Jimmy John's Launches Protein-Packed Menu as Chains Race to Attract Health-Focused Diners
A celebrated sandwich chain just launched a “protein-packed” menu for fans of Mexican-American cuisine who are craving something a bit more filling.
Jimmy John's Unveils 6 'Protein Packed' Items
Jimmy John’s announced last week the debut of its Protein Packed Menu, boasting six items under 500 calories that will satiate your hunger. First up, featuring 26 grams of protein and 330 calories, is the Big John. The Big John “is made with hand-sliced roast beef, fresh-sliced lettuce, and tomato” on French bread. With 23 grams of protein and 310 calories, the Turkey Tom is served on French bread with “hand-sliced turkey breast, fresh-sliced lettuce, and tomato.”
For those desiring a bit more to their sandwiches, the Country Club is “made with tasty hand-sliced turkey breast, smoked ham, and provolone cheese.” It’s served on French bread with fresh-sliced lettuce and tomato; and contains 43 grams of protein and 490 calories. The Bootlegger Club – with 39 grams of protein and 400 calories – is “made with hand-sliced roast beef and turkey breast, topped with fresh-sliced lettuce and tomato” and served on French bread.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, Jimmy John’s is also debuting two wrap sandwiches. The Billy Club, with 37 grams of protein and 300 calories, is an “unwich” – a wrap using lettuce instead of bread or tortilla. The Billy Club is constructed from “savory roast beef and ham…with hand-sliced roast beef, smoked ham, provolone cheese, yellow mustard, fresh-sliced lettuce, and tomato.” The Chicken Caesar Wrap is similar, with 26 grams of protein and 430 calories. It’s made with “all-natural chicken, shaved parmesan, creamy Caesar dressing, mini croutons, fresh-sliced lettuce, and tomato.”
Jimmy John's
Protein Has Become Fast Food's Newest Craze
Jimmy John’s is just the latest fast-food chain to add protein-rich options to restaurant menus. Last month, Chipotle brought back a fan-favorite protein for a limited time, to much fanfare. “From Starbucks to Subway, fast food chains have been launching protein-fueled menu items over the last year in an attempt to gain interest from more health-conscious customers,” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee, told Newsweek. “Protein has become the biggest buzzword in fitness over the last decade, fueling the sales of everything from smoothies to meal replacement bars.”
“One of the reasons protein has been getting so much attention is because of its ability to help you stay full for longer after a meal,” dietitian Jessica Ball told Eating Well. “With that in mind, these sandwiches are great options for someone looking for a satisfying meal on-the-go. That said, they can still be quite high in sodium and saturated fat and low on fiber, so they’re better to have on occasion in a pinch rather than as a daily staple.”