Understanding Your Plant-Based Choices: Is the White Bread at Jersey Mike's Vegan?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 2% of the U.S. population identifies as vegan, making the hunt for plant-based fast-food options more common than ever. For those building a custom sub, a key question arises: Is the white bread at Jersey Mike's vegan? The answer, surprisingly, is no, due to a non-plant-based ingredient.

Quick Summary

Jersey Mike's white bread is not vegan because it contains honey, a product derived from animals. Other bread and wrap options, like the wheat and seeded Italian bread, are suitable for a vegan diet. Menu items can be customized by omitting animal products like cheese and meat, but strict vegans should be aware of potential cross-contamination.

Key Points

White Bread is Not Vegan: Jersey Mike's original white sub roll contains honey and should be avoided by vegans.
Vegan Bread Alternatives Exist: You can choose from the Wheat Bread, Seeded Italian Bread, or various wraps for a vegan-friendly sub.
Customization is Key: Order the Veggie sub and remove the cheese to create a plant-based foundation for your meal.
Request Cross-Contamination Precautions: Inform staff of your dietary needs and ask for fresh gloves and sanitized surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.
Be Aware of Hidden Ingredients: Always double-check ingredients for non-vegan items, as is the case with honey in the white bread and eggs in the gluten-free bread.

Navigating Vegan Options at Jersey Mike's

For those on a plant-based diet, dining out at fast-food restaurants requires careful navigation of menus and ingredient lists. While many places now offer vegan options, animal-derived products can often be hidden in unexpected items. This is precisely the case for the classic white bread at Jersey Mike's, a popular choice for many sub-lovers.

Why Jersey Mike's White Bread Is Not Vegan

The seemingly simple white sub roll is not suitable for a vegan diet. The reason is the inclusion of honey, an animal-derived product, as a sweetener during the baking process. While most commercial yeast is vegan, and the bread is free of dairy and eggs, the presence of honey means it does not align with the principles of veganism. Many whole wheat breads from other manufacturers also commonly use honey, so it is always crucial to check ingredient lists for hidden animal products. A true vegan diet avoids all animal-derived foods and products.

Your Vegan-Friendly Bread and Wrap Choices

Fortunately for vegans, Jersey Mike's offers several other bread and wrap options that are suitable for a plant-based diet. Instead of defaulting to the white bread, you can choose from these alternatives to build your custom sub or wrap:

Wheat Bread: Unlike the white version, Jersey Mike's wheat bread is confirmed to be vegan. This offers a wholesome, plant-based alternative with a slightly heartier texture.
Seeded Italian Bread: Another great vegan option, this bread provides a different flavor and texture profile for your sub.
Wraps: A variety of wraps are available that are vegan, including the White, Wheat, Spinach Herb, and Tomato Basil options. These offer a lighter alternative to a sub and are a great way to enjoy a vegan meal.

Building a Vegan Sub at Jersey Mike's

Once you have selected your bread, the next step is to choose your fillings. While the standard menu is meat and cheese-heavy, it's possible to build a delicious vegan sub with a few customizations. Start with a solid foundation by ordering a "Veggie" sub without cheese. Then, load it up with a variety of fresh vegetable toppings:

Lettuce
Tomatoes
Onions
Peppers
Pickles
Jalapeños

For added flavor and richness, you can also include toppings like portabella mushrooms and guacamole.

Regarding sauces, Jersey Mike's has several vegan-friendly choices, including mustard, red wine vinegar, and the olive oil blend (which is mostly soybean oil). Avoid any mayo or dressings that are not explicitly confirmed to be vegan.

The Importance of Avoiding Cross-Contamination

For those with severe allergies or strict ethical vegan concerns, cross-contamination is a potential issue at any restaurant that handles both animal and plant products. While Jersey Mike's is noted for its willingness to accommodate special requests, especially for gluten-free customers, similar precautions can be requested by vegans. To minimize risk:

Communicate Clearly: Inform the staff that you have a dietary restriction and politely ask for specific handling procedures. For example, ask for fresh gloves and a cleaned prep area.
Separate Prep Area: If the restaurant has one, request that your sandwich is prepared in a separate area to reduce the risk of contact with meat and cheese.
Squeeze Bottle Condiments: Ask for condiments from squeeze bottles rather than from open bins that may have been in contact with non-vegan utensils.
Watch the Process: Stay vigilant as your order is prepared to ensure your requests are followed.

Comparison of Jersey Mike's Bread Options for Vegans


Bread Option	Vegan-Friendly?	Key Vegan-Relevant Ingredients/Notes
White Bread	No	Contains honey.
Wheat Bread	Yes	Does not contain honey or other animal products.
Seeded Italian Bread	Yes	Made with vegan ingredients.
Rosemary Parmesan	No	Contains cheese, which is a dairy product.
Gluten-Free	No	Contains egg whites.

Conclusion: A Quick Guide to Vegan Ordering

To get a vegan meal at Jersey Mike's, remember this simple guide: Avoid the white, rosemary parmesan, and gluten-free breads. Instead, opt for the wheat or seeded Italian bread, or a wrap. Customize your order to build a filling sub by asking for the Veggie sub without cheese and adding extra vegetables and plant-based condiments. By taking these steps and communicating your needs to the staff, you can ensure your meal aligns with your nutritional and ethical preferences, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying, plant-based lunch. Always be aware of potential cross-contamination if you have severe dietary restrictions.

Key Takeaways for Your Vegan Order at Jersey Mike's

Avoid the White Bread: Jersey Mike's white bread contains honey and is not vegan.
Choose a Vegan Bread or Wrap: Opt for the Wheat Bread, Seeded Italian Bread, or any of the wraps for a plant-based base.
Customize the Veggie Sub: Order the Veggie sub without cheese and add plenty of fresh vegetables.
Be Mindful of Condiments: Select safe, vegan condiments like mustard, red wine vinegar, and the olive oil blend.
Request Cross-Contamination Prevention: For strict vegans, politely ask staff to use fresh gloves and wipe down the prep area for your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Jersey Mike's white bread does not contain dairy. However, it does contain honey, which makes it non-vegan.

A vegan diet is a strict version of a plant-based diet that excludes all animal-derived products, including honey. A general plant-based diet might include some animal products but primarily focuses on fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

Yes, you can build a vegan sub by choosing a vegan bread option (wheat or seeded Italian), ordering the Veggie sub without cheese, and selecting vegan-friendly toppings and condiments.

No, the Udi's gluten-free bread option at Jersey Mike's contains egg whites and is therefore not vegan.

Vegan-friendly condiments at Jersey Mike's include mustard, red wine vinegar, and the olive oil blend. Always verify ingredients for any other sauces or dressings.

For strict vegans and those with allergies, cross-contamination is a concern. It is best to inform staff of your dietary needs and ask for extra precautions, like glove changes and a clean preparation surface.

No, most vegans consider honey a non-vegan product because it is derived from bees, which are animals. Veganism seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty.