Rethinking Your Jersey Mike’s Order: A Guide to the Menu’s Not-So-Healthy Options
Jersey Mike’s has garnered a loyal fan base since its inception in 1956, with over 2,800 locations across the United States. People love the chain for its unique "Mike’s Way" style and a robust selection of subs, making it a go-to for sub lovers. However, not every menu item deserves a spot on your order, especially if you’re concerned about your health. From overwhelming sodium levels to underwhelming flavors, some offerings are better left uneaten. Here, we highlight a few menu items that you might want to reconsider—because your health matters!
The Sodium Bombs: Buffalo Chicken and Chipotle Cheesesteaks
When craving something hearty, many turn to Jersey Mike’s buffalo chicken cheesesteak. While it’s undeniably delightful for fans of spicy food, the health repercussions are concerning. One regular-sized sandwich packs an astounding 3,344 milligrams of sodium. That’s more than the recommended daily limit set by health experts! Sodium overload can lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure.
If you’re hoping to avoid the sodium chaos with something like a chipotle cheesesteak, think again. This option also has its pitfalls, clocking in at over 62 grams of fat—including 18 grams of saturated fat. For those monitoring their fat intake, that could mean nearly half of your daily allowance!
Beware of the Aqua Tuna: Tuna Fish Sub
While fish can be a healthy alternative, Jersey Mike’s tuna fish sub may not be the best choice, particularly due to the type of tuna used. Comprising a mix of albacore and light tuna, this sub may present a mercury risk, especially for pregnant women and children. Plus, Yelp reviewers often rank it as one of the least favorite menu items. The tuna salad’s heavy dose of mayonnaise yields a flavor that many find unappealing—definitely worth reconsidering!
Gluten-Free Lines: Not So Safe After All
For those needing gluten-free options, Jersey Mike’s offers Udi’s gluten-free rolls. However, individuals with severe gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should proceed with caution. While staff aim to prevent cross-contamination, there’s still a risk since gluten can linger in the environment. If you’re severely gluten-sensitive, a trip to Jersey Mike’s might not be worth the potential consequences.
The Hefty Club Supreme: Think Twice
When perusing the sub menu, you may come across the enticing Club Supreme. This sandwich combines roast beef, turkey, bacon, and creamy Swiss cheese—but it also comes with a hefty price tag of 1,140 calories. To reduce this number, consider leaving out the mayo, which contributes nearly 260 calories. You might find better alternatives elsewhere.
Sweet Temptation: Brownies That Bite Back
No one can resist a delightful treat with their meal, and Jersey Mike’s offers brownies for that very purpose. However, before indulging, consider the 47 grams of sugar packed into just one brownie. That’s equivalent to consuming about 12 teaspoons of sugar! If you’re watching your sugar intake, it may be worth passing on the desserts here.
The Veggie Sub: A Disappointment in Disguise
If you’re leaning towards a healthier choice like the veggie sub, the reality might be less than enticing. Made with standard toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers, many find it bland and uninspiring. If you’re going vegetarian, it might require extra toppings to transform it from a sad salad on a bun into something more flavorful.
Ending on a Flavorful Note
While Jersey Mike’s brings a unique twist to the sub scene, not every offering is created equal. The risks associated with certain items, from high sodium content to flavor disappointments, warrant a thoughtful approach when ordering. Next time you find yourself at a Jersey Mike’s, it could be a good idea to keep an open mind about your selections while prioritizing your health and taste buds. Who says you can’t have both?
