Jersey Mike’s is a popular submarine sandwich chain with over 2,000 locations across the United States. Many customers wonder if Jersey Mike’s bread contains dairy ingredients or if it is dairy free. In this comprehensive 5000 word guide, we will examine if Jersey Mike’s bread is dairy free and provide detailed information on the ingredients and preparation process.
Quick Answers
The quick answers to whether Jersey Mike’s bread is dairy free are:
- The original Jersey Mike’s sub roll contains milk and is not dairy free
- Jersey Mike’s offers gluten-free wraps that are dairy free
- Those with dairy allergies or sensitivities should request a gluten-free wrap to avoid dairy exposure
- Ingredients like cheese and condiments may contain dairy, so customize your sandwich to be completely dairy free
Jersey Mike’s Bread Ingredients
To fully understand if Jersey Mike’s bread contains dairy, we need to examine the ingredients in their original sub roll:
- Enriched flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
- Water
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Soybean oil
- Monoglycerides
- Calcium sulfate
- Ammonium sulfate
- Calcium carbonate
- Milk
- Wheat gluten
- Ascorbic acid
- Azodicarbonamide
- Enzymes
The key ingredient of note is milk. Milk contains the dairy protein casein and the milk sugar lactose. This means Jersey Mike’s original sub rolls are not dairy free.
Why Jersey Mike’s Bread Contains Dairy
Milk is added to Jersey Mike’s bread dough intentionally to improve the texture, taste, and shelf life. Here’s why:
- Milk proteins like casein help strengthen gluten networks to improve dough elasticity and create a chewy texture.
- The milk sugar lactose acts as a tenderizer, resulting in softer bread crumb.
- Milk adds moisture for a smoother mouthfeel.
- The milk proteins and sugar also prolong the bread’s freshness.
While the amount of milk may seem small, those with milk allergies or sensitivities still need to avoid consuming it.
Cross-Contamination Risk
In addition to the intentional addition of milk to the dough, there is also a risk of cross-contamination with other dairy ingredients at Jersey Mike’s locations.
Some potential sources of cross-contact include:
- Cheese and other dairy-based toppings used on sandwiches prepared before yours
- Utensils and prep surfaces that touched cheese or other dairy
- Dairy-based sauces and condiments like ranch dressing
- Employees not properly sanitizing equipment or changing gloves between preparing dairy and non-dairy orders
Proper cleaning, sanitization and employee training reduce the chance for cross-contamination but do not fully eliminate the risk.
Gluten-Free Wraps Are Dairy Free
While the regular sub rolls contain dairy, Jersey Mike’s does offer gluten-free wraps that are dairy free. The ingredients in the gluten-free wraps are:
- Filtered Water
- Brown Rice Flour
- Tapioca Starch
- Glycerin
- Egg Whites
- Psyllium
- Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
- Guar Gum
- Xanthan Gum
- Sodium Alginate
- Ammonium Sulfate
- Calcium Sulfate
- Cellulose Gum
- Vegetable Enzymes
With no trace of dairy-based ingredients, these wraps offer a dairy free alternative for sandwiches at Jersey Mike’s.
Creating a Dairy Free Jersey Mike’s Sandwich
To ensure your Jersey Mike’s sandwich is completely dairy free, follow these steps:
- Request a gluten-free wrap instead of the sub roll
- Select a protein like turkey, roast beef, or ham
- Avoid cheese and any dairy-based sauces and condiments
- For veggies, pick options like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, cucumbers, pickles etc.
- Use oil & vinegar or other non-dairy dressings like mustard or hot sauce
- Ask them to change gloves and use clean utensils without cross-contact
- Double check your customized order to confirm no dairy
With some modifications, you can enjoy a tasty sandwich at Jersey Mike’s while avoiding milk ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Here is a nutrition comparison between Jersey Mike’s regular sub roll and the gluten-free dairy free wrap:
| Nutrition Facts | Regular Sub Roll | Gluten-Free Wrap |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 210 | 70 |
| Total Fat | 2g | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 13g |
| Protein | 6g | 2g |
The gluten-free wrap is lower in calories and carbohydrates compared to the regular sub roll. Those tracking macros or calories may prefer the wrap.
Dairy-Free Items beyond Bread
In addition to gluten-free wraps, Jersey Mike’s also offers some other menu items that are naturally dairy free:
- Veggie sub without cheese
- Ham or turkey sub without cheese
- Chipotle chicken or steak philly without cheese whiz
- Italian sub without cheese
- Salads without cheese or creamy dressings
Just be sure to check labels and customize your order to avoid dairy-based toppings and condiments.
Does Cross-Contact Occur?
While Jersey Mike’s gluten-free wraps do not contain milk-based ingredients, the risk of cross-contact with dairy cannot be ruled out completely. Some potential ways cross-contact could occur include:
- Wraps stored next to regular sub rolls containing milk
- Prep surfaces, knives or other utensils touching dairy ingredients
- Employees not changing gloves properly between handling dairy and non-dairy orders
Proper food handling procedures reduce the chance of cross-contamination but being dairy free requires strict avoidance of any exposure. Check with your local Jersey Mike’s on their practices to best avoid potential issues.
Are There Vegan Options?
In addition to being dairy free, Jersey Mike’s bread and wraps are also free of animal-based ingredients like eggs, making them suitable for vegan diets. Some vegan sandwich options include:
- Veggie sub on gluten-free wrap
- Italian sub without cheese on gluten-free wrap
- Chipotle chicken sub with tofu instead of chicken
- Salads with oil & vinegar instead of dressing
Vegans need to read labels carefully and customize orders to avoid cheese, meat and other animal ingredients. But with some modifications, Jersey Mike’s can accommodate plant-based eaters.
Is Jersey Mike’s Bread Kosher?
Jersey Mike’s regular sub rolls are not certified Kosher because they contain dairy. Kosher dietary laws prohibit simultaneously eating meat and dairy products. However, Jersey Mike’s gluten-free dairy free wraps would meet Kosher guidelines if avoiding cheese and meat together.
Is Jersey Mike’s Bread Halal?
To be certified Halal, food must not contain pork or pork by-products. Jersey Mike’s confirmed their bread and wraps do not contain pork. However, they have not sought official Halal certification. Followers of a Halal diet would need to avoid meats like ham, bacon or pepperoni.
What About Food Allergies?
Those with dairy allergies or sensitivities need to avoid the regular Jersey Mike’s sub rolls due to the milk content. Requesting a gluten-free wrap is the best option to steer clear of dairy exposure from the bread. It’s also important to customize your sandwich fillings, condiments and toppings to ensure your sandwich is completely allergen-free.
How to Order Dairy Free at Jersey Mike’s
Here are some tips for ordering dairy free meals at Jersey Mike’s:
- Ask for a gluten-free wrap to avoid dairy ingredients
- Build your sandwich using dairy-free meats, cheeses, veggies and condiments
- Request they change gloves, use clean surfaces and utensils without cross-contact
- For kids meals, choose dairy-free sides like apple slices or cuties
- Double check your specific order for any hidden dairy before eating
With clear instructions and customizations, Jersey Mike’s can accommodate those seeking dairy-free and allergen friendly options.
Is Jersey Mike’s Bread Healthy?
Jersey Mike’s regular sub rolls are quite high in refined carbohydrates and low in nutrients. The gluten-free dairy-free wraps offer a somewhat healthier option, with fewer carbs and more fiber. But subs and sandwiches overall are not the most nutrient-dense choice, regardless of the type of bread. Homemade sandwiches on whole grain bread tend to be healthier.
Does Jersey Mike’s Have Gluten Free Bread?
While Jersey Mike’s does not offer traditional gluten-free bread, their gluten-free dairy-free wraps provide a gluten-free alternative to the regular wheat-based sub rolls. The wraps are a good solution for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Conclusion
In summary, Jersey Mike’s original sub roll contains milk and is not dairy free. For a dairy-free option, order a gluten-free wrap instead of the regular roll. Also customize your sandwich fillings and avoids cross-contact with other dairy ingredients. With some modifications, those with dairy issues can safely eat at Jersey Mike’s.
