Is Jimmy John's Unwich a lettuce wrap?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Since its introduction in 2003, the Unwich has become a signature menu item at Jimmy John's, designed to cater to customers seeking a low-carb alternative to a traditional sandwich. The primary question, "Is Jimmy John's Unwich a lettuce wrap?" is a straightforward one with a definitive answer.

Quick Summary

The Jimmy John's Unwich is a lettuce wrap version of their sandwiches, replacing the bread with large, fresh leaves of lettuce. It offers a versatile, low-carb, and gluten-free option for enjoying your favorite fillings.

Key Points

Definition: The Unwich is Jimmy John's term for a sandwich wrapped in lettuce instead of bread.
Construction: It is made by stacking multiple layers of crisp iceberg lettuce to form a sturdy base.
Purpose: It was introduced as a low-carb, gluten-free, and lighter alternative to traditional bread sandwiches.
Customization: Nearly any sandwich on the Jimmy John's menu can be ordered as an Unwich, allowing for full customization of fillings.
Handling: The Unwich is wrapped in paper for stability and is best eaten by peeling the paper down as you go.

What Exactly Is the Unwich?

An Unwich is essentially a bread-free version of any of Jimmy John's classic sandwiches. Instead of being served on their signature French or wheat bread, the fillings are tightly wrapped in several large, crisp leaves of lettuce. This offers a lighter, lower-calorie, and lower-carbohydrate alternative that is especially popular with those following a keto or gluten-free diet.

The Anatomy of an Unwich

To construct an Unwich, employees use several layers of iceberg lettuce to create a sturdy, boat-like base. They then add the sandwich's meat, cheese, veggies, and condiments to this base before rolling it up tightly in paper for stability. The paper is key to holding the moisture-rich ingredients together, as lettuce alone can be quite flimsy.

How to Customize Your Unwich

One of the biggest appeals of the Unwich is the ability to customize it to your liking. You can choose any of Jimmy John's Original or Favorite sandwiches and simply request it as an Unwich.

Common customizations include:

Add extra protein: Pile on more roast beef, turkey, or ham for a more filling meal.
Load up on fresh vegetables: Add cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, or peppers for extra crunch and nutrients.
Swap condiments: Change out the mayo for mustard or add an avocado spread for different flavors.
Add seasoning: A sprinkle of oregano-basil can enhance the flavor profile.

Unwich vs. Traditional Sandwich: A Nutritional Comparison

Choosing an Unwich over a traditional sandwich on French bread has a significant impact on its nutritional profile. While the calories, fats, and protein will vary depending on the fillings, the main difference lies in the carb count.


Feature	Unwich (Beach Club)	Sandwich (Beach Club on French Bread)
Calories	410 calories	640 calories
Carbohydrates	6g carbs	58g carbs
Net Carbs	5g net carbs	57g net carbs
Dietary Suitability	Keto-friendly, low-carb, gluten-free	Standard diet
Portability	Requires careful handling, held together by paper	Convenient, held by firm bread
Taste	Fresh, crisp, highlights filling flavors	Chewy, filling flavor muted by bread

Is the Unwich a Good Choice for You?

For many, the Unwich is an excellent option. For those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, it provides a simple way to enjoy a classic sandwich experience without the high carbohydrate content of bread. Similarly, for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, the Unwich is a viable gluten-free alternative, although they should be aware of the risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen.

However, it's important to remember that not all Unwiches are created equal in terms of nutrition. Fillings like extra mayo or certain dressings can significantly increase the calorie and fat content. When ordering, it's wise to consider all ingredients to ensure the final product aligns with your dietary goals.

The Art of Eating an Unwich

Because the Unwich uses lettuce instead of bread, it can be a bit messy if not handled correctly. Most online guides recommend keeping the wrapping paper intact and peeling it down as you eat, similar to a burrito, to maintain structure and prevent spillage. The paper provides the necessary support that bread typically offers, making it a surprisingly manageable meal despite the lack of a traditional outer layer.

Conclusion: The Unwich is a Lettuce Wrap

In short, the Jimmy John's Unwich is unequivocally a lettuce wrap. It is the restaurant's signature, bread-free alternative for any of their sandwiches, using large, crisp lettuce leaves to hold the fresh fillings. Whether you're cutting carbs, avoiding gluten, or simply seeking a lighter meal, the Unwich is a customizable and widely-loved menu option that delivers the full flavor of a Jimmy John's sandwich without the bread.

Order Your Unwich

Ready to try an Unwich yourself? Simply walk in and ask for an Unwich version of your desired sandwich number, or select the Unwich option from the bread choices when ordering online.

Visit the official Jimmy John's website for their menu and to learn more about the Unwich and other sandwich options.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Jimmy John's does not charge extra to have any sandwich made as an Unwich, as the lettuce wrap is considered a standard alternative to bread.

Yes, ordering a sandwich as an Unwich makes it a keto-friendly option, as it replaces the high-carb bread with fresh lettuce.

The Unwich is naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is a risk as all food is prepared in the same area. Individuals with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease should inform staff when ordering.

Jimmy John's primarily uses iceberg lettuce for its crisp texture and ability to hold fillings together effectively.

Yes, Unwiches can be ordered for delivery just like regular sandwiches, though delivery options may vary by location.

You can order an Unwich by simply requesting it in-store or selecting the 'Unwich® Lettuce Wrap' option from the bread choices when ordering online or via their app.

This depends on the specific ingredients. While both eliminate the bread, the Unwich is a handheld item wrapped in lettuce, whereas a 'sub in a bowl' from other chains is typically a salad. Nutritional values will depend on meat, cheese, and dressing choices.