Building a Vegan Sub at Jersey Mike's: The Essentials
Finding a satisfying vegan meal at Jersey Mike's depends on knowing which components are plant-based and how to customize your order. With the right modifications, you can enjoy a flavorful sub, wrap, or bowl full of fresh ingredients. The key is to start with a vegan base and load it with all the fresh vegetables and savory sauces the restaurant offers.
Vegan-Friendly Breads and Wraps
Choosing the right bread is the first step to a delicious vegan sub. It's crucial to know which options are safe, as some may contain non-vegan ingredients like honey or eggs. The most popular breads that are vegan-friendly include:
- Wheat Bread: A plant-based choice for a hearty sub.
- Seeded Italian Bread: Adds extra flavor and texture to your sandwich.
- Wraps: Several wrap options are available and are entirely vegan. This includes the White, Wheat, Spinach Herb, Tomato Basil, and Garlic Herb wraps.
It is important to note that the classic white bread contains honey and is not vegan. Similarly, the gluten-free bread contains egg whites, and the Rosemary Parmesan bread contains cheese.
Fresh Toppings and Fillings
This is where you can get creative and build a truly satisfying meal. Jersey Mike's offers a wide array of fresh and cooked vegetable toppings that are all vegan. You can load your sub or bowl with any of the following:
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Green Bell Peppers
- Banana Peppers
- Jalapeño Peppers
- Dill Pickles
- Cherry Pepper Relish
- Portabella Mushrooms (hot topping)
- Grilled Onions and Peppers (hot topping)
- Avocado
- Mushrooms (hot topping)
Vegan Sauces and Dressings
To make your sub complete, add some signature flavors with the vegan-friendly sauces and seasonings. Always remember to ask for your sandwich "Mike's Way" (excluding cheese) to get the best flavor combination.
- Olive Oil Blend
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Yellow Mustard
- Spicy Brown Mustard
- Tomato Sauce (hot topping)
- Hot Chopped Pepper Relish
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Order a Vegan Sub from the Menu
While there are no dedicated vegan sandwiches on the menu, two veggie-focused subs can be easily modified.
The Cold Veggie Sub (#14) Vegan-Style
The #14 The Veggie sub comes with Swiss and provolone cheese. To make it vegan, simply order it without the cheese. Ask for it "Mike's Way" without cheese to receive a flavorful sub with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, oregano, and the red wine vinegar and olive oil blend. Adding avocado is a great way to make this option more filling.
The Hot Grilled Portabella Sub (formerly #64) Vegan-Style
For a hot and hearty option, the Grilled Portabella sub is an excellent choice. This sub contains portabella mushrooms, grilled onions and peppers, and Swiss cheese. To make it vegan, order it without the cheese. It's recommended to also request that the staff use a clean grill and utensils to avoid cross-contamination with meat products.
Beyond Subs: Vegan Bowls and Sides
For a lighter option or a gluten-free choice without the egg-based bread, you can order any sub "in a tub," which turns it into a salad. Simply choose your favorite vegan toppings and sauces. For sides, you can find several vegan chip options. Be sure to check the specific ingredients of chips at your location, as some regional brands or flavors may vary. Common vegan chip options include:
- Baked Lay's (Original)
- Fritos (Original)
- Lay's (Classic, BBQ, Salt & Vinegar)
- Miss Vickie's (Sea Salt)
- Sun Chips (Original)
Vegan Options at Jersey Mike's: A Comparison
| Feature | Vegan Sub or Wrap | Vegan Bowl (in a tub) |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Wheat Bread, Seeded Italian Bread, or any vegan wrap | A bed of lettuce and your choice of veggies |
| Hearty Filling | Grilled portabella mushrooms and sauteed onions/peppers | All fresh and grilled veggies, avocado |
| Sauces | Olive oil blend, red wine vinegar, mustard, pepper relish | Olive oil blend, red wine vinegar, mustard, pepper relish |
| Customization | Excellent; choose bread, toppings, and sauces | Excellent; unlimited veggie and sauce options |
| Cross-Contamination | Potential for grilled items; can be minimized by requesting a clean grill | Very low risk; can be minimized by requesting fresh utensils |
Navigating Cross-Contamination
When ordering a hot sub like the Grilled Portabella, it is best to be specific about your request to avoid cross-contamination. Politely ask the staff to use a clean cooking surface and fresh utensils to prepare your ingredients. For cold items, simply requesting a fresh pair of gloves and fresh utensils from a clean area is sufficient.
Conclusion
Jersey Mike's has options for vegan diners who are willing to customize their orders. By knowing which breads to select, which toppings are safe, and how to modify existing menu items like The Veggie sub, you can enjoy a plant-based meal. With preparation and clear communication, Jersey Mike's is a viable fast-food destination for vegans.
For more detailed information on ingredients and allergens, you can consult resources like the Go Dairy Free guide.
