Eating gluten free at a sandwich shop might seem impossible, but it is actually doable at Jersey Mike's with a little planning and clear communication. The popular sub chain introduced gluten free bread nationwide in 2017 and has procedures designed to reduce cross-contact during preparation.
If you have celiac disease, it's important to understand the risks, the ordering process, and which menu items are safest. Because Jersey Mike's prepares gluten and gluten-free sandwiches in the same kitchen, there is always a potential for cross-contamination.
In this guide, we'll walk through the gluten-free options at Jersey Mike's, their protocols, and exactly how to order safely if you have celiac disease.
Does Jersey Mike's Have Gluten-Free Bread?
Yes! Jersey Mike's offers certified gluten-free sub rolls made by Udi's, which are available at most locations.
These rolls arrive at the store fully baked and individually wrapped, which helps reduce the risk of contamination before they're opened.
When a gluten-free hoagie is ordered, employees are supposed to open the package fresh and prepare the sandwich using special handling procedures. This allows people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease to enjoy many of the same subs offered on the regular menu.
However, because gluten-containing bread is sliced and prepared throughout the store, the environment is not gluten-free, and the brand cannot guarantee zero cross-contact.
For people with celiac disease, that distinction matters.
Looking for more gluten free restaurant tips? Check out my growing list of gluten free guides to help make living with celiac disease a little bit easier!
Jersey Mike's Gluten Free Protocols
While procedures can vary slightly by location, Jersey Mike's provides guidance to staff on how to handle gluten-free orders safely. Many locations of Jersey Mike's will prepare gluten-free sandwiches in a separate preparation area when requested. While the restaurant isn't a dedicated gluten-free facility, employees are typically trained to take extra precautions for allergy or gluten-free orders.
Typical gluten free preparation steps include:
1. Fresh Gloves
Employees should wash their hands and put on new gloves before handling your food.
2. Clean Utensils and Knives
A clean knife and utensils should be used that haven't touched gluten bread.
3. Wrapped Bread Until Use
The gluten-free roll remains sealed until the order is placed.
4. Dedicated Preparation Area (When Possible)
Many stores prepare gluten-free sandwiches in a separate area or away from the main prep line.
If you have celiac disease, it's always a good idea to ask if they can prepare your sandwich in the separate gluten-free prep area and change gloves before handling your food. These steps are designed to minimize cross-contamination, although they cannot eliminate it completely because gluten products are present in the kitchen.
How to Order Gluten Free at Jersey Mike's (Especially with Celiac Disease)
If you have celiac disease, how you order can make a big difference in reducing your exposure to gluten.
1. Order in Person Instead of Online
Ordering in person allows you to communicate your needs clearly and confirm that the gluten-free protocol is followed.
When you reach the counter, say something like:
"I have celiac disease. Can you please change gloves and prepare my sandwich with the gluten-free bread in the separate area?"
This alerts the staff that it is a medical necessity, not a preference.
2. Request the Gluten Free Bread
Ask specifically for the gluten free roll.
Most sandwiches can be made gluten-free simply by swapping the regular bread for the Udi's roll.
3. Ask for Clean Gloves and Utensils
To reduce cross-contact, you can politely request:
- New gloves
- A clean knife
- Fresh paper for preparation
These requests are very common in restaurants that serve people with food allergies.
4. Avoid Peak Lunch Hours
Busy lunch rushes increase the chance of mistakes or rushed preparation.
If possible, visit during off-peak times, when staff can focus on preparing your order carefully.
Consider the "Sub in a Bowl" Option
If you're extra sensitive to gluten, ordering your sandwich without bread in a bowl can be a safer option.
A "sub in a bowl" includes:
- Deli meat
- Cheese
- Vegetables
- Toppings
- Dressing
All the ingredients from the sandwich are served over lettuce instead of bread.
Gluten Free Chips and Sweet Treats
If you're looking to round out your meal, there are also a few prepackaged gluten-free sides available at Jersey Mike's.
Most locations carry a variety of prepackaged chips, which are typically gluten-free by ingredients and sealed to help prevent cross-contact. Since they're individually packaged, they're often a safer option compared to foods prepared in the store. Just be sure to check the label if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance.
You may also find a prepackaged gluten-free cookie made by Udi's at some locations. Like the gluten-free sandwich rolls, the cookie is sealed and produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility, making it a convenient dessert option for gluten-free diners.
What to Avoid at Jersey Mike's
Some menu items contain gluten and should be avoided.
Common items with gluten include:
- Regular sub rolls and wraps
- Breaded sandwiches (like Chicken Parmesan)
- Cookies and brownies
- Certain packaged snacks and chips
While many sandwiches at Jersey Mike's can technically be made gluten-free, hot subs may carry a slightly higher risk of cross-contamination.
Hot sandwiches like cheesesteaks or grilled chicken are cooked on a shared flat-top grill, which is used throughout the day for many different sandwiches. Even though the meats themselves are generally gluten-free by ingredients, the grill may have contact with crumbs from bread or sauces used in other orders.
Also, because ingredients and suppliers can change, it's always a good idea to check the restaurant's allergen menu before ordering.
Is Jersey Mike's Safe for People with Celiac Disease?
This is one of the most common questions in the gluten-free community.
The answer is: it depends on your comfort level with cross-contamination risk.
Jersey Mike's does make an effort to accommodate gluten-free customers through special preparation procedures and sealed gluten-free bread. However, the sandwiches are still prepared in a shared environment where wheat bread is sliced and handled throughout the day.
For some people with celiac disease, this level of risk may be acceptable for occasional dining out. Others prefer restaurants that are entirely gluten free.
Have You Tried the Gluten Free Options at Jersey Mike's?
Have you eaten gluten free at Jersey Mike's? I'd love to hear about your experience!
Did the staff follow the gluten free preparation steps? Have you tried the gluten free bread or the sub in a bowl?
If you have celiac disease or eat gluten-free, your experience can be incredibly helpful for other readers who are trying to figure out whether Jersey Mike's works for them.
Leave a comment below and share your experience ordering gluten-free at Jersey Mike's. Your tips and feedback help make eating out with celiac disease a little easier for everyone!
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