Who Makes Jersey Mike's Gluten-Free Bread?
Jersey Mike's has a long-standing partnership with Udi's, a prominent and respected brand in the gluten-free market. The sub rolls are not baked fresh in the restaurant like their standard bread. Instead, they are baked off-site and delivered to each location individually wrapped. This approach is a critical step in minimizing the risk of cross-contamination before the bread even reaches the counter, ensuring a safer product for those with allergies or celiac disease.
Core Ingredients in Udi's Gluten-Free White Bread
The Udi's white sandwich bread, the likely base for the Jersey Mike's sub rolls, replaces traditional wheat flour with a precise combination of starches and flours to mimic the texture of conventional bread. A look at the typical ingredient list for Udi's products reveals a thoughtful blend:
- Water: The fundamental liquid base for the dough.
- Pea Starch and Modified Tapioca Starch: These provide structure and chewiness, substituting for the elasticity that gluten provides.
- Rice Starch, Rice Flour, and Brown Rice Flour: A blend of rice products forms the bulk of the bread's structure and flavor.
- Canola Oil: Adds moisture and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Sorghum Flour: A mild, slightly sweet flour that contributes to the bread's body.
- Invert Cane Syrup and Sugar: Provides sweetness and aids in browning and fermentation.
- Dried Egg Whites: Crucial for providing protein structure and binding the ingredients together.
- Yeast: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
- Gums (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum): These are vital binders that act as a substitute for gluten, providing viscosity and elasticity to the dough.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Often used in gluten-free baking to improve the bread's texture and aid in leavening.
Why are so many ingredients necessary?
Unlike wheat bread, which relies on the single protein gluten for its elasticity and structure, gluten-free baking requires a combination of ingredients to achieve a similar result. The mix of different starches, flours, and gums ensures that the final product has the desired softness, structure, and a satisfying chew that gluten-free diners appreciate.
Cross-Contamination Procedures
For anyone with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, cross-contact is a major concern. Jersey Mike's has specific protocols in place to address this:
- Dedicated Tools: The sandwich maker uses separate, clean knives and other utensils to prepare the gluten-free sub.
- Fresh Gloves: The employee will change gloves to prevent any gluten from being transferred from their hands.
- Clean Surface: Sandwiches are prepared on a fresh, clean sheet of paper on a dedicated preparation surface to isolate it from other ingredients.
- Pre-packaged Bread: The individually wrapped Udi's rolls are a cornerstone of their cross-contact prevention strategy.
It's important to note that while these measures are extensive, Jersey Mike's is not a 100% gluten-free facility. Patrons with severe sensitivities should always alert the staff to their dietary needs and confirm the procedures are followed. A more cautious option might be to order a 'Sub in a Tub' which contains the ingredients in a bowl rather than on bread.
The Difference: Gluten-Free vs. Standard Wheat Bread
| Feature | Udi's Gluten-Free Bread (at Jersey Mike's) | Standard Wheat Bread (at Jersey Mike's) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredient | Rice flour, tapioca starch, sorghum flour | Wheat flour |
| Texture | Softer, less chewy, may be slightly drier | Chewy, springy, classic sub bread texture |
| Rising Agent | Yeast combined with gums (xanthan, guar) | Yeast working with gluten |
| Production | Baked off-site by Udi's; arrives individually wrapped | Baked fresh in-store daily |
| Binding Agent | Gums and starches for structure and elasticity | Gluten protein |
| Allergens | Contains egg whites | Contains wheat |
Conclusion: A Thoughtful Gluten-Free Option
Jersey Mike's offers a reliable and transparent gluten-free option for its customers. By partnering with Udi's, a trusted brand in the gluten-free space, they provide a sub roll that is both safe and palatable. The ingredients—a blend of rice and tapioca starches with binders like xanthan gum—are standard for quality gluten-free baking. Combined with their explicit cross-contamination protocols, Jersey Mike's gives those with celiac disease a reason to enjoy a sandwich with more confidence. For more details on the Udi's recipe and other product information, visit the Udi's Gluten-Free website.
