beef	Certified Angus Beef, cooked on-site daily.	Often pre-cooked and pre-packaged off-site by a third-party supplier.
Sourcing Standards	Uses high-quality, proprietary brands; turkey and pork are NAE (No Antibiotics Ever).	Sourcing can vary widely; may come from lower-quality, mass-produced suppliers.
Preservatives	Still contains curing agents and preservatives inherent to deli processing.	May contain a wider range of artificial preservatives and fillers for long shelf life.
Freshness	Emphasizes freshness through in-store preparation and slicing.	Can sit on shelves or in a deli case for a significant period.

The Health Implications: Is It a Healthier Choice?

While Jersey Mike's superior quality sourcing and fresh-slicing practices are beneficial, it's important to consider the overall health context. The primary health concern with processed meats is their association with certain health risks, mainly due to the preservatives (nitrates and nitrites) and high sodium content. Even higher-quality deli meats can be high in sodium, as evidenced by nutritional information for Jersey Mike's subs. For this reason, those watching their sodium intake should be mindful of their choices.

However, compared to a heavily processed, low-quality alternative, Jersey Mike's products offer a more premium experience with fewer additives and a focus on transparency. Making healthier choices is still possible, such as opting for a turkey and provolone sub bowl or choosing the house-cooked roast beef, which is a less processed option.

Here are some healthy tips for ordering:

Choose the roast beef: Since it is cooked in-house, it is one of the freshest and least processed meat options available.
Consider a sub bowl: This option reduces your carbohydrate intake and helps focus on the protein and fresh veggies.
Ask for "lite" condiments: Skip or reduce the oil and vinegar or mayo to lower your calorie and sodium intake.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Jersey Mike's Meat

The simple question, "Is Jersey Mike's meat processed?" requires a nuanced answer. Yes, by the technical definition, most of their deli meats are processed through curing and preserving. However, their commitment to high-quality, proprietary sourcing and, most importantly, their practice of fresh-slicing in-store sets them apart from the average fast-food sandwich shop. Their in-house cooked roast beef stands out as a genuinely premium, minimally processed option. For the health-conscious consumer, Jersey Mike's offers a better-quality choice, but it is still wise to be mindful of sodium content and make thoughtful menu selections. When considering the spectrum of processed food, Jersey Mike's resides on the higher-quality end, representing a sub above the rest.

For further information on the health impacts of processed meats, the World Cancer Research Fund provides valuable insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Jersey Mike's cooks their Certified Angus Beef roast beef in-store daily. However, their other deli meats like ham and turkey arrive already cured and pre-cooked from proprietary suppliers.

Slicing meat fresh for each sandwich, as Jersey Mike's does, provides a better texture and flavor compared to using pre-sliced meat that can dry out or lose its fresh taste over time.

Yes, Jersey Mike's turkey meat is technically processed through curing, although it is sourced from suppliers that raise their birds without antibiotics. The final product is a cured, deli-style turkey.

The roast beef is the least processed meat option because it is cooked from a raw, Certified Angus Beef roast right in the store, daily.

Like most cured deli meats, the ones served at Jersey Mike's are typically high in sodium, which is added during the preservation process. Health-conscious consumers should be aware of this, especially for subs with extra meat.

Jersey Mike's differentiates itself by sourcing higher-quality, often proprietary, meats and by slicing them fresh for each order. Many people perceive this as a significant step up in quality compared to the standard, pre-sliced meats found at Subway.

Meat labeled as "uncured" is still technically processed, as it uses natural sources of nitrates and nitrites (like celery powder) for preservation, which can form the same compounds as synthetic ones in the body. It is not necessarily less processed.