Nutrition Diet: Unpacking the Answer to 'Does Jersey Mike's have gluten free bread?'

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Jersey Mike's website, almost all of their hot and cold subs can be made gluten-free with a special Udi's roll. This makes answering the question, 'Does Jersey Mike's have gluten free bread?', a crucial first step for anyone navigating a gluten-free diet or living with celiac disease.

Quick Summary

Yes, Jersey Mike's offers Udi's gluten-free sub rolls for most sandwiches, which are individually wrapped to reduce cross-contamination risk. Staff use fresh gloves, separate knives, and parchment paper to enhance safety. Specific items, like the Meatball and Chicken Parm subs, are not gluten-free and should be avoided.

Key Points

Udi's Gluten-Free Bread: Jersey Mike's uses individually wrapped Udi's sub rolls, baked off-site to minimize initial contamination.
Celiac-Friendly Protocols: For gluten-free orders, staff are instructed to change gloves, use dedicated knives, and prepare sandwiches on a parchment paper barrier.
Not a Gluten-Free Kitchen: Despite precautions, Jersey Mike's is not a certified gluten-free facility, and cross-contact can occur, especially in shared topping bins.
Safe Menu Items: Most cold and hot subs can be made gluten-free, but diners must avoid the Meatball and Chicken Parm subs.
Alternate Options: For maximum safety, any sub can be ordered as a 'Sub in a Tub' (a salad bowl), bypassing the bread entirely.
In-Person Ordering is Best: To ensure all cross-contamination protocols are followed, ordering in person and communicating your allergy is recommended over mobile orders.

Navigating Gluten-Free Options at Jersey Mike's

For those on a gluten-free diet, finding safe and satisfying options at fast-food restaurants can be challenging. Fortunately, Jersey Mike's has established protocols to accommodate these needs. The primary solution is their partnership with Udi's, a brand specializing in certified gluten-free products. Customers can swap any regular sub bread for an Udi's gluten-free roll, available in both regular and giant sizes. This provision extends to nearly all subs on their menu, giving customers a wide variety of choices, from classic cold subs to hot cheese steaks.

Cross-Contamination Precautions for Celiac Disease

While the availability of gluten-free bread is a significant step, individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance must consider the risk of cross-contamination in a shared kitchen environment. Jersey Mike's recognizes this and has implemented several key procedures to minimize risk. For customers with a gluten sensitivity or allergy, staff are trained to take specific precautions. These include wearing fresh gloves, wiping down surfaces, and using a designated knife for slicing the gluten-free roll. The sandwich is also prepared on a separate sheet of parchment paper to create a barrier from the main prep line. However, as stated in their official allergen disclaimer, the chain cannot guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment due to shared equipment. It is always recommended for highly sensitive individuals to communicate their needs clearly to the staff and even watch the preparation process. Ordering during non-peak hours can also ensure staff are less rushed and can take extra care.

How to Order Your Gluten-Free Meal

To ensure a safe and delicious gluten-free experience, follow these steps when ordering at Jersey Mike's:

Order In-Person: While online ordering is convenient, ordering directly with the staff allows you to communicate your allergy and observe the preparation process.
Specify Your Allergy: When ordering, clearly state that you need the meal prepared for a gluten allergy, not just a preference. This prompts the staff to follow specific protocols.
Request Cleanliness: Ask the sandwich maker to change their gloves, wipe down the counter, and use a fresh sheet of parchment paper before starting your order.
Check Condiments: For extra peace of mind, request condiments from fresh, unopened bottles if possible. Condiments in squeeze bottles or communal bins could have a higher risk of cross-contact from other customers or staff handling gluten bread.
Avoid Shared Slicers: If ordering sliced meats and cheeses, you can ask for them to be cut with a freshly wiped slicer or from a new, unopened package to avoid crumbs.

A Look at Other Gluten-Free Options

Beyond the bread, Jersey Mike's offers other options for gluten-free diners. A popular alternative is the 'Sub in a Tub', where any sub's ingredients are served on a bed of lettuce instead of bread. This eliminates the need for the gluten-free roll and offers a satisfying, lower-carb alternative. Many of their toppings, meats, cheeses, and dressings are naturally gluten-free. For sides and desserts, they offer a variety of pre-packaged chips, such as Lay's Classic, Cheetos, and Doritos, as well as a certified gluten-free Udi's Snickerdoodle cookie. It is important to remember that certain menu items, including wraps, breakfast sandwiches, and items with breadcrumbs like the Meatball and Chicken Parm subs, are not gluten-free and should be avoided.

Comparison of Jersey Mike's Gluten-Free Bread


Aspect	Jersey Mike's Gluten-Free Bread	Other Fast Food GF Breads
Type	Udi's sub roll, individually packaged	Varies by chain; may be pre-packaged or baked on-site
Cross-Contamination Risk	Minimized by individual packaging; depends heavily on staff protocols in shared kitchen	Varies widely; some may have dedicated areas, others high risk
Precautions Taken	New gloves, dedicated knife, parchment paper barrier	Inconsistent; depends on staff training and location
Flavor/Texture	Mixed reviews; some find it a bit dry, others find it decent, especially when toasted	Wide variation in quality and taste; some described as dry or bland
Best for Hot Subs?	Not ideal; can become soggy more quickly than regular bread	Also depends on the quality of the bread and preparation method

Conclusion

Jersey Mike's stands out in the fast-food space for its proactive approach to serving gluten-free customers. Yes, they have gluten-free bread in the form of individually wrapped Udi's rolls. With the implementation of specific safety protocols, including glove changes and dedicated utensils, they offer a viable and relatively low-risk option for many with gluten sensitivities. However, the shared kitchen environment means that zero-risk dining is not guaranteed, and personal vigilance is always key, especially for those with celiac disease. By communicating clearly with staff and understanding all the available menu choices, diners can enjoy a satisfying and safe meal. For official information, always consult the Jersey Mike's nutrition and allergen information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Jersey Mike's offers Udi's gluten-free sub rolls, which are individually packaged to ensure freshness and reduce initial cross-contamination risk.

Jersey Mike's trains staff to take extra precautions, like changing gloves and using separate utensils. However, as it is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, cross-contamination risk exists. Celiac diners should communicate clearly and consider watching the preparation.

You can order almost any sub on the menu with a gluten-free roll, including cold and hot subs. Exceptions include the Meatball and Chicken Parm subs, which contain gluten ingredients in their fillings.

A 'Sub in a Tub' is a gluten-free alternative where the ingredients of any sub are served in a bowl on a bed of lettuce, without the bread.

Yes, Jersey Mike's offers other gluten-free options, such as salads, packaged chips (Lay's Classic, Cheetos, Doritos), and a packaged Udi's Snickerdoodle cookie.

No, according to the ingredients of the Udi's rolls used by Jersey Mike's, the bread is dairy-free. However, it does contain egg.

To minimize risk, you can order in person, clearly state your allergy, and request that staff use fresh gloves, a separate knife, and new ingredients from the back for your sandwich.