What Are Some Gluten-Free Sides at Jersey Mike's?

Since 2017, Jersey Mike's has offered certified gluten-free sub rolls, making it a viable option for many with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Beyond the sub, what are some gluten-free sides at Jersey Mike's that are also safe to eat? Your choices include pre-packaged snacks, salads, and drinks, though careful ordering is key.

Quick Summary

Several sides are available at Jersey Mike's for those avoiding gluten, from packaged chips and cookies to salads and drinks. This guide details specific menu items and crucial steps to minimize cross-contamination risks when placing your order.

Key Points

• Pre-packaged snacks are the safest bet: Factory-sealed items like Lay's chips, Cheetos, and the Udi's GF Snickerdoodle offer the lowest risk of gluten cross-contamination.

• Salads require careful ordering: For fresh sides like salads or a 'Sub in a Tub,' ask for fresh ingredients from the back and ensure staff use clean gloves and utensils.

• Watch out for flavored chips: Specific chip flavors, particularly certain Miss Vickie's and Sun Chips, may contain gluten from ingredients like malted barley.

• Bottled drinks are a safer choice than fountain sodas: For maximum safety, opt for a sealed, bottled beverage to avoid potential cross-contact at shared fountain nozzles.

• Communicate your allergy clearly to staff: Informing employees about your gluten sensitivity allows them to follow proper cross-contamination protocols, including using dedicated knives and preparing your order on parchment paper.

Gluten-Free Chip and Snack Options

For a convenient and generally safe side, Jersey Mike's offers a variety of factory-sealed, pre-packaged chips and snacks. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination often associated with kitchen-prepared foods.

Safe Packaged Chip Brands

• Lay's Classic: A dependable, gluten-free choice.
• Cheetos: A classic, cheesy favorite that is typically gluten-free.
• Doritos: Certain flavors are considered safe, though ingredients should always be verified as some can contain gluten.
• Fritos: Original Fritos are generally considered gluten-free.
• Ruffles Original: A simple and safe option.

Chips to Approach with Caution

• Miss Vickie's and Sun Chips: These are often flagged as potential gluten risks, especially certain flavors like Miss Vickie's malted barley chips. Recent reports suggest some Miss Vickie's varieties may no longer be gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient lists or avoid to be safe.

Refreshing Gluten-Free Drink Choices

Most beverages at Jersey Mike's are gluten-free and come in safe, sealed containers or via a fountain dispenser. Packaged beverages carry virtually no cross-contamination risk.

Packaged Drinks

• Bottled Water: Including Aquafina.
• Bottled Soda: Brands like Coke and Diet Coke.
• Gatorade: A range of bottled sports drinks.
• Pure Leaf Tea: Various bottled iced tea options.
• Bubly: Flavored sparkling water.
• Celsius and AMP Energy Drinks: Other canned options.

Fountain Drinks

• Fountain drinks are generally safe by ingredient, but there is a minor risk of cross-contact at the dispenser nozzles. If you are highly sensitive, opt for a sealed bottled drink instead.

Salads and Other Fresh Sides

Freshly prepared sides offer a healthier option, but they require careful ordering to mitigate cross-contamination, as they are prepared in a shared kitchen environment.

Order Carefully

• Tossed Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. Always order without croutons and ask for fresh ingredients to be taken from new containers.
• Grilled Chicken Salad: A Tossed Salad topped with grilled chicken. The chicken is cooked on a shared grill, so there is a risk of cross-contact from other items. Use caution or avoid if you have a severe allergy.
• Sub in a Tub: This is an excellent, naturally gluten-free choice. Any sub can be ordered without bread and served in a tub as a salad, essentially turning the sandwich's fillings into a safe side.
• Hot Chopped Pepper Relish: This signature condiment is gluten-free by ingredients but is dispensed from a pump, posing a slight cross-contact risk. Request a fresh, single-use packet if available.

Delicious Gluten-Free Desserts

Finding a safe dessert at a fast-food chain can be challenging, but Jersey Mike's provides a certified option.

Udi's GF Snickerdoodle

• Jersey Mike's carries individually wrapped, certified gluten-free Snickerdoodle cookies from the well-known Udi's brand. These are baked off-site, sealed from the factory, and represent a very safe dessert choice.
• The classic Jersey Mike's brownie and regular cookies contain gluten and should be avoided.

Gluten-Free Side Safety Comparison Table

For quick reference, this table compares the safety levels of different side types at Jersey Mike's for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Keep in mind that individual location practices can vary.

Side Category	Examples	Cross-Contamination Risk	Best Practice for Ordering
Pre-packaged Chips	Lay's, Cheetos, Doritos	Very Low. Sealed from the factory.	No special instructions needed; just check for specific flavors known to contain gluten.
Packaged Drinks	Bottled water, sodas, teas	Very Low. Sealed from the factory.	Choose a bottled beverage for the lowest risk.
Sealed Desserts	Udi's GF Snickerdoodle	Very Low. Individually wrapped and certified GF.	Easy, grab-and-go option.
Salads (Made Fresh)	Tossed Salad	Moderate to High. Prepared in a shared kitchen.	Request fresh ingredients from back containers and ask staff to change gloves and use a clean surface.
Sub in a Tub	Any sub as a bowl	Moderate to High. Assembled in a shared kitchen.	Ask for fresh ingredients and follow all safety protocols for a fresh salad.
Fresh Condiments	Hot Chopped Pepper Relish	Moderate. Served from a shared pump.	Ask for an individual packet if available, or assess risk based on staff handling.

How to Order Sides Safely at Jersey Mike's

To maximize the safety of your meal, particularly if you have celiac disease, follow these steps when ordering your side dishes:

1. Communicate clearly: Inform the staff that you have a gluten allergy and need to avoid cross-contamination. Use clear and polite language.
2. Order sealed items: When possible, stick to pre-packaged chips, drinks, and the Udi's GF Snickerdoodle. These are the safest choices.
3. Request fresh ingredients: For salads or Sub in a Tub, ask the staff to use fresh ingredients from sealed containers in the back, not from the open service line.
4. Observe kitchen practices: Watch for the use of fresh gloves, separate utensils, and the use of parchment paper barriers. Many locations have training for this, but it's wise to be vigilant.
5. Go during off-peak hours: Visiting during slower times can increase the chances that staff have the time and bandwidth to handle your order with the necessary care.

For more information on Udi's gluten-free products, you can visit their official website for details on ingredients and production. Udi's Gluten Free

Conclusion

Jersey Mike's offers several viable gluten-free side options, providing more than just a sandwich-on-a-bun for those with dietary restrictions. The safest options are factory-sealed items like certain brands of chips, bottled drinks, and the Udi's GF Snickerdoodle cookie, which have a minimal risk of cross-contamination. For fresher options like salads or a Sub in a Tub, careful communication with the staff and an awareness of potential cross-contact are crucial. By being clear with your order and understanding the preparation process, you can enjoy a satisfying and safe meal at Jersey Mike's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jersey Mike's offer any gluten-free desserts?

Yes, Jersey Mike's offers an individually wrapped Udi's Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle cookie, which is considered a very safe option.

Which chips at Jersey Mike's are gluten-free?

Most locations carry a selection of gluten-free chips, including Lay's Classic potato chips, Cheetos, and some Doritos. You should avoid certain flavors of brands like Miss Vickie's and Sun Chips that may contain gluten.

Can I get a gluten-free salad at Jersey Mike's?

Yes, Jersey Mike's offers salads that can be made gluten-free by requesting no croutons. For celiac-safe ordering, you must also request fresh ingredients, clean preparation surfaces, and new gloves due to the risk of cross-contamination.

What is a 'Sub in a Tub'?

A 'Sub in a Tub' is any sub ordered without bread and served in a container as a salad. This is a great bread-free, gluten-free meal option that can be customized with various fillings and toppings.

Is the Hot Chopped Pepper Relish gluten-free?

The Hot Chopped Pepper Relish is gluten-free by ingredients. However, since it is dispensed from a shared pump, there is a minor risk of cross-contamination. Consider your sensitivity level when ordering.

How can I avoid cross-contamination with a gluten-free side?

Always inform the staff of your allergy. Ask for fresh gloves, dedicated utensils, and a clean preparation surface lined with parchment paper, especially for fresh items like salads.

Are fountain drinks a safe gluten-free choice?

While the beverage contents are gluten-free, there is a small risk of cross-contact at the shared fountain nozzles. Bottled beverages are a safer alternative for those with severe sensitivities.