What Does "Unwich" Mean at Jimmy John's?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

First introduced as a carb-friendly option, the "unwich" at Jimmy John's is a lettuce-wrapped sandwich designed for those who prefer to skip the bread. This innovative menu item serves as a refreshing, lower-calorie alternative to their traditional subs, appealing to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.

Quick Summary

An "unwich" at Jimmy John's is a standard sandwich with its fillings wrapped in fresh lettuce instead of a sub roll. This offers a gluten-free and low-carb option for customers seeking a lighter meal or adhering to specific dietary restrictions like keto.

Key Points

Lettuce Wrap: An unwich is a sandwich with the fillings wrapped in large, crisp lettuce leaves instead of bread.
Low-Carb & Keto: All unwiches contain 12g or less of total carbs, making them ideal for low-carb and keto diets.
Gluten-Free: By skipping the bread, the unwich is a viable gluten-free menu option for those with sensitivities.
Nutritional Benefits: Unwiches offer a significant reduction in calories and carbohydrates compared to their bread-based counterparts.
Full Customization: You can order any standard Jimmy John's sandwich as an unwich and customize the ingredients to your liking.
Easy to Order: Just ask for an 'unwich' or select the lettuce wrap option when ordering online.

The Core Concept: What Exactly is an Unwich?

An "unwich" is Jimmy John's creative name for any of their sandwiches that have been prepared as a lettuce wrap instead of being served on their signature French or 9-Grain wheat bread. The name, a portmanteau of "un-sandwich," perfectly describes the product: a sandwich without the bread. The filling ingredients, including premium meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies, are tightly wrapped inside large, crisp leaves of lettuce, typically iceberg, and then encased in parchment paper for stability. This process transforms a standard sub into a convenient and portable handheld meal, proving that you don't need bread to enjoy a satisfying, flavorful sandwich experience.

Key Benefits of Choosing an Unwich

For many, the unwich is more than just a novelty; it's a practical and delicious solution to a variety of dietary needs. The most prominent benefit is the significant reduction in carbohydrates and calories that comes with eliminating the bread. A Turkey Tom sub, for example, has 530 calories, while the unwich version drops to 250 calories. This makes it an attractive choice for anyone watching their intake. Beyond the numbers, here are a few more reasons why customers love the unwich:

Keto and Low-Carb Friendly: With each unwich containing 12g or less of total carbs, it's an ideal choice for those following ketogenic or other low-carb diets.
Gluten-Free Option: The lack of bread makes the unwich a popular option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Enhanced Freshness: The crisp texture of the lettuce provides a refreshing crunch and allows the flavor of the fillings to shine through, creating a lighter, brighter meal.

How to Order Your Custom Unwich

Ordering an unwich is a straightforward process, whether you're in the store, on the phone, or using the app. You can turn any of Jimmy John's Original or Favorite sandwiches into a lettuce-wrapped version. Simply state your preference clearly when ordering.

To ensure you get exactly what you want, follow these simple steps:

In-store: When placing your order, state the number of the sandwich you want, followed by the word "unwich." For example, "I'd like a #4 Unwich." Don't forget to request any additional "Freebies" (onions, hot peppers, etc.) or add-ons.
Online or via the app: Navigate to your chosen sandwich. In the customization options, select "Unwich® Lettuce Wrap" from the bread choices. From there, you can further customize your fillings and condiments.

Unwich vs. Regular Sub: A Comparison

Understanding the nutritional difference is key for many customers. Here is a comparison of a few popular menu items served on French bread versus as an unwich, based on nutritional data:


Sandwich	Preparation	Approx. Calories	Approx. Carbs	Approx. Fat
The Pepe	8" French Bread	630 cal	61g	31g
The Pepe	Unwich	370 cal	12g or less	31g
The Veggie	8" French Bread	670 cal	57g	38g
The Veggie	Unwich	440 cal	12g or less	38g
Totally Tuna	8" French Bread	510 cal	56g	22g
Totally Tuna	Unwich	270 cal	12g or less	22g

Note: Nutritional information can vary based on additional toppings and condiments. The Unwich numbers are estimates based on the removal of bread carbs, assuming standard fillings. The nutritional benefits are clear, with unwiches offering a dramatically lower carbohydrate count and fewer overall calories.

Customizing Your Unwich for Maximum Flavor

One of the best aspects of the unwich is its full customizability. You don't have to sacrifice flavor for dietary goals. Here are some ways to make your unwich truly your own:

Add Extra Veggies: Pile on additional vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions for extra crunch and nutrients.
Select Different Sauces: Enhance your unwich with options like Kickin' Ranch® or avocado spread.
Adjust Fillings: You can add or subtract meats and cheeses to match your preferences, whether you want to double up on roast beef or hold the provolone.

Conclusion: The Unwich Explained

In summary, an "unwich" at Jimmy John's is a carb-friendly, fresh lettuce-wrapped version of any of their classic sandwiches. It's a popular choice for those on low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets, or simply for anyone craving a lighter meal. The process is simple, and the benefits of reduced calories and enhanced freshness are clear. With the ability to fully customize your fillings, the unwich offers a delicious and healthy alternative that proves a sandwich can be just as satisfying without the bread. The next time you're at Jimmy John's, consider giving the unwich a try for a new take on a classic fast-food experience. For more information, visit the official Jimmy John's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

An unwich is any sandwich from Jimmy John's menu where the standard bread is replaced with a wrap made from large, fresh lettuce leaves. It's a popular low-carb, gluten-free option.

Yes, since the unwich does not use any bread, it is a gluten-free menu item. However, if you have severe celiac disease, you should always mention this when ordering to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

Yes. By eliminating the bread, an unwich significantly reduces the total calorie count of the meal. For example, a Turkey Tom Unwich has substantially fewer calories than its bread-based equivalent.

To order, simply ask for the specific sandwich number and state "unwich" (e.g., "a #4 unwich"). If ordering online, choose "Unwich® Lettuce Wrap" from the bread selection for any sandwich.

Jimmy John's tightly wraps the unwich in lettuce and parchment paper to make it easy to hold and eat on the go. While it may not be as structurally firm as a sub, it is designed for convenience.

Yes, Jimmy John's offers catering bundles and box lunches that can include unwiches. You can customize your order to specify unwiches for your party.

Jimmy John's uses large, crisp iceberg lettuce leaves for its unwiches. The sturdy texture of the iceberg lettuce helps to hold the sandwich fillings together effectively.