The J.J. Gargantuan: The Protein King
For those seeking the absolute maximum amount of protein, the J.J. Gargantuan® is the undisputed champion. This monster sandwich is piled high with five different meats—salami, capocollo, turkey, roast beef, and ham—along with provolone cheese, and then topped with fresh veggies and dressings. While its size and complexity mean it also comes with a high calorie count, its 78 grams of protein on the giant 16-inch French bread make it a meal that's nearly overflowing with muscle-building fuel. For serious athletes or anyone looking to hit a high protein goal in one sitting, this is the go-to order.
High-Protein Club Sandwiches
Beyond the massive Gargantuan, several club sandwiches offer a significant amount of protein, making them excellent choices for a filling, high-protein lunch. These sandwiches combine different meats and cheeses to deliver a powerful protein punch.
The Bootlegger Club®
The Bootlegger Club® is a strong contender, featuring both hand-sliced roast beef and turkey breast. On an 8-inch French bread, it delivers an impressive 44 grams of protein, a substantial amount for a single sandwich. For those who want the protein without as many carbs, ordering it as an Unwich® (lettuce wrap) still provides 31 grams of protein, and skipping the mayo can further reduce calories. This option is particularly popular for its balanced mix of flavor and nutrition.
Italian Night Club® and Beach Club®
Another high-protein option is the Italian Night Club®, which includes salami, capocollo, and ham, adding up to a respectable 48 grams of protein on an 8-inch sub. The Beach Club®, made with turkey, provolone cheese, and avocado spread, is also a good choice, offering 45 grams of protein on a regular-sized sandwich.
The Protein Potential of Slims and Originals
For those who prefer a less-complex sandwich, Jimmy John's offers leaner and simpler options that still provide solid protein. The key is knowing which ones offer the best protein-to-size ratio.
Plain Slims®
The Plain Slims® are straightforward sandwiches featuring only meat and/or cheese, which can be an advantage for focusing on protein intake. The Roast Beef Slim® #2, served on an 8-inch French bread, contains 30 grams of protein, while the Turkey Slim® #4 offers 27 grams. These are great for a high-protein, no-frills meal.
Turkey Tom® and Big John®
The classic Turkey Tom® sandwich, with turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, offers 23 grams of protein on an 8-inch French bread. The Big John®, a roast beef sandwich, provides 26 grams of protein on the same bread type. Both are reliable choices for a standard-sized, protein-rich sandwich.
A Comparison of High-Protein Sandwiches
| Sandwich Name | Main Ingredients | 8" French Bread (Protein) | 16" French Bread (Protein) | Unwich (Protein) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J.J. Gargantuan® | Salami, capocollo, turkey, roast beef, ham, cheese | N/A | 78g | N/A |
| Bootlegger Club® | Roast beef, turkey | 44g | N/A | 31g |
| Italian Night Club® | Salami, capocollo, ham, cheese | 48g | N/A | N/A |
| Beach Club® | Turkey, provolone, avocado spread | 45g | N/A | N/A |
| Slim Roast Beef (#2) | Roast beef only | 30g | N/A | N/A |
| Slim Turkey (#4) | Turkey only | 27g | N/A | N/A |
| Big John® | Roast beef, lettuce, tomato, mayo | 26g | N/A | N/A |
How to Maximize Your Protein Intake
If you want to boost the protein in your Jimmy John's sandwich even further, there are several customization options. Adding extra meat is the most straightforward method. For example, adding extra roast beef to an 8-inch sandwich will contribute another 16 grams of protein. Requesting extra turkey can add another 14 grams. Another strategy is to add cheese, which can also increase the protein content, though it adds to the overall fat and calorie count as well. Pairing your sandwich with a high-protein side, such as a side salad with extra meat or cheese, can also help you reach your goals.
The Unwich® Advantage
For those watching their carbohydrate and calorie intake, ordering any sandwich as an Unwich® is an excellent strategy. By replacing the bread with a lettuce wrap, you eliminate a significant number of carbs while preserving the core protein from the meats and cheeses. As seen with the Bootlegger Club®, this option still provides a high amount of protein without the extra carbohydrates. The Unwich® makes Jimmy John's a surprisingly friendly option for low-carb and keto diets.
Conclusion
While the J.J. Gargantuan® is the definitive answer to which Jimmy John's sandwich has the highest protein, other menu items offer substantial amounts for a standard lunch. The Bootlegger Club® and other club sandwiches are excellent choices for a rich protein mix, while the simpler Slims and Originals like the Turkey Tom provide a more focused, lean protein intake. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific dietary needs and how many calories you are comfortable with. By knowing your options and leveraging customizations like extra meat or an Unwich®, you can easily turn a Jimmy John's visit into a high-protein meal tailored to your goals.
