Which Jimmy Johns Favorite Has the Most Protein?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

With up to 78 grams of protein in a single 8-inch sandwich, the J.J. Gargantuan is by far the highest-protein menu item. This makes it the easy answer when asking which Jimmy Johns favorite has the most protein, though other favorites also pack a significant punch depending on your order.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the protein content of Jimmy John's most popular sandwiches, revealing the top contender and several other high-protein options. It details nutritional information and strategies to maximize protein intake, catering to fitness enthusiasts and those seeking a more filling meal.

Key Points

J.J. Gargantuan is the highest: The J.J. Gargantuan contains the most protein of any Jimmy John's favorite, with 78 grams in the 8-inch version and 156 grams in the 16-inch.
Hunter's Club is a strong contender: For a non-Gargantuan option, the Hunter's Club is a great choice with 48 grams of protein due to its double portion of roast beef.
Italian options also rank high: The Italian Night Club and Spicy East Coast Italian favorites provide 48 and 46 grams of protein respectively, thanks to their combination of cured meats and cheese.
Customize for more protein: Adding extra meat or cheese to any sandwich is a simple way to boost its protein content significantly.
Unwich is a low-carb alternative: Opting for an Unwich (lettuce wrap) removes the bread, reducing calories and carbs while maintaining the high protein count.
Beware of high sodium: Higher-protein sandwiches, particularly the J.J. Gargantuan, also come with high sodium content, which should be considered for dietary planning.
Bread choice affects macros: Switching from French to Thick-Sliced Wheat bread can alter the total protein and fiber in some cases.

The quest for a high-protein meal at a fast-food restaurant often leads to the deli sandwich specialist, Jimmy John's. While many of their sandwiches offer a decent protein boost, one stands out significantly from the rest: the J.J. Gargantuan. A mountain of five meats and provolone cheese, this behemoth is the clear winner for anyone seeking to maximize their protein intake.

The Protein King: J.J. Gargantuan

At the top of the protein leaderboard is the J.J. Gargantuan, a sub that lives up to its name. Featuring salami, capocollo, turkey, roast beef, and ham, all stacked with provolone cheese and toppings, this is the most protein-dense option on the favorites menu. A single 8-inch sub contains 78 grams of protein, a massive amount that surpasses most other fast-food alternatives. For those with an appetite to match its size, the 16-inch version offers an incredible 156 grams of protein. This makes the Gargantuan an ideal choice for bodybuilders, athletes, or anyone needing a serious protein boost.

Other High-Protein Favorites

While the Gargantuan reigns supreme, several other popular Jimmy John's sandwiches also provide a solid protein count. These are great alternatives for a more manageable, yet still high-protein, meal.

Bootlegger Club

The Bootlegger Club features a simpler, yet effective, combination of roast beef and turkey breast. This sandwich is a strong contender, packing in 44 grams of protein in the 8-inch French bread option. It's a classic choice that offers great value for its size.

Italian Night Club

For those who love cured meats, the Italian Night Club is a flavorful favorite. With salami, capocollo, and ham, this sub offers 48 grams of protein in an 8-inch serving. It provides a hearty mix of flavors and a significant protein source.

Spicy East Coast Italian

A spicier variant of the Italian Night Club, this sandwich doubles up on the salami and capocollo, resulting in a slightly higher protein count. An 8-inch sub contains 46 grams of protein, making it another strong option for those who enjoy a kick.

How to Boost Your Protein at Jimmy John's

Even with these top-tier options, there are ways to further increase your protein intake or choose a lower-calorie, high-protein alternative. One popular method is opting for an Unwich, where your sandwich fillings are wrapped in lettuce instead of bread. This significantly reduces calories and carbs while keeping the protein content high. You can also add extra meat or cheese to any sandwich for a customized protein boost.

Here are some of the best strategies for a protein-heavy meal at Jimmy John's:

Choose the Unwich: By removing the bread, you focus on the lean protein and fillings, a favorite among those on low-carb diets.
Add Extra Meat: Customizing your order with double the roast beef, turkey, or ham will give you a significant protein increase.
Double Up on Cheese: Provolone cheese is a decent source of protein, so adding an extra layer is a simple way to boost your macros.
Select the 16-inch Size: For the most extreme protein option, upgrading to the larger 16-inch size of any sandwich, especially the Gargantuan, provides a massive amount of meat.
Pick the Right Bread: Swapping to thick-sliced wheat bread can sometimes slightly increase the total protein count compared to the classic French bread.

Comparing Jimmy John's High-Protein Favorites

To make your decision easier, here's a side-by-side comparison of the top high-protein favorites based on an 8-inch French bread sub:


Sandwich	Protein (g)	Key Ingredients	Notes
J.J. Gargantuan	78	Salami, capocollo, turkey, roast beef, ham, provolone	Highest protein option, very high calorie and sodium
Italian Night Club	48	Salami, capocollo, ham, provolone	Flavorful choice with a significant protein punch
Spicy East Coast Italian	46	Double salami, double capocollo, provolone	Slightly higher protein than Italian Night Club due to extra meat
Bootlegger Club	44	Roast beef, turkey	Solid, classic high-protein option with lean meats
Beach Club	45	Turkey, provolone, avocado spread	Good protein content with healthy fats from avocado
Hunter's Club	48	Double roast beef, provolone	Excellent choice for roast beef lovers, very high protein for a non-Gargantuan sub

Conclusion

When searching for which Jimmy Johns favorite has the most protein, the J.J. Gargantuan is the definitive answer, delivering a monumental 78 grams in the standard 8-inch size. However, for those looking for a more moderate, but still high-protein, meal, the Italian Night Club and Hunter's Club are excellent options, each with nearly 50 grams of protein. Ultimately, understanding the menu allows for strategic ordering, whether you go for the massive Gargantuan or customize a favorite with extra meat to meet your protein goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The highest protein sandwich is the J.J. Gargantuan, which contains 78 grams of protein in the standard 8-inch size and 156 grams in the 16-inch version.

After the J.J. Gargantuan, the Hunter's Club and the Italian Night Club are tied for the highest protein content among the favorites, each providing 48 grams in an 8-inch sub.

Yes, the Bootlegger Club is a strong high-protein option with 44 grams of protein in the standard 8-inch French bread version.

You can increase the protein by adding extra meat or provolone cheese to your sandwich. Ordering a 16-inch sub instead of an 8-inch will also double the amount of meat.

Yes, Unwiches can be very high in protein because they replace the bread with a lettuce wrap, concentrating the protein from the meat and cheese while reducing carbohydrates and calories.

Among the favorites, the J.J.B.L.T. generally has the lowest protein content, primarily relying on bacon and mayonnaise.

The Beach Club, made with turkey and provolone, offers a respectable 45 grams of protein in an 8-inch sub, making it a good source of protein while also including a healthy fat from the avocado spread.