Unpacking 'The Juice' and the Official Oil Blend
When ordering a sub "Mike's Way" at Jersey Mike's, you'll hear about "The Juice," a signature combination of red wine vinegar and an "olive oil blend". The official website and in-store signage mention this mixture as key to the sub's flavor. However, reports indicate that the "olive oil blend" is not predominantly olive oil.
Sources suggest the blend's primary components are cheaper, neutral-flavored seed oils such as soybean and/or canola oil, with olive oil being a smaller proportion. This composition likely helps manage costs.
Historical Shift: The Pre- and Post-Pandemic Oil
Some reports suggest the oil blend's formula changed around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising costs and supply issues may have led to a blend with less olive oil.
Nutritional and Flavor Profile Differences
Pure extra virgin olive oil and Jersey Mike's blend differ in taste and nutrition.
-
Flavor: Extra virgin olive oil has a distinct flavor, while the blend is mostly neutral due to soybean and canola oils. The overall sub flavor relies more on vinegar, salt, and oregano.
-
Nutrition: Extra virgin olive oil contains beneficial fats and antioxidants. Refined seed oils like canola and soybean oil are higher in polyunsaturated fats.
| Feature | Jersey Mike's Current 'Olive Oil Blend' | High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Soybean and/or Canola Oil | Olives |
| Flavor Profile | Neutral, minimal flavor contribution | Robust, fruity, sometimes peppery |
| Nutritional Content | Higher in polyunsaturated fats | Higher in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants |
| Cost to Company | Relatively low | Higher |
| Customer Perception | Often misperceived as mostly olive oil | High-quality, gourmet ingredient |
Ordering Your Sub Without the Oil Blend
Customers can easily avoid the blended oil. Options include ordering without oil or requesting only red wine vinegar and spices.
Here's how to customize your order without the oil blend:
- Ask for no oil: Requesting "no oil" or "just vinegar."
- Request an alternative: You can ask for extra vinegar or other available condiments, as Jersey Mike's doesn't offer alternative oils.
- Bring your own: Some customers may bring their own extra virgin olive oil.
Conclusion: More Than Meets the Eye
The oil used at Jersey Mike's is an "olive oil blend" primarily composed of soybean and canola oils, with a smaller amount of olive oil. This blend, part of "The Juice," may have changed composition around the pandemic due to rising olive oil costs. Customers can easily customize their order to omit the oil blend.
For more detailed nutritional information, visit the official Jersey Mike's website {Link: Jersey Mike's https://subs.jerseymikes.com/nutrition/}.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is 'The Juice' at Jersey Mike's? A: 'The Juice' is Jersey Mike's term for the dressing combination of red wine vinegar and their proprietary 'olive oil blend' drizzled on subs.
Q: Is the oil at Jersey Mike's actually olive oil? A: No, the oil is an "olive oil blend" that consists mainly of cheaper, neutral-flavored soybean and/or canola oil, with olive oil as a minor ingredient.
Q: What are the main ingredients in the oil blend? A: The main ingredients are soybean oil and/or canola oil, with olive oil listed last, indicating it is the smallest component.
Q: Why did Jersey Mike's change its oil? A: The change to a blend with a lower percentage of olive oil likely occurred around the COVID-19 pandemic due to a dramatic increase in olive oil prices and supply chain disruptions.
Q: Can I get pure olive oil at Jersey Mike's? A: No, Jersey Mike's uses its own blended oil and does not offer pure olive oil as an alternative.
Q: How can I order my sub without the blended oil? A: You can simply order your sub with "no oil," or specify that you only want red wine vinegar and spices.
Q: Does the oil blend have a different taste than pure olive oil? A: Yes. Pure olive oil has a distinct and robust flavor, while the current Jersey Mike's blend is mostly neutral due to the higher concentration of soybean and canola oils.
Q: Is the oil blend at Jersey Mike's unhealthy? A: While the quantity is small, refined seed oils like soybean and canola oil are higher in polyunsaturated fats and have been a point of concern for some health-conscious consumers, unlike the healthier, unrefined fats found in pure olive oil.
