Jimmy John’s, I’m sure you’ve heard the comical commercials on the stereo a time or two as they advertise their “freaky fast” delivery.
But do they have lightning-speed delivery with gluten-free options?
I went directly to the source, combed through their allergen list, and compiled Jimmy John’s gluten-free menu.
Here is a quick glance:
- Unwhich (lettuce wrap)
- Ham
- Turkey
- Roast Beef
- Salami
- Capicola
- Bacon
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Cucumber
- Onion
- Jimmy Peppers
- Pickles
- Pickled Red Onions
- Select Condiments
- Regular Jimmy Chips
- Thinny Chips
- Jalapeño Jimmy Chips
- Select Limited Offers
How It All began
Like most franchises, Jimmy Johns started as a small brick in mortar. This sub shop came to life in Charleston, IL, in 1983 when the founder, Jimmy, was faced with two options; open a business or join the military. We can clearly see which route he took.
While the location kept him from heading overseas, it wasn’t an ideal spot; however, located in close range of a university, there was a hungry college student’s insight. The lightbulb went off, and Jimmy decided delivery was his answer.
Check out the first delivery van below.
Slowly but surely, new locations began to open, and Jimmy John’s menu slowly increased. Today you can order “freaky fast” delivery across the US from the computer, app, or if you really want to go old school, you can call them.
Now that we know how Jimmy Johns was born, let’s see what’s on their gluten-free menu.
Jimmy John’s Gluten-Free Menu
Moving on to the good stuff. While Jimmy John’s does not have a set gluten-free menu, they clearly list all of their allergens. Sadly, they do not serve gluten-free bread. However, they offer a gluten-free alternative called an unwich.
Essentially the unwich is a lettuce wrap that you can fill with your favorite meat, condiments, and toppings. Stuff your unwich with the below gluten-free options.
Meat
When Jimmy John’s first began, the only meat options they had were smoked ham, hand-sliced turkey, homemade tuna salad, capicola, and salami. While their restaurants have expanded, their meat selection has only slightly changed.
Their gluten-free meat options consist of:
- Ham
- Turkey
- Roast Beef
- Salami
- Capicola
- Bacon
The only meat selection that is not gluten-free is their tuna salad. This can be a bit deceiving as tuna is naturally gluten-free. I’m not sure what the gluten-containing ingredient is, but it is clearly marked on their allergen chart, so stay clear of this item.
Condiments
One of my favorite parts of a sandwich is the condiments! Just a simple spread can change the whole flavor.
The options below are all gluten-free. Be sure to check out Jimmy’s house-made mustard.
- Jimmy Mustard
- Gray Poupon
- Yellow Mustard
- Oil & Vinegar
- Oregano-Basil
- Kickin Ranch
- Hellman’s Mayo
Toppings
Top your unwich with an array of vegetables. If you happen to be a vegan or vegetarian also following a gluten-free diet, this may just turn into a salad for you. Jimmy Johns does not offer any meat substitutes.
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Cucumber
- Onion
- Jimmy Peppers
- Pickles
- Pickled Red Onions
Sides
Compliment your unwich with a bag of Jimmy chips. The three options below are all gluten-free.
- Regular Jimmy Chips
- Thinny Chips
- Jalapeño Jimmy Chips®
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled as both salt and vinegar Jimmy Chips and bbq Jimmy Chips contain gluten.
Pro Tip: I haven’t tried it with an unwich, but I love to top my sandwich with a handful of chips. This gives it a nice added crunch.
Limited Time Offers
As Jimmy Johns prefers simplicity, menu changes are rare. However, you will see limited-time offers once in a while—these range from different sauces, toppings, and rarely a submarine.
Four out of the six limited-time menu items are gluten-free. These consist of:
- Fire-Roasted Pineapple
- Mango Habanero Sauce
- Pickled Red Onions
- Sweet Chili Sauce
The red peppers with pineapple guajillo seasoning and wasabi ranch wonton strips both contain gluten.
Cheeses
If you’re used to Jimmy John’s, you will know provolone is their only selection of cheese; if you are not a regular, this may be a surprise for you. Jimmy John’s started out serving only provolone in 1983 and has stayed close to its roots. Sadly this cheese is not gluten-free.
As stated earlier, Jimmy John’s has a limited-time offer menu. Keep an eye out for this for different cheese selections. Currently, their limited menu offers gluten-free cream cheese.
Now that you’re aware of the gluten-free offering, you’re ready to create your own unwich. Still unsure? Check out the video below to see how it is made.
Alternative Options:
While Jimmy John’s speedy quick delivery may make it a great option, it is not the only submarine shop with gluten-free menu items. Let’s see what other restaurants have to offer.
Jersey Mikes
Jersey Mikes may be a good alternative if the unwich won’t suffice your sub cravings. I’m sure you will be happy to hear they serve gluten-free bread at all 1,300 locations across the United States.
Jersey Mikes has partnered with Udi’s to offer gluten-free sub rolls. To take it a step further, they have devised a specific protocol to try to eliminate as much cross-contamination as possible. This includes wiping down the workstation, changing gloves, changing knives and utensils, and avoiding gluten-containing areas.
The upcharge for a gluten-free roll is location-dependent but ranges from $1.00 – $2.00 for a regular size sub and $3.00 – $4.00 for a giant.
Unlike Jimmy John’s, Jersey Mikes doesn’t deliver, but you can find them on delivery service apps like GrubHub and Uber eats.
Fun Fact: The idea to offer gluten-free bread and implement a specific procedure was inspired by a franchisee’s daughter who has celiac disease.
Curious about what to order? All of the below options can be made gluten-free. Just make sure to inform the staff of your dietary restriction when placing your order.
- Jersey Shore’s Favorite
- Ham Provolone
- The Veggie
- The Super Sub
- Turkey and Provolone
- Tuna Fish
- Roast Beef and Provolone
- The Original Italian
- Club Sub
- Club Supreme
- BLT
- Mike’s Famous Philly
- Chipotle Cheese Steak
- Big Kahuna Cheese Steak
- Mike’s Chicken Philly
- Chipotle Chicken Cheese Steak
- Big Kahuna Chicken Cheese Steak
- California Chicken Cheese Steak
- Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak
- Meatball and Cheese
- Grilled Pastrami Reuben
- BBQ Beef
- Grilled Italian
Subway
Subway is another great option if you are looking for gluten-free bread. However, only select locations carry it. Subway cannot confirm cross-contamination does not take place, but you can watch them make your sub and guide them to limit cross-contamination from occurring.
Make sure to ask all staff to wipe the stations down, change their gloves, and switch to clean utensils and knives.
The GF bread comes at a $1.25 upcharge and is only available in a six-inch roll. Subway doesn’t deliver, but you can order them through DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, and Uber Eats.
Below are some great gluten-free selections. Check out my recent article if you’re looking for an in-depth walkthrough of Subway’s gluten-free menu.
Meat and Patty Selection
- Bacon Strips
- Cold Cut Combo Meats
- Egg Omelet Patty (Regular)
- Egg White Omelet Patty
- Genoa Salami
- Black Forest Ham
- Italian BMT® Meats (ham, pepperoni, salami)
- Pepperoni
- Rotisserie-Style Chicken
- Spicy Italian Meats (pepperoni, salami)
- Tuna Salad
- Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
Cheese
Another upside to Subway is their cheese selection.
- Processed American
- BelGioioso® Fresh Mozzarella
- Shredded Monterey Cheese Blend
- Parmesan
- Pepperjack
- Provolone
Veggies
- Banana Peppers
- Black Olives
- Cucumbers
- Green Peppers
- Jalapeno Pepper Slices
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Pickles
- Smashed Avocado
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
Condiments
- Buffalo Sauce
- Caesar Sauce
- Chipotle Southwest Sauce
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Light Mayonnaise
- Regular Mayonnaise
- Mustard (Yellow)
- MVP Parmesan Vinaigrette™
- Oil
- Peppercorn Ranch Sauce
- Ranch Sauce
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Sweet Onion Sauce
Wrapping Things Up
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option brought to your door, Jimmy Johns will do the trick. However, they don’t have gluten-free bread. If you have celiac disease, Jersey Mikes maybe your best option as they take the extra steps to eliminate cross-contamination as much as possible.
Looking for other restaurants with gluten-free menus? Check out Gone Gluten.
